Horological Meandering

Tim Jackson
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There is a lot of truth to many of the comments posted here.

My biggest issue with the watch industry is lack of transparency in their products, marketing and sales.
The opaqueness prevalent in the industry and seemingly “part of the furniture” so to speak, has lead many buyer/collectors to be rather indifferent to what they are being told. Also, better education of watch buyers is needed in order for them to be better informed and understanding of what they are buying.

There are far too many ways to discover truths now with the web, social media and online fora. The old days of operating have to change.

I see the brands still operating as if it is the 2000’s or before. People are not stupid and they do not appreciate slick marketing and sales speakers trying to pull the proverbial wool over their eyes.

How is that watch companies are still able to have owners wait 6+ months for a routine service of their treasured watch? The conditioning and compliance of buyers/owners has to change, hold these companies accountable and demand more infrastructure for service. Why should an owner wait that long for what is in reality a 3-4week service?
Instead of creating marketing BS, put those CHF’s into the service aspect/infrastructure. Take care of existing clients better. Then you’d have better long term loyalty.

To the product side, ultimately there are too many “me too” watches being made. Over production will always produce many of the issues we see now.

Little to no imagination, nor innovation coming out of the “think tanks” that the brands employ. Heritage is one aspect, but it shouldn’t be all a brand relies on to create interest in their products.

I’m biased and arguably jaded, however I think that the industrialization of what used to be a “luxury product” of truly limited production, by these behemoth marketing luxury conglomerates, is a shame.

They have removed the magic of what once was. You only have to look at the watches prior to 1970’s to see the difference. Watches then were made for different reasons and the buyers were either needing them for work (tool watches) telling accurate personal time (majority of time only) or the rare collectors of haute horology, who supported the high end historical interesting brands, by buying complicated mechanical watches because they could.
Nowadays the buyers are a very different demographic and the reasons for buying have changed.

Engaging with the actual buyers, is key and those brands that do, will survive and prosper. Finding out what they want will go a long way to being profitable and relevant.

Ultimately there is so much to unpack here and it certainly isn’t a one size fits all solution.
The independent watchmakers that I tend to focus on, have their own issue that differ from the brands!

I’m a big fan of UN and GP, however they have drifted away from their core competences imo and are now suffering the consequences. Running a watch brand is not easy and we are now seeing the results across the board.
There will much wailing and gnashing of the teeth in the short term as the realities of poor management come to fruition…

Enjoying this discussion. Thanks all for chiming in.
Cheers,
Tim