Are We Standing On The RM UP-01 Ferrari's Edge? Or Have We Already Fallen Off the Wrong Side?
https://usa.watchpro.com/look-try-leave-exhibition-only-watch-phenomenon-is-spreading-beyond-rolex/
"At Dubai Watch Week in 2019... Mohammed Seddiqi said... 'Some customers would simply never get the watch they wanted.'"
"At that same event ... Jean-Claude Biver ... urged the industry to think bigger."
"Does watchmaking want to be a recherché, low-volume market serving the few? Or does it want to be a global force, a product and brand known and loved by many?"
I think the industry has already chosen...
Do we have an IronMan in reserve?
Long time watch appreciator, 2022 inductee into the obsession. Originator (or perpetrator depending on your point of view) of #WhimsicalWednesday, #MacroMay & #MacroMonday Omega Speedmaster simp. Like...
It is not that much different than a lot of markets and every hobby needs rare glorified air. The very high-end watches, think $100K plus, are mostly owned by a very small number of collectors. Same goes for cars over a million. These watchmakers know the scale of making twenty-five one million dollar watches is easier than making 2,500 $1,000 watches. The name of game is exclusivity, and yes, you will occasionally have some other companies that try something down-market, but just like Singer Porsches, they are not meant for everyone and that is okay.
To the article, I would agree that something can be done about the the idea of a "Broken contract" but for right now it is serving the brands nicely. It is certain to backfire, but we are all waiting for the when.
I read that article as well. It was interesting to see the thought process, but in reality this not a surprise. Sell the best to the people who can afford it and compete for their money. Hopefully this doesn't affect us down market folks, but who knows. We all want something we don't have or can't get, such is life.