USA made watches?
Do you guys think there is a market for completely USA made watches that are more attainable than some of the high horology options? It seems like there would be to me but let me know your thoughs
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Vlad
I’m a Christian, a follower of the masterful Creator of the universe. He’s quite the artist, and I like seeing His creatures, His image bearers, create in like manner to Him, where they create magnifi...
Seattle, Washington
Member since
Last active: 1 week ago
7.25” / 18.42 cm
A USA made watch would be nice to see I was just thinking about that the other day however, I think there could be a profitable market for it but imo of course.
I have many problems with your premise, but the first is definitional. What constitutes "high horology" and what would be "more attainable" than that?
What would be the penalty (extra cost of production) for an American product? 20%? 30%? Would you be willing to pay $10k for an American watch where the equivalent Swiss or Japanese watch would be 20% less? I don't think that the American consumer would take that bargain in large enough numbers.
The American Century for watches was 1865 to 1965. Too much has happened to put that genie back into the bottle.
I have many problems with your premise, but the first is definitional. What constitutes "high horology" and what would be "more attainable" than that?
What would be the penalty (extra cost of production) for an American product? 20%? 30%? Would you be willing to pay $10k for an American watch where the equivalent Swiss or Japanese watch would be 20% less? I don't think that the American consumer would take that bargain in large enough numbers.
The American Century for watches was 1865 to 1965. Too much has happened to put that genie back into the bottle.
I was thinking of something along the lines of a similar price to Weiss Waches $2,500 models (or cheaper I’d it can be managed), in contrast with watches like RGM which are made in the USA but run for many thousands of dollars. I think Covid has allowed for a larger market to have more production in one’s own country, so I think now would be the best time for an American resurgence in watches.
I could see that working, but I think they would have to (1) focus on spec above all else, kinda like Swiss Watch Company, (2) be below $800 on average, and (3) lean into designs with a U.S. connection. So, military field watches, pilots watches, and maybe something like a Grand Seiko that references the country’s natural beauty.
I’d love to see a U.S. made pilots watch. Still haven’t found a design I really fall in love with, and as a private pilot I consider one a must for my collection.
I could see that working, but I think they would have to (1) focus on spec above all else, kinda like Swiss Watch Company, (2) be below $800 on average, and (3) lean into designs with a U.S. connection. So, military field watches, pilots watches, and maybe something like a Grand Seiko that references the country’s natural beauty.
I’d love to see a U.S. made pilots watch. Still haven’t found a design I really fall in love with, and as a private pilot I consider one a must for my collection.
Great points. Could you elaborate a bit on your first point? Why would specs have to be focused on above all else
Great points. Could you elaborate a bit on your first point? Why would specs have to be focused on above all else
In other words, they would need to offer tremendous specs for the price to get attention and not just be another microbrand out there. Kinda like how SWC offers a titanium flieger with good power reserve, water resistance, and a striking dial for $500.
Yes, I believe there is. The “USA Assembled” watches using movements from FTS appear to be quite popular even though they sell at a bit of a premium. If a manufacturer could produce “Made in the USA” movements at scale and for a price competitive with Swiss movements, I think a lot of watch brands would be interested. There is still money to be made off the “Made in the USA” label.