Major Watch Industry Problem

The watch industry is stuck and has a problem currently. The brands are somewhat left with only changing watch colors and case backs as opposed to the new new watch model every 6 months theme we saw. The watch media outlets need new watches to talk about not only for advertising income but also for content. Without new models coming from the top brands such as a Rolex, Omega, Patek, and others, writers need to become very creative or dig in back catalogs. Let's talk about it.

[justicedemocrat]

There's a saying in stocks and shares investing, "If a normal person starts talking to you about shares then you're in a bubble and it's time to sell." This is exactly the same for all investments.

[JuanSegarra-tdyr]

The grey market got greedy. Let it crash.

[MAKESQ]

I agree. There is a fatigue that has set in the watch collector world. That is reflected in the downward trend of prices. Rolex has lost its lustre more than any other brand, especially among collectors. People are turning to less expensive watches for variety and practicality, and a general skepticism now toward the standard higher end watches of the past couple of decades.

[basswars]

Inflation is the biggest threat. Disposable incomes are contracting. Paying a mortgage, paying your kids college tuition, and have you seen the price of cars? These are more important than the latest watch.

[hemantishwaran]

The watch industry needs to be more innovative and as one example should fix the issue of bracelets and straps. So many are inferior don’t have quick exchange and have limited adjustments and usually no on the fly adjustments. Look at how Apple completely figured out their strap opening up a huge third party business opportunity for straps. Contrast this with the pathetic state of affairs of the mighty Swiss and watch industry who still after so many years have a mess.

[michaelhayward]

Vlogger demand is not an excuse to produce more watches. There are plenty of choices, the problem is most contributors are talking about the same thing. And that's the issue here, same brand overexposure.

[louislaw]

Here's the diff. You can wear a watch to a gathering but you can't wear an NFT.

[Lundpc]

John P - the master of talking without saying anything of interest.

[pmguy]

I have to agree. My interest in watches has completely vanished. I think about the other things I could buy for half the price that provide way more enjoyment and value.
For example: A slick new firearm that you can take to the range, clean, take apart, etc.
Example ii: A mini bike or an ATV which again is half the price of a luxury watch sometime a quarter. These items provide way more fun and enjoyment than a mechanical watch.

[HRM.H]

Even when the hype was there most brands barely did any innovating. Why would/should we care how much billion dollar companies are selling. 😂 The pre-owned market is doing just fine, especially if you didnt buy into overhyped watches.

[jrwitherite]

Let breitling fail. They are cheap feeling overpriced watches. They shouldn’t be more than 1k

[ErikL]

A lot of enthusiasts are raking in cash, but the rest of us are hurting in this economy. I find manufacturers are less likely to take risks in times like these.

[GentlemensWatchServices]

There are hundreds…thousands…of interesting watches out there worthy of comment. 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s. Confusing the industry with what’s interesting is what can make things seem stale I think.

[josemedina]

Right now is a good time to buy pre-owned in all markets. I went to Japan in 2023 and 2024, and I was able to get an Omega Dynamic Chrono for $1, 500 in 2023. In 2024, I was able to buy a silver-dial Omega Speedmaster (no box, no papers) for $1, 100 USD and an IWC Mark XVIII for under $2, 500. I didn’t look hard enough, but I’m sure I could have bought a Navitimer for under $3, 500. For the more affordable options, on eBay, I found many Citizen Fugu models for under $200, which is insane for such a very collectible watch. If you can buy Vintage I seen nice King Seiko models for under 500. I seen very deep discounts on Frederique Constant also very good watches. Personally I would stay away from Rolex, hyped up Omegas and look for alternatives.

[hammalamiri]

Social media basically meant the majority want to buy and wear the same watches at any price point. It’s not like 10 years ago where people went to an AD tried something on and left with what they liked not worrying about specs, recommendations, resale.

[patrickhartmann]

I resemble the COVID enthusiast, falling into the hobby during lockdown and after digging out an old Victorinox I hadn’t worn in years. 4 years and 24+ watches later, I’m slowing my purchase pace and am following a 1 in 1 out policy.

[Voltanaut]

I'm lefthanded, and I just want the goddamn lefty Rolex GMT at retail, but all these pricks keep buying it to stow for "investment" rather than wear it.

[Seikologist]

I used to post in Watch Crunch. But I haven’t lately for some reason. But when I walked into a motorcycle shop and saw that my Omega Aqua Terra was the same price of a decent motorcycle, my watch suddenly didn’t feel so special.

[TheCompton]

The wind is f’n howlin in the background

[spike.strat]

If I were looking to buy a luxury brand right now, ( and I am) Given all the signs that the economy is due for a major correction, I’d hang on to my money and wait for the panic selling and or major slashing of new prices. I have a feeling the waiting list at a lot of dealers are going to disappear.