MTF
[PuristS]
13383
It depends on the level of trust
Jay,
Trust is easy to say but difficult to earn.
For some brands with strong personal relationships, I have been involved at the "blue sky brainstorming" stage before pen has hit paper or nowadays mouse hitting mouse pad. 
For more exciting news, I've seen prototypes 2 or 3 years before production.
For very exciting news, I've seen previews 3 months before launch.
For outstanding news, I've only found out with the rest of the press corp.
For some brands, I don't even know after the launch! 
Regards,
MTF
Life from Zenith in Le Locle: Great news!
First, I was so moved and touched by the fact the Jean-Claude Biver , who for such a long time had been suffering serious health issues, made a surprise appearance and was his old vivid and enrgetic self: Second, JCB could - before it was discussed intern...
Great news on three counts!
Magnus, Thanks. 1) Indeed it was a surprise most pleasant that J-CB was "up and about". 2) After a fallow period, Zenith is recovering...but you cannot tell us about the really exciting stuff 3) The ultimate news that we cannot reveal.... So, we know noth...
Magnus, good to see JCB up and about. Question for you (and others).
Do all, most, or perhaps only a few manufactures share upcoming pieces this early with journalists and others? Also earlier today I was listening to another brand representative say they were just in a certain city sharing next year's SIHH releases with a...
Some do (I guess you are referring to Montblanc), but in my case...
We have gotten only hints, but have seen nothing. Still great stuff. Presenting early under embargo helps journalists to think about the pieces and what makes them so special (well, *if* that is the case...). During the spring fairs one is literally overw...
Yes it was Montblanc (the interview with Davide Cerrato).
I was aware information was generally available somewhat early (under embargo as you mention) but I always assumed / thought early meant a few days.
It depends on the level of trust
Jay, Trust is easy to say but difficult to earn. For some brands with strong personal relationships, I have been involved at the "blue sky brainstorming" stage before pen has hit paper or nowadays mouse hitting mouse pad. For more exciting news, I've seen...
Interesting MTF, thanks for the colour.
I knew some brands do consult big collectors about future direction in terms of models, new iterations etc. It seems however a lot of the time the direction provided by said collectors is often ignored however (at least that's what some watch buddies whom...
Not always by collection size
Jay, I'm not a big collector so it may not be a factor. It may be exposure to many products, owners and collector as knowledge based intelligence gathering. I think 'trust' means the brand CEO knows that we are not setting out to spoil their launch plans ...