WatchBox Invests in De Bethune: Market News

Rick.On.Watches · 2021-08-31T09:36:06Z

Explore WatchProSite's discussion on WatchBox's investment in De Bethune. Uncover insights on market impact, brand strategy, and the future of independent watchmaking.

Key Points from the Discussion

WatchBox's investment could significantly benefit De Bethune by providing much-needed brand marketing and exposure, areas where the brand has historically struggled despite its watchmaking prowess.
The investment comes at a time when De Bethune's secondary market performance, including auction results and inventory levels, has shown significant growth, suggesting a strategic timing for WatchBox.
WatchBox's main watch expert, Tim Mosso, has been a vocal admirer of De Bethune, raising questions about the potential influence of this relationship on brand exposure and market perception.
De Bethune, with its numerous patents and horological innovations, was historically under-appreciated until recent years, with secondary market prices now reflecting increased recognition, possibly influenced by the 'WatchBox factor'.
Concerns were raised that such investments by large entities like WatchBox and Chanel (in Journe) could lead to market manipulation, steering the industry towards watches as investment pieces rather than objects of passion for collectors.
While financial backing stabilizes De Bethune's future, there is concern about the potential 'cost' in terms of maintaining innovation and avoiding excessive production increases, citing historical examples of brands like Daniel Roth and Roger Dubuis post-acquisition.
The watch industry is undergoing a structural transformation, with implications for vertical integration and market dynamics, similar to significant group buyouts seen in previous decades.
The investment, while potentially a 'cash-grab' by WatchBox, could provide De Bethune with crucial business acumen and increased exposure, allowing the brand to focus on its core competency of watchmaking.

The Discussion

PalmSprings

Aug 31, 2021

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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

Lankysudanese

Aug 31, 2021

I saw this in IG.

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

jp884

Aug 31, 2021

I feel like Tim, is a huge fan of whatever he is trying to sell you.

Have you ever heard a review from the guy that doesn't say how amazing a piece is? I think everything he or Hodinkee say with a grain of salt and do research on my own.

Lankysudanese

Aug 31, 2021

Of course; one should always do their due diligence. But, to his credit, he also took a stand during his company’s ‘Journe blitz’ to make it clear that he felt that DeBethune and several other Indies were more deserving of our attention.

I also admire him for his deep knowledge of horology. He can probably pick anything from the safe, but he continues to rock a Sinn Hodinkee, though, are all about pushing what they sell (which is everything, of late)

jp884

Aug 31, 2021

Yes but was that push because Journe in itself was moving towards a boutique model and away from ADs? And this DB play was already on the horizon?

If I'm selling crypto or heavily invested in crypto it's in my best interest to convince you that crypto is the future although nothing tangible is there. When I look at something i peck at it from all angles like a bird to see what the angles are. Not like it matters for me, I refuse to pay over MSRP for anything anymore (learned my lesson on the GT3RS). Nothing is that special for me to pay over for it. I either get it as MSRP or below or I don't buy it.

Lankysudanese

Aug 31, 2021

Fortunately for me, my personal finances require me to live by the adage that you mentioned:

“ either get it as MSRP or below or I don't buy it”. As for the GT3RS, tell us more. Do you still own it? Do you take it on track days? What are your thoughts on the 992 Gt3? As for Journe, I believe their decision to go boutique only preceded the Watchbox Journe blitz. But I’m not privy to any insider information of what happened when. I don’t fault the brand for making a move that gave them complete control over distribution, and timing that move for when they were on top form. Where I live, t

WatchBox Invests in De Bethune: Market News

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