As I wrote in my post in the Azimuth thread below, the requirement to test base movements fitted with modules will not affect COSC very much. Rolex, Omega and Breitling make up nearly 90% of the movements certified by COSC (click here for numbers); Rolex alone accounts for over 50% of that number.
Most, if not all, Rolex movements are not modular, they are integrated, so the change in rule will not affect Rolex (the only movements I am unsure of are the dual time-zone GMT and Explorer, I suspect they are integrated). In fact, I am told that Rolex sends finished movements to COSC for testing and then cases up those that pass while those that fail the COSC certification process are destroyed.
The same can be said for Omega, most of its mechanical watches are Valjoux 7750, ETA 2982/2824 or its new in-house movements, none of which are modular. Ditto for Breitling.
I strongly believe the reason this rule was changed was precisely because it will not affect the operations or profitability of these big brands. These three brands are so powerful that COSC will not change the rules against their interests.
- SJX