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In this reflective year-end post from 2014, small-luxury-world, a seasoned moderator and collector, shares his candid observations on the luxury watch industry. He delves into the evolving landscape of watchmaking, highlighting the tension between traditional craftsmanship and modern manufacturing, and challenges collectors to look beyond marketing narratives.
A very busy year (with ups and downs; also in my regular business and with family) is almost over and I wanted to share something with you, if you don´t mind. After more than thirty days in behalf of watches and fifty appointments with brands, collectors … I have to say it was close to be too much, even for me. Not that I didn´t appreciate it, but I still didn´t manage to share everything here – pictures and or text. If I would start to count the time spent for preparing pictures and posts, I probably would call myself “stupid”. Fellow moderators know very well what I am talking about and not to forget some PuristS which also deliver some great posts, without being a moderator. A BIG thanks to all PuristS who love to share real content and passion here, because it is not self-evident in a time when it is much more convenient (for quite a few) to share on social media sites or in chat´s only. Still they lack real content and knowledge, quite often …
Even after years of being addicted to watches, I learned a lot this year – good and bad. The best thing was that there are still brands that for example have the goal to finish one screw in about 45 minutes (finishing only!). They still struggle to reach that goal. One of the worst things was that a very famous luxury brand is proud of it that they are (finally) able to produce cases that almost don´t need any manual finishing anymore, because of the high-tech machines used. The same brand showed us some (tricky) production steps executed by a master´s hand - during a factory visit. When the group left, I asked the person in charge one simple question and learned: “This was just show for the tour; in real-life we do it by machine.” (You won´t see a dedicated post about this factory visit, because I lost 99% percent of my interest for them.)
Quite a lot of the watches I have seen have been “mass produced” luxury goods with sometimes (almost) crazy price tags, more or less. It is not my interest to judge, but from time to time I think about what we pay for – if we still do so. The product itself, the marketing, the impressive booth at all those shows all over the world, the entertainment for customers and prospects … or just for the margin? More than ever before, one has to do his homework before buying – if he cares about quality and values important to him. I strongly recommend too look carefully and closely. Some kind of knowledge and experience helps to differentiate – plus a very good loupe J. Don´t get “fooled“ with slogans like “in-house” and keep in mind it is not all about the movement, only. There is more to detect – hands, dials, and cases and so on. But to avoid the “big brands” and to go for independents or small brands only is not the solution from my point of view. The latter would be just too easy and I still trust almost any brand has at least one good offer, even when it might not be for everyone. Hunting for (personal) value, that´s what it is all about and don´t forget to appreciate what you already have.
For further thoughts I also recommend to have a look here (if you didn´t already read it) at Mo´s post: home.watchprosite.com
Be warned, there is food
for thoughts 
There is more than one (serious) place dedicated to watches, but there is only one with a spirit I always appreciated.
“The PuristS philosophy of life - Pursuing integrity and perfection in an imperfect world. ”
Passion. Opinion. Information – it´s all about the people and their spirit. We all need each other here and I am looking forward to it.
Thanks to all PuristS who have been active here this year and I wish you all the best for 2015!
If you still care, you can browse through a lot of impressions taken (by me) in 2014.
Thanks for sharing these thoughts and beautiful pictures, Oliver. I agree, that charging exorbitant amounts for work done similarly to industrialized production is not very much value, but sadly, we're seeing more and more of that. While I'm all for some machine made work when prices are kept at sane levels, especially when it allow for more people to enjoy this world that we appreciate, there has to be some sort of balance. Who knows, 2015 might see some of the economic pressures turn some of t
a "test drive" with a novelty, attending "watch" events and watch anniversaries, visiting THE watch museum ... and not to forget the GPHG 2014, once more in Geneva. If you are still looking, you will understand why it was a busy year and this was only the peak what I shared here :-) My resolution for next year: improve the quality and don´t try to attend/cover "everything" Once more, all the best to you for 2015! Oliver
I really enjoyed reading your post, I have been of the same opinion as yourself since 2008, we have to be more careful and deliberate about what we buy and where I might disagree slightly is that the Independents do indeed give us a very viable alternative, they need our support and interest unlike larger mass luxury groups and firms who can't be bothered either way. I also like how they are more than willing to customize pieces to the way you want them. I wish You and Yours the Very Best for 20
Amazing pictures and text that strikes to the core No gloves on Bravo! Yours in 2015 as well Damjan P.S. Love the shot of Mr. Lambert ;)
I super enjoyed your collage of experiences. I know this was so much work, and I appreciate your efforts and sharing. So many beautiful pieces you had the pleasure to observe and strap on. While it seemed a quick year, I felt that you had tremendous depth in those experiences both in hardware as well as personalities. Bravo. Best Joe
Your thoughts, I'm sure, are echoed by many here. We need to always do our homework and not jump on the band wagon just because we see a trend moving that way. Even when a Purist posts, we still need to do our own research. What's great about this forum is that it is filled with warm, friendly people, people who have a font of knowledge that no matter what financial status one has, Purists are always willing to answer any question and welcome anyone who has a passion for timepieces. Still, it co
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