Watch Brand Market Help Discussion
Market

Watch Brand Market Help Discussion

By Clueless_Collector · Feb 17, 2021 · 53 replies
Clueless_Collector
WPS member · Horological Meandering forum
53 replies11415 views2 photos
f 𝕏 in 💬 🔗

Clueless_Collector's original post sparks a vital discussion on the challenges faced by heritage watch brands in the modern market. By contrasting the aftermarket performance of two high-complication watches, the author invites the WatchProSite community to explore the multifaceted reasons behind a brand's struggle for recognition and value retention. This article synthesizes the community's insights, offering a deeper understanding of what makes a luxury watch brand 'interesting' and sustainable in the eyes of collectors.

53 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

Instead of looking from the depreciation angle which we know it's not positive and may cause bias opinions, maybe violating forum rules...How about we turn the table and ask we collectors (not clueless ones, like me) what we like, and can help brands from staying interesting?

I feel for this brand....they make great watches, long history and many icons but why such fate?

Photo credit: Betteridge



On the other hand....



Photo credit: ebay



Highly praised, respected, well maybe suffer a little but still not as drastic as the other brand above. 

Why is there so much difference in the aftermarket fate for similar watches?

What/How can the other brands do the RIGHT thing, with respect to being what collectors want?

Few things come to mind:
- Heritage? - How many brands can beat since 1731?
- Brand? - Maybe? Like the oohs and aahs, like owning a higher end brand with respect? Well, GP is not a small or new brand...
- Complication? - It is highly complicated but then seems not helping...
- Size? I think both are big watches...
- Rarity? - I think the one above is rare enough but still ...
- Finishing? - This has always been a huge factor for collectibility and talk of the town. I don't think the GP finishing is sub-par for this Haute Horology piece...
- Marketing? - Then this is a disconnection which I think doesn't do justice to the skills, technical powers of watchmaking
- Auction? - Seems like collectors pay huge attentions to these as a guide as to what to buy, more are paying attention to Auctions nowadays that has steered the watch collecting habit
- Supply and Demand? Well, at these level of complication, the demand is for the top 1% so I assume it's equal? Maybe I'm wrong....
- What else? What am I missing?

Maybe that's the beauty with this hobby or any hobby, always 2 sides, and for those who love some brands...this is the best that can happen...some other's trash is some other's treasure, someone's loss is another's gain.

That's the Balance and Beauty....life goes on, moves on.

I just feel for the watchmakers or employees of some brands who didn't get the stardom or recognition for their work...imagining the same amount of dedication and love put in by the watch makers, employees.


PS: MODs, feel free to remove this post if not appropriate. Thank you.

Deleted 20 empty lines
This message has been edited by cazalea on 2021-02-17 10:55:11

Key Points from the Discussion

Advertisement
The Discussion
MD
mdg
Feb 17, 2021

...but their offerings are too damn big, even for my 7.25" wrist. They are also monstrously expensive, which doesn't bother many here. I would love for GF (or F. Berthoud) to make a reasonably-sized, exquisitely-finished, time-only watch for less than $100,000. That is something I could stretch for...something that would be within reach for many more enthusiasts. It would broaden the appeal of these boutique brands tremendously. But if they already sell everything they make at astronomical price

JL
jleno
Feb 17, 2021

First and foremost, people generally want watches that they can wear and look attractive on the wrist. As cool as the GP is, I don't think many people are going to want to wear a 48mm complication behemoth. And 75k is still a ton of money for a pre-owned watch, even if it is highly complicated, especially from a more niche brand like GP. I'm assuming GF might do a little better with regards to resale value because they cater specifically to the market for watches like these.

CL
Clueless_Collector
Feb 17, 2021

I agree it's still expensive but I will be pissed and depressed if I'm the original owner, assuming paid retail, well...I'm sure he'll get a discount at most 20% but still...lost a house Well, maybe he/she doesn't care with lots of disposable income but...you know what I mean.

CL
Clueless_Collector
Feb 17, 2021

Very curious for the descendants of GP, how they feel, seeing their great great ancestors built a name and it's diminishing...I give the benefit of the doubt the watchmakers are proud of their work, and they went through the schools, study and worked hard too.

CA
cazalea
Feb 17, 2021

When I asked why "Because I told you not to." Just like a parent! Which he was in a watchmaker sort of way. And when I ignored the advice and bought one, I found out what he was trying to say. Lots of tiny minuses with a few pluses equaled it went to a new home. I haven't bothered to learn anew with the repeater as it's too much for me to spend to get another lesson. And he told me why -- they are the most annoying watches to overhaul, and the sound is completely subjective, and the owners insis

CL
Clueless_Collector
Feb 17, 2021

I learnt my lessons too with 3 GPs and at that time, I was happy and thought I got a Great deal, only to find out with a rude awakening when I try to trade them. Like yourself, I've since moved on because I cannot justify to my "boss" I want or need this or that GP...I lost that credit.

Advertisement

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Horological Meandering forum with 53 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →