Comments:
For Montblanc Villeret this is based on older figures when they were doing up to 300 pieces per year with a workforce of about 30 (there was a SJX report some years ago quoting that)
meaning 10 watches per watchmaker in his calculus. that leading to about 5 weeks spent per watch leading to roughly 200 watchmaker hours. This year it is well less than 200 watches but at higher efforts as you know and have heard of; I would guess 180 watches, thus 6 per watchmaker per year or 8-9 weeks leading to something above 300 hours.
well, that was always from 2007 onwards the ratio before Jerome took charge in 2014
then output doubled and quality dropped. After many outcries from people like me they are hopefully back to "Institut Minerva de Recherche en Haute Horlogerie"
This is perhaps the most accurate article that echos my thoughts.
Sure we could nitpick here or there, but overall well written, nicely organized data, and it shows a metric that a basic to the more experienced enthusiasts can understand. Imho this is especially true as modern horology is really bringing forward amazingly precise machine-made parts while true artisanal craftsmanship produces exquisite haute horology. That's not a complaint against industrials, yet some manufacturers are obviously taking advantage of industrial machines while also purposefully reducing handcraftsmanship BUT price their timepieces like they think they still build 1960s Holy Trinity.
Am definitely bookmarking the article to fwd to my friends when they ask me the typical questions when seeking timepieces. Within my luxury goods sector many know i'll help them when they desire a timepiece (and never ask for anything in return, no commission or any cr@p like that, just trying to help). Over the years i must have 'sold' many hundreds of mechanical timepieces, but the darn stupidity of Trinity Religion seems to get in the way for those less knowledgeable / who have less independent thinking capabilities.
That article really brings into focus the modern aspects of today's horology and brands.
As i've been saying to friends, use your own eyes. It's pretty obvious what's going on imho.
Is “RD” on this graph Roger Dubuis? I didn’t see that brand listed or mentioned in the article.
Also, I would have been curious to see what category SJX would place Jaquet-Droz and Chanel’s Monsieur line.
It’s good to read *any* attempt at dispassionate analysis based on data and evidence. It’s an ingenious metric for sure and quite illuminating.
As with any method there are caveats, which the author spells out. The rationale is clear and the categorizations make sense.
I also agree that SJX is at the forefront of fine watch writing. I should also mention Europa Star. It’s seldom mentioned on WPS as far as I can see, yet with 90 years of continuous publication and regular in-depth industry analysis it ought to be mandatory reading!
I also agree that SJX is at the forefront of fine watch writing. I should also mention Europa Star. It’s seldom mentioned on WPS as far as I can see, yet with 90 years of continuous publication and regular in-depth industry analysis it ought to be mandatory reading!