Horological Meandering

DSD
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Hmmm.

While I like the analogy - does anyone buy an Apple product because of where it was made or even think it is made in the USA? I think the draw is just the appearance and technology. My Ipod is marked with the fact that it was made in China. Swiss watches, however, beg one to assume that they are primarily Swiss products when, in some cases, they are not. Further, you would have no way of knowing this as brands conceal it.

In terms of the car analogy - I agree. It only makes sense to use outsourced parts when they are of better quality than what you could make on your own. However, the sense I get from the outsourcing that is going on here is that it is purely for the cost savings. In other words, we buy dials and hands or have cases made in Asian factories for Swiss watches because the quality is about as good(?) but they can produce them much cheaper than a comparable Swiss parts manufacturer (who are rapidly going out of business as a result). So.... I wonder if this will eventually dilute the cache and sense of exclusivity / quality we look for that, at least in our minds, justifies the price. Would we still love the Ferrari if the body was made in China?