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All excellent points
Maybe I would pick VC for a thin dress watch or a simple chronograph (excluding the unfortunate H edition I consider cornes de vache superior to the obvious competitors, based on life comparisons). But then are we talking about VC only or the whole industry? How is PP considered a leader in world timers with a 40+ year old module and a pusher that has the interactive feel of an old tractor?? Or a world timer - chronograph that is the watch analog of "cowboys VS aliens"? At least Lange are taking the watch maker's view, they set to do something and they plough trough the technical difficulties. And then you get terraluna which is unwearable and only makes sense as a pocket watch... I won't even start on AP aka RO, it has reached the point where (despite all the admiration) I can't even look at the original jumbo without getting sick.
You mentioned Chopard a few times. Great watches that do not sell well, at least in the US.
I do hope that VC transforms and finds a sparkle of creativity. I hope that they listen to you. But they are not the only ones to pick on...
Dear Monsieur Rupert, there is another change you must make
As an admirer of many Richemont brands, a happy owner of Richemont creations, and a follower of watchmaking history, I am excited to hear that you will be announcing a new leader to replace Monsieur Kern in November. May I be so bold to suggest that your ...
+100000000
On the nose, everything you said. Please do something to revive the excitement for this amazing brand.
I can tell you that Mr Rupert is very actively working on tying the loose ends at Richemont...
but for now, the most imment challenge is the departure of Mr Kern to Breitling, which needs unldistracted attention from Mr Rupert. Georges Kern is currently assembling a powerful team of industry experts (amongst those, Guy Bove, currently head of desig...
I gather that Mr. Kern’s departure was not all amicable
And I read some of Mr. Rupert’s comments about it. Looking forward to these conservative business guys going at it and rich men showing some teeth. It’ll be fun. 👀😲🙀 Thanks for your input Magnus!
It was not amicable at all...
Mr Kern was declared persona non grata at Richemont and prohibited entrance the premises.
Very interesting point of view which raises the question:
Is there enough cake for everyone to get a slice? Some make survived the quartz crisis by being bought by big groups, but this new crisis seems to be a battle between groups but also between brands inside a group! Glad that you see Breitling as a brand to...
Thanks Nico! The era of the star watchmaker is here
but these old stodgy maisons have been typically stubborn to embrace it. VC needs genius. It does not have it. Mr. Selmoni is a fine watchmaker and historian of VC but he is no visionary.
Take inspiration from our friends at Jaeger LeCoultre and Patek Philippe
What is inspiring about JLC for the past 10+ years: Duometre, Gyrotourbillon, Extreme Lab. Modern high-end watches that continue the spirit of JLC’s innovative watchmaking tradition but do not lazily reuse the past. What is inspiring about PP for the past...
Even JLC has to wake up... It's been 3 years that we are waiting for some exciting products.
Ok, we had the Geophysic UT, the Hybris Mechanica Mysterieuse, and a few others such as the Reverso Tribute Duo, but the fans are waiting for something else... But it is true that if we have a look back to the past ten years... You are more than right. Be...
Your friend Monsieur Lambert left JLC in 2013
And the typical new watch & calibre development cycle is like 4-5 years? So perhaps not a coincidence that when the great Jerome left JLC, the motors at JLC slowed down?
Indeed. Mr Riedo worked on the quality of the product. But in terms of creativity, we are a bit frustrated.
Now, we'll see what Mr Lefebvre will do. I have high hopes, but not for next year, for the reasons you mentioned. Most probably 2019. Best, Nicolas
AWESOME post!
100% agree! VC being the last brand I would buy. Technically top 3 or 5. The rest? LAME, so LAME.
Agreed. VC should evolve to stay in top 5.
Their recent creations are 80% nice BUT 20% cheap and their price policy (copy of PP prices) is crazy regarding the resale value. Come on VC. You can do better and respect your own claim. "Faire mieux si possible, ce qui est toujours possible" Sincerely V...
Fine points, Joe.
I always look at vintage pieces when considering VC-never anything in the present catalog.
Thanks Padj!
That’s it. It cannot be lost on Johan Rupert that too many modern VC watches are forgettable: here today, gone tomorrow.
Sad, but true
VC needs some urgent change in order sell more than their powerful brand name. R.
Awesome post Joe!
Hope it travels down the appropriate channels and makes its way to someone who can make a change. I am a huge believer in the brand but share your disappointment in lack of creativity and identity. Luxury is a feeling. I am not feeling VC these days... po...
Thanks Keks! I really hope so.
We have Magnus & Nico & Dr. TM & Alex. Hopefully Alex reads our comments and is not offended by me. Hopefully one of them will share the PPro thoughts with VC. I am tempted to post on The Hour Lounge but I am not an active member there and I don’t know if...
Pretty interesting reading.
Collision of tradition and innovation occurs in every generation, and the question for almost every company in any sector is if they are mutually exclusive, or a good match of strong shared values can be set. In this case, you put in the right way by comp...
All excellent points
Maybe I would pick VC for a thin dress watch or a simple chronograph (excluding the unfortunate H edition I consider cornes de vache superior to the obvious competitors, based on life comparisons). But then are we talking about VC only or the whole indust...
Team gymastics floor routine
That’s what comes to mind with high-end watchmaking. You may want total perfection but it is more like finding the best of the best - perhaps once in a blue moon, perfection - and teams are judged by technical and artistic merits and you get as close to a...
