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Rick.On.Watches's original post ignited a robust discussion among WatchProSite members regarding WatchBox's investment in De Bethune. This strategic move, announced in 2021, prompted collectors to consider its implications for the independent brand's future, market dynamics, and the broader luxury watch landscape. Rick.On.Watches's initial observation serves as a crucial starting point for understanding the community's diverse perspectives on this significant industry development.
Good for everyone involved reaping the rewards from their hard work but I get the feeling this isn't good for actual watch lovers/collectors/... and the likes. Watches are already being used as investment pieces and now with companies like Chanel getting into Journe and Watchbox with De Bethune, whatever Hodinkee is doing with Crown and Caliber. Someone is pushing their agenda or steering them in a certain direction. I read a story (perhaps on here) from a company who had several watches listed
My comments are as such 1. Watchboxes main watch expert (Tim Mosso) is a huge DeBethune fan. Now, whether that is serendipitous or a result of him betting more exposure to the brand as watchbox had more DeBethunes on hand (as they were eyeing purchasing a stake in the brand); No one will ever know 2. DeBethune on its own merit, is a brand with several patents and watch inventions under its watchmakers name. They were very under-appreciated until 1-2 years ago, as most of the Indie focus was on j
Now, someone needs to buy LF...
I still want to buy one at a discount.
I almost wonder if DB suffered more than most during the Covid shutdown... Watchbox has a vested interest in the brand and would want it to thrive. As much as I like what Watchbox brings in terms of education, and exposure to the market, I can't help but think that they are tastemakers and are pulling strings.
Too much prejudice against the "customer" movements from LFDT means people don't appreciate the quality of the finished product. LF might be the finest traditional etablisseur in Switzerland today. I will say that LF made a succession of product planning mistakes with the Repeater, Bridge One, and the polarizing Montre Ecole case. Also, launching the prohibitively priced 2019 Grand Sport Tourbillon rather than the same case with a simple automatic movement robbed LF of the chance to benefit from
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