Innovation
Bernard Cheong explores the resurgence of American watchmaking, particularly through the innovative Devon TREAD. He questions whether the US is poised to create luxury watches, drawing parallels with the historical industrial spirit of 19th-century America and the rising value of vintage Bulova Spaceviews.
Man oh man...I totally forgot about just how much I love the TREAD by Devon.
It wont be picked by pickers.
Because it will last long.
The prices of good BULOVA Spaceviews are now much higher than in 2007.
Not a coincidence?
More later..enjoy for the fun of history from my perspective as an Asian in SE Asia...
What were then the forces, which brought such lasting change and created so many American fortunes, of proportions never seen before and hardly matched in later times ?
How did these fortunes measure up to the longer established family wealth, built by the equally daring shipping merchants or the silently accumulated city real estate holdings ?
And, most stringently, who where these capitalists, we know by their names of Vanderbilt, Gould, Rockefeller or Morgan and how did they build up their huge fortunes ?
Pictures..first, then later words…
No parts were out sourced to countries outside of the USA, except for 1 tiny chip, which had a part of which was from Japan...a VERY high quality part. Is the US poised to make "luxury watches"? No..they are not. They are making watches that happen to be good alternatives to other watches. The product is expensive. But it is not a quartz clock, or 4 quartz clocks. More later... This beauty has been in use for over 19 months.. It charges wireless...and perfect power reserve too. Yes...some early
what a trip. Nothing else like it on the market. Must be fun to wear. As for U.S. and luxury watches, I tend to agree with one exception - RGM has, during the past 2 years, stepped up in class. I would argue that they now rival most of the Swiss, German, French, British, etc. independents, and in many cases exceed them with their 801 and later manufacture movements. Dials have always been hand made with vintage rose engines, and now the movements match the front sides of the watches. Enjoyed the
... as it truly uses all American-made parts. Even RGM, to my knowledge, outsources some parts (cases and crystals). I have a friend who machines his own cases, but still outsources the steel used for it. The Devon is so non-standard that it almost has to make everything. These are different times from when the more highly advanced manufacturing countries could produce everything needed for a product. It simply makes more sense in our global economy to go where you can get the best without havin
I'm pleased to hear that you like this watch Bernard. It has been lauded as the "Silicon Valley" watch as it is worn by a few notable individuals here in Silicon Valley. Perhaps in another 50 years, America will have a unique business dealing in watches of unique qualities. The Devon is certainly a unique watch; however it is too big for me as I find it difficult to wear and I find the charging station to be quite crude. What do you foresee happening in 50 years?
I found it well... different from all the watches I saw before. Then I put it on my wrist and the charm disappeared. I found it too bulky, too massive and sadly for this reason I didn't enjoy the time display. Anyway, I have to confess by Devon created a watch of impact with this one. Thanks for your post Bernard. Fx
I saw it in a shop window the other day in San Francisco and found it impressive, but not all that expensive. Really a different type of watch, not sure it is for me though. Best regards, George
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