WatchProSite|Market|Digest
WatchProSite|Market|Digest

Horological Meandering

I was struck by the realization of this exact point…

 

I had a chance to drive my friend’s Porsche yesterday, which was truly an amazing experience as he kept urging me to push it in order to really appreciate it. The point is that I viscerally and mentally acknowledged the R&D/engineering that goes into every aspect (including of course aesthetics!) of these amazing performance machines. This doesn’t include marketing, client services, etc. Despite all that, a decently packaged beauty can be gotten for prices in same range as certain indies [with interior angles] or larger brands by virtue of a name. I am guilty of being a fanboy at times, and every one is free to use their money as they like, but I do feel like the industry players are taking advantage and pushing limits that will drastically change the landscape of buyers, clients, and collectors. I guess that is the reality of business, which is not easy. So, as they say, “don’t hate the player, hate the game.”😊

  login to reply
20 Comments view entire thread 

An absolutely unsolicited opinion.

 
By: Thomas_3 : April 19th, 2026-17:53
I understand, to a degree what goes into making a watch, there is way more than just seeing at the dealer. R&D, manufacturing, fine tuning, marketing the list goes on and on and........... After seeing some of the prices of some watches today it almost ma... 

They are a luxury, everything else is a priority, I am sure you are aware...

 
By: SALMANPK : April 19th, 2026-18:01
There are many Small Brands and Watchmakers making amazing watches in all segments that would appreciate your interest and business.

Rob Corder may have some insight for us on this topic...

 
By: Gregineugene : April 19th, 2026-18:32
To quote: " Swiss watch exports have become increasingly concentrated in high-value pieces, with watches above CHF 3,000 (exports value) dominating the market. In that environment, success is not about volume, it is about pricing power, brand equity and p... 

I was struck by the realization of this exact point…

 
By: ArmisT : April 19th, 2026-19:35
I had a chance to drive my friend’s Porsche yesterday, which was truly an amazing experience as he kept urging me to push it in order to really appreciate it. The point is that I viscerally and mentally acknowledged the R&D/engineering that goes into ever... 

There are tons of great preowned watches available...

 
By: vitalsigns : April 19th, 2026-20:05
...just a Manufacturer's service away from being like-new in condition and mechanics. Consider focusing on those...

I agree with you wholeheartedly

 
By: andrea~ : April 19th, 2026-20:47
People suggesting you buy from different brands or pre owned are, in my opinion, missing the point. The harsh reality is that this hobby is becoming more and more gatekept from a shrinking middle class and being pushed mainly to the upper class. What used... 

I’m with you!

 
By: ZSHSZ : April 19th, 2026-22:42
However my gripe is mostly the luck of justification for this prices. There’s no meaningful difference between last year this year, or the year prior regarding new watches other than dial colors, cheaper finishing, now even saving on seconds hands(simplif... 

A few thoughts

 
By: aelred : April 19th, 2026-23:04
I saw a clip with a comedian joking about expensive watches and his Casio, "it has this amazing ability to tell time even after a robbery!" I'd offer, as others have suggested, there's a lot of room to have fun up and down the price spectrum. I posted my ...  

I am also amazed by the prices on watches these days.

 
By: riverside / Henry : April 20th, 2026-02:34
That's not the manufacturer's problem but mine - I don't earn enough money. Ha ha!

I think this was the main topic for most collectors i spoke last week at W&W.

 
By: Watchonthewrist : April 20th, 2026-06:18
The price point of some new time only or normal complications watches are getting to high nowadays .

In some ways I agree and in others I disagree

 
By: m2 : April 20th, 2026-07:14
I mostly buy preowned and inflation adjusted, MOST watches are cheaper now than ever. IE the JLC Duometre has been around 20k USD used for the last 5 years. Once you factor inflation in, it’s cheaper than ever. Conversely, MSRP is bonkers for most brands ... 

Absolutely do take care of non-elective expenses foremost

 
By: chk : April 24th, 2026-02:28
No watch design, however classical, should threaten the making of major payments. Yesterday I was looking at a classical design from a "volume indie" brand; with a new CEO who recently raised the price of a nice gold microrotor to USD100k. Quickly I thoug...