Does similar build quality in brands justify increases ?
I was comparing my blue Bond seamaster from 2007 the other day against my dads brand new green seamaster and it made me wonder: If build quality of these watches feel and look the same still. Is the massive price increase over the years justified? Same goes for submariners. My buddy has a 2012 sub for like 6k and he also has a newer one and got it for 10k. Having tried those on as well the newer doesn’t feel like it should be worth 4 grand more. Are price increases in watches that feel the exact same really justified? Even if the movements are the same or slightly similar.
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QuietManClass
I love tool watches, from beaters to luxury. Love this community and want to learn and share as much as I can!
Connecticut
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Last active: 5 days ago
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Google "inflation".
Inflation, market trends, supply and demand, differences in brand positioning, etc. It's apple and oranges at this point. Even more so on luxury items.
There was a time, not so long ago, when Rolex couldn't offload Daytonas fast enough. Same watch now (in the grand scheme of things), everything else around it is different.
Inflation notwithstanding, if I am buying a luxury brand (2,500+ USD) I would expect at LEAST some refinements / improvements over previous iterations. e.g., a better movement in a watch made in 2023 than you would find in the 2010 version. etc.
Google "inflation".
If a watch has a precious metal in it I could see that, but anything in stainless steel doesn't make sense to me why prices would increase so much. Inflation definitely a factor lol
Inflation is absolutely nothing to do with it, they charge that much because they can.
The market is shrinking , sell less volume to those that are willing to pay I guess. (yes I am one of those suckers lol)
One thing I have noticed is despite the industry claiming everything is booming , the AD's are dead and I am talking about high traffic areas where the surrounding shops are packed. I have a feeling the wheels fell off the gravy train a while back.
I used to ride down to Skaggs on my Schwinn Scrambler as a kid and buy four full-size candy bars for $1.00. Maybe the same thing can happen to watches.