chap
197
"Interesting" timing
I'm a big LF fan and own a similar piece, but a month ago they released a very similar LE to Ku's only watch pickup.
I frankly thought it was a low blow to his piece unique. I mean goodness - they re-released the same exact watch, only with different lugs. I could certainly see him thinking such and trading it for something that didn't rub him the wrong way. Its too bad - he's a great purveyor of pure watchmaking, and it felt great having him on board with what we all thought the LF vision was. They seem to find a way to stick their foot in their mouths about three times a year. Which is a shame, as the watches themselves are unrivaled modern classic designs with ridiculous movements.
2015 "Only Watch" Laurent Ferrier (interesting find - i have no affiliation)
I thought it was interesting the Eric Ku's Laruent Ferrier ended up for sale here:
This raises several questions around the staying power of the brand in my view.
This is all speculative and I have no fact base about this, but after twenty years of collecting I have a bit of a bad gut feel about LF, despite these being fantastic watches on a standalone basis. I also perceive that press and blog attention has recede...
I would argue from another perspective ; charity auctions bring a premium as potential buyers want to show their good will ?? or show off ..;-)
the premium is no longer there when used apperantly. Also, this particulair watch is quite large and square so not for everyone ?
I would rather argue...
...that there have been too many LF customizations and proliferation of variations of dials and hands. Lack of consistency in product. You find them aftermarket with all sorts of dials even some watches with additional dial as a package. In my view either...
Small production will only be sustainable with plenty of options for personal influence, so imo that should be a good thing. But if it is not an `icon` in its own right ( like souverain blue )
it will lose value i think. Horological wise i think Dufour and FPJ and KV are regarded a level higher so more in demand even when used ? Cant say for sure what is the reason for LF to be undervalued.
I agree w EuroAsianStar
The used LF market is flooded with ugly dials, 50% off retail, and too many models. This is the simple litnus test that they are "off" from the collector loved trajectory they started on, and needs to be righted for their long term success. It used to not...
I am not invested in the brand in any way...
other than I like some of their offerings and wish them success. But this is actually good, constructive criticism. I'm not an MBA so I don't know the nuts and bolts of some of these proposals, but at first glance a lot of it seems reasonable...
"Interesting" timing
I'm a big LF fan and own a similar piece, but a month ago they released a very similar LE to Ku's only watch pickup. www.instagram.com I frankly thought it was a low blow to his piece unique. I mean goodness - they re-released the same exact watch...