TheMadDruid
20635
Looking for your thoughts.
In the most recent WatchTime print magazine, there is an interview conducted by Roger Ruegger of IWC's new CEO-Christoph Grainger-Herr. In partial answer to one of Mr. Ruegger's questions, pertaining to trends in the watch industry, CG-H mused (my description) about why vintage-inspired watches (iconic designs according to him) are so popular now. Paraphrasing, he said that political change and social change due to technological disruption and recent crises have made people less optimistic and certain. This in turn leads to a romantic view of the past and a return to traditional values, represented by those iconic designs from the past.
My thought is that that is a theory looking for a set of facts on which to apply it. I believe the watch industry notices little, if anything, about real world conditions. But what do you think? I'd love to read Purists' thoughts on this topic.
Thanks.
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Looking for your thoughts.
In the most recent WatchTime print magazine, there is an interview conducted by Roger Ruegger of IWC's new CEO-Christoph Grainger-Herr. In partial answer to one of Mr. Ruegger's questions, pertaining to trends in the watch industry, CG-H mused (my descrip...
My humble and narrow sighted opinion...
it’s all about profit and loss. It’s about marketing the trend. It’s about seeing what sells and how historical piece auction prices skyrocketing. It’s all hidden agenda. Rgds Raymond
I agree that it is a poor excuse
For a lack of good designs. Although on the recovery, the watch industry had to come up with new ideas to improve sales. So as their watches used to sell themselves they cluelessly end up serving us the old designs, also there may have been a bit of manip...
Could be that the old stuff looks better
I feel like if watch CEOs mused more on that, then they might put in the thought and effort to really make modern designs that would stand the test of time (and sell) as well.
I disagree with CG-H
I think that due to spike in the popularity of vintage watches, watch companies are trying to ride that wave. I think this also applies tof second-hand watches where companies like FPJ and recently AP are buying back their watches to sell as second-hand, ...
He's an architect, right ?
However, how can he explain that? how has it happened? ...
Nostalgia
I don't think the current times are special in terms of admiration for the antique. The watch industry is in a unique position to take advantage of new technology and automation and produce low cost vintage "replicas" that are in most cases better functio...
I disagree with him but I understand how someone inside an industry could subscribe...
... to such an egocentric (industry-centric) view of what they do. His rationale about this trend reflects his lens. Let's say he might be right, though. Wouldn't we see the same trend with cars? If not, then why not? Full disclaimer: I know nothing about...
Good point.
You don't need to know anything about cars-they are not doing a "retro design" thing.