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My watch of the day.....IWC, pity they discontinued this model. It's one of the coolest ingenuir out there originally designed by Gerald Genta
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I like the Ingenieur series from Genta and some of the later revised versions too. Yours is far more angular than the Ingenieur SL that was designed by Genta.
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@steel28 only because your monster hasn't landed
The BLNR is a beauty though. Still feel the same about my Explorer 1 and SubC LV. Never get tired of them.
The newer version is a great watch and technically is far superior...but if I could only keep one, I'd keep the 16520. Love that watch!I'm starting to get that impression about this one; it's barely been off the wrist since it came back from service except for last weekend's house move:
The newer version hardly gets worn now. Funny how a few small details make all the difference.
^^ I love the white-faced Daytona! Especially the non-ceramic!
Limited editions generate additional revenue, and can ignite some interest in a model that collectors already have (but to not yet own "this version") but I don't think they lead to true growth for most companies.
Yes, perhaps the companies I referenced were too specific, or not brands you would apply your theory to. However, I think many companies can't really afford to be more exclusive . Brands like Zenith, Piaget, GP, etc are hardly well known. If they become more exclusive they possibly run the risk of becoming so obscure as to not sell enough units to be profitable. Companies like IWC, Omega and JLC, make great products, but I'm not sure they can afford to cut production as they are dependent on being large volume companies. In addition, making limited editions or making fewer Pilot watches, Seamasters, and Reverso's isn't necessarily going to make a company more exclusive and therefore allow them to charge retail and get it. JLC has made some great limited editions, but they have a track record whereby anything above the $25K price range (even limited editions), end up being very difficult for dealers/boutiques to move and they end up selling at big discounts or going to grays and selling there at big discounts.
Yes, as you point out there are people who will pay closer to full retail for limited editions...but last years numbers may be a wake up call to Swiss companies that they need to make serious changes and that they can't simply depend on consumers loving limited editions enough and paying near retail to make up for lagging sales. You seem to really like limited editions, and yet you seem rather price conscious with your purchases. That suggests there are consumers who may want a limited edition very badly, but plenty will wait and search for avenues that will allow them to avoid paying near full retail at ADs/Boutiques...whether it means going through grays or pre-owned.
Limited production or limited editions don't necessarily elevate a brand and make it more desirable. It might garner additional interest in a specific model. If you were going to buy a Speedmaster and there is a limited version, then why not get the limited version if you like it. However, IMHO the brand is the same...making a limited model or lower production numbers doesn't put it on par with say Patek. Granted I'm only one person, but if they limited production on the Seamaster series, it would mean nothing to me as I really only am interested in their Speedy Pro. In addition, if limiting production across the board led to them not negotiating on price or drove prices upward...I'd probably then consider other brands that may be considered finer watches. So that doesn't necessarily work to their benefit.
Actually, in terns of AP...which Foo already discussed, I actually find myself turned off by their limited editions. There simply are too many and they don't seem more special simply by being limited editions. Hence, I chose what many would consider a classic RO, the 15202. Its not a limited edition and they have been in production for years. As you mentioned, I'm just one person. In addition, so far AP has done well selling limited editions...but I don't think limited edition after limited edition can truly be sustained without people eventually saying WTF...I already have it in 2 or 3 colors...perhaps its time for something different.
The $3-4K could be a good range for some brands...as more consumers can afford to spend 3-4K rather than $5-10K or more. However, it seems many brands have left that range (particularly the under 5 range some time ago). The only big name brand that recently went back to offering something for that amount was Cartier with their Tank Solo XL auto. It will be interesting to see if that is successful for them or if it is a wasted effort and they eventually nix it and focus on battling with Rolex, IWC, Omega in the $6K and over.
I'm not very good with Memes, but all the limited editions from various watch brands starts to remind me of those "Yo Dawg" memes..."You Dawg, I heard you like limited edition watches, so we made a limited edition, of limited edition, of a limited production model, from a company with very limited production numbers...so you can wear a limited edition of a limited edition, when you wear a limited edition."Cheers!
So I've become obsessed with ochs und junior watches. Sure, it's an ETA-based watch for $7K+, but they're just so cool and different from anything else out there. Fully customizable as well. Anyone handle one of these watches in the metal? What were your impressions?
For the Ochs and Junior -- they are great watches. The watch wears nicely, the design is very good. I found it a bit tricky to read the date, but perhaps I never wore it enough to really figure out the dots well. I'm personally not a huge fan of calendar watches unless I'm going to wear it almost every day, so that would be my other consideration with that piece. But if you want a full calendar and don't need it to be the most instantly legible, then it is a very cool complication and well made piece. The guys involved and the ethos of the company is pretty much exactly what anyone would want from a boutique brand. It's a great company to support.So I've become obsessed with ochs und junior watches. Sure, it's an ETA-based watch for $7K+, but they're just so cool and different from anything else out there. Fully customizable as well. Anyone handle one of these watches in the metal? What were your impressions?