Tim Jackson
3019
One can argue many points here...
I would take a look at it from the standpoint of the Purists, well why not, that is where we are discussing this.
The marketing is brilliant, if in fact the sales numbers are to be believed and all these watches are actually made, work, and then willing buyers part with their hard earned cash...
However from the standpoint of the connoisseur, does it really fit in with what I generally see as being promoted and discussed here in this community as fine horological creations? Not from my observation.
Why does the buyer or potential buyer feel that these are worth acquiring? What is really the motivating force here? Is it appreciation of fine horological art, micro mechanics, tradition, or simply that old human condition of wanting something someone else doesn't have in order to say I have this, and therefore I know something you don't...
It always baffles me when a company can sell a product to supposed connoisseurs if in fact that is who is buying into the marketing. I guess I don't know much about the marketing world. Someone mentioned, there is no accounting for the taste of the buying public...I suspect the target they are trying to reach is not the connoisseur, as my view is this is not the type of product they would be seen dead with.
I could be on the wrong foot here, could the same argument be made of let's say the VH Antiqua Perpetual, it certainly doesn't appeal to many, it is very different aesthetically, rare, costs a lot of one's hard earned money, if you own it you'll probably never bump into someone else wearing one! One can be that person who has something very, very few have. So there are similarities, but the very differing point I think, is Vianney and his brilliance as a watchmaker, which is the crucial part of the equation from a connoisseurs viewpoint, and ultimately the fine watch market. I don't think there is a comparison.
If one looks at the fine wine market, connoisseurs, pretty much all agree on what is superlative wine, why is this true? Well they #1 have the knowledge/experience and because of this, have the ability to appreciate all the subtle differences that differentiate superlative from good wine, and #2 have spent years studying the world of wine, immersing themselves in and #3 are passionate about the subject.
Great thread and one that has garnered quite a lot of attention, which as many have stated could well be just the point!
Cheers,
Tim
just when you thought Romain Jerome could not get any more absurd: T-oxy Concept
Hmm I can't even wear this watch?
This is TOXIC to collectors and our reputation - seriously...
