JLC Price hike
I’ve been seeing comments in other forums talking about JLC increasing their prices. Sure enough, the Reverso I purchased in 2021 that was listed for $9,600 on their website is now listed for $10,900. That’s just over a 13.5% increase which seems pretty sizable.
I also heard that ADs now have less stock and they aren’t offering discounts on the stock they do have because JLC is moving to more of a boutique presence and focusing less on their ADs. I’m not sure if that’s true or not so I wanted to ask what people have heard. When I got mine my AD gave me 12.5% off retail. So if what they are saying is true, the same watch I picked up last year would cost me $2,500 more today, not even a year later.
Bonkers.
Somewhat new to the collecting community, but pretty far down the rabbit hole already…
Very cool shot of an awesome watch. I think the price and discount will depend on AD and model. At least in this area, they tend to sit, which means discounts. Watches of JLC caliber cost ADs a lot and require a lot of upfront capital. If they sit, they get discounted to free up working capital.
Everything you've predicted/wondered about has happened in my city. JLC is being withdrawn from multi-brand ADs, everything is consolidating into a brand owned and run boutique and inventory/prices/discounts are very tightly controlled.
That said, the people in the boutique are lovely, I got a warning of the planned price rise and by slapping down a pretty minor deposit I was able to lock in a price. Also, while I have to wait for the watch I want they are totally transparent about the wait and I'm absolutely locked in to actually get the watch I want without any 'preferred customer' rubbish. Overall while Ive got to say while its a little pricier, it is a very well done customer experience.
Everything you've predicted/wondered about has happened in my city. JLC is being withdrawn from multi-brand ADs, everything is consolidating into a brand owned and run boutique and inventory/prices/discounts are very tightly controlled.
That said, the people in the boutique are lovely, I got a warning of the planned price rise and by slapping down a pretty minor deposit I was able to lock in a price. Also, while I have to wait for the watch I want they are totally transparent about the wait and I'm absolutely locked in to actually get the watch I want without any 'preferred customer' rubbish. Overall while Ive got to say while its a little pricier, it is a very well done customer experience.
It’s nice to hear that a good customer experience is still a thing. I do feel like these changes will make it challenging for folks who don’t live in or near a large metropolitan area though. Myself as an example, I live in Baltimore MD. Based on the current location of other major brand boutiques, I’d have to take a trip to NYC to shop for any desired watches or accessories.
Im dealing with this right now with Grand Seiko. GS is now selling leather straps in different colors that I really like. I called my AD here in Maryland and he said the straps will only be sold through official GS boutiques and that they won’t ever have any in inventory. So, if I want one of the new GS leather straps my closest store is NYC which is 3 hours away. This is a less than ideal customer experience I think.
Luckily, I already have my reverso so I’m good to go as far as JLC is concerned.
The current price of a JLC Polaris is currently about the same price as a Sub. JLC might think that they are of equal value but I don’t. They obviously think that price increases won’t affect the number of sales and that they will be rolling in profit from the extra margin. I don’t think that’s necessarily true. They might just price some people into a different brand altogether (not necessarily Rolex but you get the point).
It’s maybe different between markets. I have decribed the situation in my country with JLC In a couple of posts recently. My calculation say a 30% increase since 2021 in two steps. The MasterControl line is now withdrawn from ADs as well as certain Reversos, like Duoface Small Seconds Medium size.
The current price of a JLC Polaris is currently about the same price as a Sub. JLC might think that they are of equal value but I don’t. They obviously think that price increases won’t affect the number of sales and that they will be rolling in profit from the extra margin. I don’t think that’s necessarily true. They might just price some people into a different brand altogether (not necessarily Rolex but you get the point).
I agree. I LOVE JLC, but a sub is a more functional dive watch compared to a Polaris. A Polaris may be easier to obtain, but a Sub is a rock solid watch with more wearable dimensions. Personally I hate the cyclops lens, but that is a whole different conversation :-)
I do think these up-market moves are going to price many people out and that is what saddens me. My Reverso is a very special piece for me and I think the brand is a stretch goal for many people, as it was for me. But now it may be a stretch too far for some which is a shame.
It’s maybe different between markets. I have decribed the situation in my country with JLC In a couple of posts recently. My calculation say a 30% increase since 2021 in two steps. The MasterControl line is now withdrawn from ADs as well as certain Reversos, like Duoface Small Seconds Medium size.
It sounds like the more popular models are the ones being pulled from ADs based on what you are saying. Maybe they want to avoid looking like other brands and not having any stock available in their boutiques? It's so tough to tell with some of these companies. Since you are relatively close by maybe you can swing by their shop and ask? 😉
It sounds like the more popular models are the ones being pulled from ADs based on what you are saying. Maybe they want to avoid looking like other brands and not having any stock available in their boutiques? It's so tough to tell with some of these companies. Since you are relatively close by maybe you can swing by their shop and ask? 😉
It seems like it’s a general trend. Omega multiple brand ADs is losing the brand and is replaced by a Boutique.
It seems like it’s a general trend. Omega multiple brand ADs is losing the brand and is replaced by a Boutique.
Wow, Omega too!? Guess I am glad I went watch shopping crazy the last two years and got all the pieces I wanted. My Omega AT was my most recent, and likely to be one of my last acquisitions.
Demand drives prices so wait it out. With a downward headed economic outlook they will come to their senses and get off the inflation train.
There was a price hike for JLC as at 1-Sep in Singapore. I am guessing it is global?
There was a price hike for JLC as at 1-Sep in Singapore. I am guessing it is global?
Looks like it.