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Independents

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 you go down the path of an independent FPJ with consistent and disciplined product range or you go KV-style where almost everything can be individualized. Trying to do something inbetween is a bit dilutive and diminishes the premium of unique pieces like this only watch. And aside from Mr Ku offloading his watch at a loss, the same dealer Is also offering for sale a prototype watch of the former LF CEO. Doesn’t look like a vote of confidence in the brand in my view.

As much as I find LF watches well made and well designed, I have held back and stuck with other indies.

Thoughts?

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12 Comments view entire thread 

This raises several questions around the staying power of the brand in my view.

 
By: Euroasianstar : January 26th, 2020-00:33
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 rather argue...

 
By: Euroasianstar : January 26th, 2020-03:03
...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 )

 
By: Ron_W : January 26th, 2020-08:17
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

 
By: chap : January 27th, 2020-06:31
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...

 
By: mdg : January 27th, 2020-14:46
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

 
By: chap : January 26th, 2020-19:32
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...