Independents

So, it seems the tantalum version of the Grönograaf was up for reservation a lot longer than needed to sell 25 pieces. They‘ve written, that they’ve done a raffle to decide who gets a tantalum Grönograaf. Of course, that‘s easy to write, but can‘t really ... 

Seems like some brands, such as H. Moser, are doing these things to build a mailing list or ???? Obviously no one should be forced to settle for a stainless-steel version if you reserved tantalum. Personally don't feel this is a good business strategy, as... 

There are many excellent choices within that price range (or less). No worries, in a year or so as this bubble comes back down to Earth we'll all remember how various manufacturers behaved... and choose our future purchasing of timepieces accordingly. Hav... 

I can appreciate the demand for the tantalum but disagree with the process. I placed my reservation early in the morning as soon as I saw the notice from the brothers in my inbox. Being in the US I imagine the time difference put me at a disadvantage. May... 

The tantalum watch was up for reservation for 3-4 hours. I‘ve send in my reservation less than 10 minutes after the website going live. Also bought my first Grönefeld when delivery time was still 2-4 months and they were happy about every single customer.... 

While a first come first serve approach might seem most fair, that also might lead to buying behaviors that perhaps they don't want to promote. For example, the MAD1 lottery was partly to deal with less supply than demand and also partly to try to change ... 

The MAD one was designed to be a lottery from the very beginning. Everyone who applied for it knew, what they were in for. The Grönograaf preordering process didn‘t mention anything like this at any time until we received the email almost a week after sig... 

Openness and transparency was largely discussed at Watches & Wonders only a few short months ago. Perhaps some manufacturers need to (re)watch the video from that seminar.

That said, no one was harmed, seems an honest mistake, beyond a sincere apology I wouldn't expect compensation.

I celebrated too soon. Received the ‘raffle mail’ offering the SS compensation prize but not sure I’m going to take given I was particularly interested in the Tantalum (and pointing out that the SS is slightly lighter and probably more comfortable to wear... 

Seems to me they're copying that MAD Edition RED watch from MB&F which was also raffled, but they announced this raffle thing too late after people already ordered the watch, whereas MB&F announced the raffle thing from the beginning when the watc... 

Yes, in the past, on WatchProSite, we had elaborate raffles. I remember the Woo brothers would write down the names of members who entered the raffle, these names would then go on individual Post-Its that were all stuck to their living room wall. Then, th... 

Who really cares whether it’s 25 or maybe 50 timepieces? They would only have to order an additional batch of cases.

I would assume, that some ultra important customers were not quick enough for a "first come first serve". So now they needed to change the allocation and the email is what they tell the mortals.

. I know its tough for such a small brand with high demand to think of a fair and honest system, there will always be people upset. And I don’t think the SS version is a downgrade imho

And sorry, but everyone (ok, let‘s say 99,9% of all people) who know watches will tell you a 188 piece ss version at 155k is a downgrade vs a 25 piece tantalum version at 165k.

Ofcourse if you look at the exclusivity (188 vs 25) I understand your point but still a SS version is as beautiful as the Tantalum imho . I am not familiar with the email you got from them so I can’t say if its fair or not . If i was in the market for a G... 

The brothers won't find a one size fits all solution here, but a third case material is probably best. Too many of the recent independent releases have been sold out before they hit the public, so collectors will assume the same VIPs were accommodated in ... 

so I wouldn't personally question fairness of allocation IMHO. if you like the watch, SS or Tantalum wouldn't make a steep difference in terms of joy... if it is a question of being 1 off 25....then it is a personal choice. Best, mahesh.,

And again, this is not about not getting the tantalum, this is about a company creating hype for days and giving customers information on what‘s going to happen and what one then needs to do and afterwards not being prepared the slightest to deal with the... 

I agree with you. Same situation, and feels exactly the same. Certainly v disappointed ☹️.

nevertheless small companies often are learning by doing and most often the watchmaker is the one behind the communications not a specialist (I at least know this for fact with few Indies). I believe they'll learn from each mistake...like we all do.

This is not against these people who got one to be clear.

You have all the right to be annoyed and disappointed. I would also question the strategy of small "special edition" followed by the regular one. I don't think a small independent brand should follow the example of large conglomerates and their marketing ... 

What's going on here? Very strange.