FabR[Senior Patek Moderator]
26166
Thanks my friend for a typically dense and compelling post on (the effects of) the current market situation, and on Patek's unique way to properly navigate it! ;-) A VERY complex matter, but you find me in agreement with all the main points you raised.
Feb 17, 2022,05:08 AM
I was recently alerted to your IG posts, but since I don't have IG I confess I never got to read your thoughts before now. I'm sincerely glad you are posting them here, so let me very briefly chime in with my "stream of consciousness" as a reply to this topic before bedtime tonight!
More than a "defense" of Patek, which would be entirely unnecessary, yours is an excellent reminder of a few of the reasons why this Brand is the undisputed #1 in the business in the eyes of all (well, almost all!! ;-) watch enthusiasts. On the one hand, it is probably clear that many arguments "against" Patek come from the so-called “I-don’t-have-access-to-the-good-brands-hence-I’m-gonna-hate-them” minority of folks (as one perfect example that you mentioned, increasing demand and/or prices to keep up with the market would be wrong from virtually ALL angles we look at it! ;-)). However, I believe that the points you raised (with obvious first-hand knowledge of the brand) will be *extremely* helpful to ALL of our large group of friends genuinely passionate with this great hobby. I was also smiling now that I read your reminder of the "mystery shopper" practice (let me just mention that I bet VERY FEW people have been mistaken for a mystery shopper more often than me in the past, especially when I'm in good company! ;-))
I can only agree that the effectiveness with which Patek approaches these natural, "collateral issues" to its enormous popularity is remarkable, and so is its genuine, unwavering commitment to a continued relationship with the AD network (another peculiar aspect that you nicely highlighted, especially in today's world! ;-) Let me conclude by noting that while all of this might sound inevitable to the Patek enthusiast, we both know very well that it can be nontrivial to many other collectors --- ranging from the fans of the current Indies popping up on a daily basis, even to those legitimate interested in other historically important brands, whose approach however so often fails to match Patek's in the aspects critical to a long-term success. Again, this is a VERY complex but equally interesting topic, and I will be most happy if other watch enthusiasts will contribute with their knowledge and thoughts!
I just wanted to post this quick live reply my friend, as I just read post your post tonight as forum moderator (and especially as a Patek enthusiast! ;-) But most importantly, I once again *thank you* for another well-written --- and factually-accurate --- scholarly contribution on behalf of our favorite brand!
Cheers, F.