MichaelC
[AP Moderator]
18870
In my opinion, no, a "bold" move is not needed (especially this specific one)
This whole date issue, which carries across all of our favorite brands, we focus on it too much. I admit I like the date on some watches, and not on others. I have been critical of Ulysse Nardin placing date windows on some of the recent releases, especially the vintage style ones, where I feel the hole in the dial diminishes the overall. But we can probably assume 90% of clients who walk into watch stores want or expect a new watch to have a date on it. So don't hold your breath about a brand doing anything that will negatively affect their own bottom line.
Many expressed concern when Kering Group acquired Ulysse Nardin. But in fairness, I see no negative impact at all. We still see the UN "madness" in new designs. I would like to see it trickle down to more moderately priced offerings, but even under Rolf's leadership this practice was not common. It is clear that Kering brings substantial financial backing to this awesome brand, but it seems as though the business of designing and producing watches remains under UN's direct leadership. This is good for us.
Now, do I dream of other happenings from UN? Of course I do....
Time for a Bold move for UN?
What about eliminating the date window for case sizes 40 mm and above, or make the date larger?
How about making it optional?
For example, I have been eyeing a Nomos Glashuette piece, the nice thing about Nomos is that they make the date optional. Would not having an option suit both segments of UN fans?
Until UN switches from ETA movements to GP 3xxx series, there’s little chance of a big date happening, in my view….
…especially if the ETA 2896 is not one they can access. Some movements are retained for Swatch Group brands, and if GP can’t make the required amount to satisfy UN, then they would have to consider opting for the Eterna Cal 39 (with it’s greater 65 hours ...
Not sure what the relevance is, other than perhaps misconstruing my comment about making a big date in-house.
Just for clarity, I was referring to UN’s likely ability to fabricate their own big date module for the 2892, should the 2896 not be an option and there being no inclination to move away from the 2892 for cost or quantity reasons. Rather than buy in Techn...
For clarification, I was referring solely to the Marine range, in regards to the big date proposition.
Possibly the San Marco too, but for that style of watch, there’s the temptation to want a moonphase too, which then has it mimicking the likes of the GP 1966.
In my opinion, no, a "bold" move is not needed (especially this specific one)
This whole date issue, which carries across all of our favorite brands, we focus on it too much. I admit I like the date on some watches, and not on others. I have been critical of Ulysse Nardin placing date windows on some of the recent releases, especia...
