Many of you know Rene Schwartz --he's the head of service at IWC in Schaffhausen (technically it's called CASS --consumer after-sales service, I believe). That's an important postion, for sure. Rene has always been a friend of collectors, and also as one IWC insider said to me "he's a good guy and great friend". I think uniformly everyone realizes that Rene has done an outstanding job for many years.
Rene is moving on --he's taking a new position in Munich with IWC. I believe he'll be responsible for the German market; not just service. Germany is one of IWC's most important markets.
IWC currently is looking at candidates to succeed Rene. The transition most likely will occur in early 2008.
I personally wish Rene well and congratulate him. But also, no matter how quaified his successor will be, it's big shoes to fill. I and other collectors will miss Rene as head as CASS. But we'll get to stay in touch.
Regards,
Michael