AnthonyTsai
[PuristS]
22366
I think we'll see less grey mkt dealers and wannabe dealers
With watch prices heading lower on all the hot models, it's getting more difficult for unauthorized dealers to flip watches for a hefty profit. Pieces that used to sell above retail such as the IWC Ceramic Top Gun can now be found sitting in many AD's display cases and in the secondary markets at a discount off full retail. Limited edition AP Offshores are going down in price as flippers are unable to dump them in this weakening global economy.
Trends for design and materials? I see more brands using ceramic and possibly even experiment with different colored ceramic. I think the "black" trend is still going to continue so I believe we'll see more "black" watches. Watch designs will continue to slowly evolve and deviate from the traditional conservative designs 10 years ago. Watches cases will stay at its current size and not get any bigger. Some brands will probably play catchup and slowly release watches in the 40-42mm size IMO.
Brand Boutiques will slowly populate every country making it more difficult for the AD's IMO.
Just some thoughts off the top of my head. Sorry if the above isn't meant for only 2009 but rather for the not too distant future.
Cheers,
Anthony
