cazalea[Seiko Moderator]
17068
OK, I have to put a Moderator's viewpoint on exclusive GS models
Oct 06, 2021,22:12 PM
As so many have noted, this problem is not EXCLUSIVE to Grand Seiko. Nor is it exclusive to the watch industry ... there are plenty of other marketeers doing the same thing. But in many ways I think this exemplifies the very great difference in thinking between the customer and the Seiko marketing person. Do they even think about these issues?
Does it really matter if the watch is sold as 200 ONLY in the USA, then a year or two later we sell another 200-300 to the rest of the world?
Do the vast majority of customers care? Will they ever see another one on a wrist? What exclusivity have we (they) lost?
What profit have we gained? How many more 100's of customers are delighted to have this model?
Having had GS since 2004, I have only ever seen ONE PERSON wearing the same watch (and was wearing). Just one. This one (or is it two) and it's been in production for the whole time.
As an another example, this was the last limited edition watch I bought, a JDM model, SBGJ225.
But after the effort to get it (and generous assistance from a cooperative WPS member), the charm wore off quickly.
So I sold it, and I'm sure the owner is happy with his exclusive (in USA) watch.
CORRECTION: I take it back about only seeing one person wearing the watch I was wearing. There was a second time.
I remember Art Dr No and Ken H being astonished when I turned up at a GTG wearing the exact same vintage GS Hi-Beat 5645-5010 watch that Art owned.
I had searched high and low for that watch, found one in Malaysia, bought it and wore it intentionally to show to Art.
I think he later sold his, possibly disgruntled that it was no longer the only one known to exist. đ˘
There's very little we can do about this situation... especially if there is a line behind us clamoring for the watch that we hope remains exclusive.
Sigh, Grin and Bear It, or vote with our feet, and walk out.
Sadly,
Cazalea