Swiss Tourbillon: Cheapest Watch Discussion

socabaptist · 2021-11-14T21:04:35Z

Explore the BA111OD Chapter 4.1 'The Veblen Dilemma' Tourbillon. WatchProSite collectors debate the 'cheapest Swiss tourbillon,' its value, and 'Swiss Made' authenticity.

Key Points from the Discussion

The challenge of creating the 'cheapest Swiss tourbillon' is seen as a positive step towards greater transparency in the often-opaque watch industry, potentially making high horology more accessible.
The BA111OD tourbillon is recognized as a well-made, modern, avant-garde Swiss watch that leverages contemporary production and distribution technologies, reflecting a commendable effort to innovate within the industry.
A significant concern for new brands, including BA111OD, is the long-term serviceability of their movements, which can be a deterrent for potential collectors.
While the BA111OD offers an entry point, some collectors suggest that for a slightly higher investment, options like a JLC tourbillon might offer more established value, though prices have shifted.
The 'cheapest' selling point might struggle to find an audience, as Chinese manufacturers already dominate the low-cost tourbillon market, potentially outcompeting Swiss brands on price alone.
Skepticism exists regarding the 'Swiss Made' claim, especially for a young company that also offers Chinese-caliber watches, as the 50% value threshold for Swiss origin can be ambiguous.
The founder of BA111OD is an industry insider with a history of proving concepts rather than solely focusing on sales, suggesting a deeper experimental motivation behind the brand.
Some collectors prioritize heritage and artisanal craftsmanship from established maisons or independent watchmakers over affordability when considering a tourbillon, viewing 'cheap' options as less desirable.

The Discussion

LiftAngle51

Nov 14, 2021

A watch as a whole.

I would explain the title i used. A watch is what it is for me. Different things counts like quality, joy, accuracy, heritage, wear comfort, beauty, readability, service possibilities, proudness and so on. A tourbilon is ok, albeit i desire more than only a comfy price tag alone. A watch without complications but with a very good polishing job wil also be very fine to collect. A tourbilon is no grail for me, but when the whole package is top notch than it is desirable for me. I see the challenge

Bruno.M1

Nov 14, 2021

Not interested at all !

I’m not looking for the most expensive but definitely not the most cheap We can find a chronograph for a few hundred euro and than we have a datograph Same here IF I want a tourbillon it should be something special and beautiful, from a big maison like patek or an independent like remy Cools But please not some Kickstarter project that offers something cheap. Even a 20k Tag Heuer is crap. Tag Heuer makes nice watches but offering a 20k ugly tourbillon is not their best move

doubleup

Nov 15, 2021

I hear you 100% on not trying to get the cheapest.

But.. I think Tag did okay with their tourbillon, I would rather have one of their 1/1000 sec watches but if someone really wants a tourbillon it is not a bad pick at the price. But for another $10k you can step into a JLC tourbillon, or at least you used to lol. I think Tag did exactly what they set out to do and did it. A notch on their belt to make a tourbillon for those who don’t know a ton about watches, but want a tourbillon and don’t have incredibly deep pockets, it is still not cheap Che

Cozmopak

Nov 14, 2021

If it works and is reliable

Then this is a cool idea in my opinion. Makes a tourbillon accessible for many more collectors.

socabaptist

Nov 14, 2021

Interview on watches tv. I found the insights on watch distribution and pricing interesting.

www.watchestv.com

mhz vph

Nov 14, 2021

I think complications should be more accessible

So I have no problem with ‘it’s the cheapest of its kind’ being the selling point of a watch. But I the Chinese have the Swiss completely beat in terms of low cost manufacturing. As such I’m not sure that this watch will find much of an audience. Those looking for a cheap tourbillon will simply go to the Chinese brands.

Swiss Tourbillon: Cheapest Watch Discussion

Key Points from the Discussion

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