Bahnstormer_vRS wrote: ↑Tue Aug 29, 2023 12:07 pm @TheBeatles

Yes; it is my intention to add my 'personal' answers / comments to the questions put forward, at a suitable time.

Guy

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Thanks, Guy but I meant the Admin Team’s conclusions in general over the responses.

Sorry, I wasn’t clear.

1. Do you receive a hard copy of Loupe?
No, I did at once upon a time but stopped and I didn't chase up to get back on the mailing list.

2. Do you prefer a hard copy or are you content to read the online version?
Happy with the online version, I used to live out of a suitcase so I am used to reading content on the iPad or laptop.

3. Which types of article or content do you enjoy most, and why?
Interested in the new watches and the influences and stories as to why they came about. Given CW have been in business for a number of years I would like to see wearers talking about their stories of how / why they have some of the 'classics' and why they wear them. There are some interesting unique pieces in the back catalogue which could be revisited.

4. Which types of article or content do you enjoy less, and why?
Struggle with any content not focussed on watches, if I wanted to read about cars, art, photography etc I would. Some of the content is really good but it can feel like filler at times.

5. Are there any articles you would class as “outstanding”? The “Snippets” section of the Archive might jog your memory on the horological topics.
The deep dives into how some of the designs came to life are interesting, the influences, the little details and where they come from are what gets me really interested in the brand so Issue 23's pages on the C60 concept and C63 Colchester really made me think about putting my hand in my pocket and buying.

6. Going forward, is there any type of content you would like more of?
It would be interesting to hear some of the stories from the people working at CW, it would bring me closer to the team to understand what drives them to grow the business. There have been a few of these articles in the past? Maybe they can talk about their CW collections and why they love their particular CW?

Firstly, thanks to everyone who has responded so far – the replies have been very informative.

With reference to @TheBeatles question:

TheBeatles wrote: ↑Tue Aug 29, 2023 12:28 pm Thanks, Guy but I meant the Admin Team’s conclusions in general over the responses.

I see no reason why we can’t provide a summary/digest when the thread has run its course. I’m going to be away for a couple of weeks so will probably pick it up mid September.

To add to what Guy said, I will certainly put my views up. I might do it later today. Members of the Admin Team are as free as anyone else to post or not, as they wish.

If anyone doesn’t wish to put their views out here publicly, they are very welcome to send me a PM – we will include their answers while respecting their anonymity.

I don’t think my views will come as a great surprise to anyone; they seem to fall broadly in line with what several people have already said. Others have made the point that they understand some of the content is not particularly aimed at them; I feel much the same way. One of the functions of the publication is to bring people on board who might not otherwise be aware of the company. They don’t need to do that with forum members in general. We’re already there.

1. Do you receive a hard copy of Loupe?
Yes

2. Do you prefer a hard copy or are you content to read the online version?
I will use both. If I want to check something quickly I can use the online version or the download, but if I want to sit and read an article properly I prefer the hard copy. I’m trying to limit screen time, especially at night, so I find it useful.

3. Which types of article or content do you enjoy most, and why?
Watch related content, whether that’s about things CW are doing, new releases, general horology, articles about other watchmakers and companies or historical stuff. I have often enjoyed articles by Ken Kessler - quite humorous and doesn’t pull punches. I missed him this time – hope he makes a comeback.

4. Which types of article or content do you enjoy less, and why?
The lifestyle content. Occasionally something has really grabbed me, but the kind of music/culture/art/fashion that is often featured is of limited interest to me. On the whole, a bit urban/millennial for my tastes, if that makes sense.

5. Are there any articles you would class as “outstanding”?
I particularly enjoyed the articles where Johannes Jahnke talked about building movements; the articles about the Isle of Man, Smith and Daniels.

6. Going forward, is there any type of content you would like more of?
I would like to see more on the history of watches and clocks, more articles/interviews about other watchmakers. I accept that the lifestyle content will remain, but I would like to see more stuff on travel, adventure/exploration and cuisine (including coffee, wine, beer etc.) As I said, most of the current stuff isn’t really my thing, especially the “pop culture”.

I am right there with you on thinking along the same lines. If they are going to continue doing some lifestyle articles, I would prefer some geared towards travel & cuisine. Being a British based watch brand, if they wish to focus on interesting destinations in the UK & cuisine of the region, I am fine with that. Being a coffee enthusiast that has tried roasts from around the world, I will say that my idea of the perfect start to a day, is sipping a fresh ground cup of coffee, a good read in my hands & a Christopher Ward watch on my wrist!

Delmar

In short as it repeats a lot of what has been said...

I do get a hard copy and prefer this to the digital version (which I don't read).

I like watch related content. I like to learn about watches, CW, how watches come into being and future plans.

I don't like lifestyle content and almost never read any of it - I get that elsewhere. In a watch magazine, from a watch company, I want to read about watches.

I note that the lifestyle articles are almost universally disliked by the respondents so far. The requests or suggestions for content almost seem entirely in support of more watch content.

I’m not sure if this is a question that is being asked but I’m starting to wonder if the lifestyle articles are just a way of filling a full magazine. If they are stripped out would we end up with something only a few pages long?

Would we prefer a more frequent loupe with lifestyle ‘padding’ or would we prefer a bi-annual or even annual loupe but filled with just watch content? This of course could come at the expense of the sneak preview stuff as by the time it’s published, the watch is already released.

iain wrote: ↑Tue Aug 29, 2023 6:50 pm I note that the lifestyle articles are almost universally disliked by the respondents so far.

I generally dislike the content, not the concept. I’m very happy about lifestyle articles provided they suit my lifestyle or are about things I’m interested in. I made a couple of suggestions and I noticed that Delmar @WileyECoyote was in agreement.

iain wrote: ↑Tue Aug 29, 2023 6:50 pm I’m not sure if this is a question that is being asked but I’m starting to wonder if the lifestyle articles are just a way of filling a full magazine. If they are stripped out would we end up with something only a few pages long?

That’s always been my assumption.

I receive a hard copy, and I’ve just flicked through the current issue. Literally flicked through, read the piece about the Moonglow and the final article, about Neil Duckworth, which I must confess was fascinating. The combination of the human interest angle and the watch-related content was a hit for me.

I’m not a huge fan of the Twelve (it’s nice enough but not for me), and the subject matter of this edition’s non-watch-related articles doesn’t interest me, so I skipped them. Nonetheless I do look forward to receiving my copy, I read what interests me and ignore the rest.

Edit: I applaud how Loupe isn’t afraid to discuss other competitor brands in a positive light. I’d be delighted to read more such articles, particularly about other British brands.

Amor Vincit Omnia wrote: ↑Tue Aug 29, 2023 6:57 pm

iain wrote: ↑Tue Aug 29, 2023 6:50 pm I note that the lifestyle articles are almost universally disliked by the respondents so far.

I generally dislike the content, not the concept. I’m very happy about lifestyle articles provided they suit my lifestyle or are about things I’m interested in. I made a couple of suggestions and I noticed that Delmar @WileyECoyote was in agreement.

Personally I like the Lifestyle content such as the article from Autumn/Winter 2012 on English Sparkling wines, or the history of Battersea Power Station in the Autumn 2015 issue etc etc because these are not subjects I would normally take in but then I'm happy to spend five minutes reading something outside my normal sphere of interest and glancing at a few well-taken snaps while I'm in the John - and if I don't like the article, well I can always use the pages in other ways!

My 2 cents...

1. Do you receive a hard copy of Loupe? Yes

2. Do you prefer a hard copy or are you content to read the online version?
Old school perhaps, but I much prefer the hard copy. It is far more enjoyable holding the magazine in my hands. That said, for reference purposes, the digital version serves its purpose well.

3. Which types of article or content do you enjoy most, and why?
I love The Brief, Classic Ward and Drawing Board sections along with the in depth pieces around new releases. I believe this tends to pique interest and gives us something to talk about.

4. Which types of article or content do you enjoy less, and why?
As others have stated, I generally am not a fan of the lifestyle articles, but completely understand why they are there. The ones that are industry related are far more desirable.

5. Are there any articles you would class as “outstanding”?
I think there are many articles that stand out, especially some from the earlier CW magazine (pre Loupe). Most can be viewed in the CWArchive Snippets section.

6. Going forward, is there any type of content you would like more of?
I would like to see more articles centered around CW operations both in Maidenhead and Switzerland along with CW historical content. General horological history articles would be great as well.

Bahnstormer_vRS wrote: ↑Wed Aug 30, 2023 12:19 am

Amor Vincit Omnia wrote:

iain wrote: ↑Tue Aug 29, 2023 6:50 pm I note that the lifestyle articles are almost universally disliked by the respondents so far.

I generally dislike the content, not the concept. I’m very happy about lifestyle articles provided they suit my lifestyle or are about things I’m interested in. I made a couple of suggestions and I noticed that Delmar @WileyECoyote was in agreement.

Trouble is, Steve, you can't please all of the people, all of the time. You can only please some of the people, some of the time.

Guy

Sent from my XPERIA 5 III using Tapatalk

"You can only please some of the people, some of the time". That's really the point isn't it? From what I have read of the forum member comments, the CW lifestyle articles are not meeting that minimum criteria. Like Steve suggested, I am not against the concept, just the choice of content. It isn't the lifestyle concept but the pop culture approach that seems to be drawing no interest. What we were suggesting is lifestyle articles about interesting travel spots & cuisine. Similar to our CW forum watch of the day photo posts, why couldn't such articles have nice shots of CW watches in the foreground with places of interest or eateries in the background to illustrate the article? A nice composition that projects the CW owner's lifestyle or provides a source of inspiration.

Delmar

1. Do you receive a hard copy of Loupe?
Yes.

2. Do you prefer a hard copy or are you content to read the online version?
Hard copy each and every time, and twice on Sundays. Never read the online version.

3. Which types of article or content do you enjoy most, and why?
Anything about actual watches (CW or non-CW) and that's not just an advert or a cut and paste from the website.

4. Which types of article or content do you enjoy less, and why?
The ones not about watches. If I read Auto Express or What Car, I expect and want to know about cars, and not how to make an apple crumble.

5. Are there any articles you would class as “outstanding”? The “Snippets” section of the Archive might jog your memory on the horological topics.
Always enjoy reading the stories behind a new CW release, and the thought / design that went into bringing the product to market, even for those watches (like the Bel Canto and 12) that I really don't like. Also appreciate the courtesy articles on other watchmakers and the interviews / features on people with a fanatical interest in watches.

6. Going forward, is there any type of content you would like more of?
What's upcoming and in the pipeline. I think a regular historic section would be good too, something that looks back at old classic watches / designs and the evolution through the years. A starter for 10 might be how watch design has changed through the decades.