Luxury Watch Market Dynamics & Trends — WatchProSite Forum Digest

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

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Lankysudanese's original post offers a fascinating glimpse into the luxury watch market dynamics observed in Dubai. He highlights the stark contrast between the bustling, merchandise-empty boutiques of mainstream luxury brands and the quiet display of haute horlogerie 'grails' from Greubel Forsey and F.P. Journe. His observations prompt a deeper look into the perceived value and market positioning of these exceptional independent watchmakers.

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While the Rolex, AP and FP Journe boutiques in Dubai mall had no actual merchandise to sell but we’re still teeming with tourists, these three absolute grails were sitting in the display cases; unloved, unrecognized, and looking for a foster watchbox (with discounts being offered before I even inquired about the price)

I realize that’s we are talking about products that are at very different price points, but still

If this was in stainless steel, I would have either ruined my credit history, started my criminal record, or both

More finishing styles showcased (on this dial), than what is safe for visual consumption

…but this is the créme de la créme: winds like butter and looks like nothing else that I’ve ever seen

love the windows in the case to view the fusée and chain

Apologies for the lack of focus: the phone had a hard time deciding what to focus on, with the balance spring being in motion

Key Points from the Discussion

The finishing philosophies of Greubel Forsey and F.P. Journe are distinct: F.P. Journe emphasizes austere, functional finishing that highlights technical innovation, while Greubel Forsey focuses on showcasing intricate finishing styles, often with unique elements like a mirror behind the balance wheel.
Despite the high R&D and finishing hours, Lankysudanese believes both brands could slightly revise their aggressive pricing strategy to reach a broader audience and gain more followers, questioning if the 160k+ starting prices are fully justified.
Greubel Forsey and F.P. Journe are considered 'Rolls Royce of watches' for their elevated standards, justifying their high prices, though some collectors find the size of their offerings, even the more wearable ones like the Signature One and Balancier Contemporain, to be a qualm.
The winding experience of a Greubel Forsey, particularly with its fusée and chain constant force mechanism, is described as exceptionally smooth, bringing the entire watch into motion with a single crown rotation.
A forum member recounts a story of a collector acquiring a Greubel Forsey through a unique arrangement due to a close friendship with the watchmaker, suggesting that personal connections can sometimes lead to special deals or one-off pieces.
The Greubel Forsey Signature One in stainless steel is a highly coveted piece among collectors, with its simplicity and unique finishing making it a 'dream piece'.
The Greubel Forsey Balancier Contemporain is highlighted as an 'absolute dream watch' for many collectors, particularly those with smaller wrists who gravitate towards its more proportionate size within the GF catalogue.

The Discussion

mdg

Sep 20, 2021

The FB is superb...a dream watch for sure...

Lankysudanese

Sep 21, 2021

I never went back to the [amazing] GF’s after I wound the FB and strapped it on.

The winding experience is unlike anything else, and the whole watch comes into motion after a single rotation of the winding crown (which is the beauty of the fusee and chain constant force mechanism). The finishing is very unique to that brand too. I’m a huge fan

mdg

Sep 21, 2021

From the high-rez photos I've seen...

...the finishing looks as good as anybody in the business...and I love the quirky case shape : )

Sep 20, 2021

Berthoud is really interesting. I wonder how they will continue to evolve the collection.

DouglasM

Sep 21, 2021

With the power of the owning family, business acumen and

financial benefit of Chopard, I sense big things from them

Lankysudanese

Sep 21, 2021

I truly hope so too. Always had a soft spot for L.U.Chopard, and the success of the alpine eagle line for Chopard should be having them raking in the cash

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