joerattz wrote:peterh wrote:Tell that to Tag-Heuer.
But now you aren't really making a fair comparison. TAG has a history, reputation, and brand recognition.
Which, in the end, aren't worth much by themselves. An overpriced watch with a brand name that has history, reputation, and brand recognition is still an overpriced watch.
As much as I appreciate CW watches, they can't afford to let their prices creep up to the point that they are getting compared to TAG. Also, I don't like TAGs myself, because I think they are overpriced. They just seem too expensive for a quartz movement. IMO, there is just no justification for their cost. I would hate to see CW become like that.
The funny bit is that, from a marketing perspective, that might actually be a good idea. It wouldn't be the first example of an excellent product that gets no recognition because of a price point that is too low for the product to appear on the radar.
Having said that, I don't think that Chris will ever get to the point where his products are in the same price range as TAG-Heuer - it's just not his thing. Or so it seems.
But when the market bears TAG-Heuer prices (which it apparently does, seeing as to how TAG-Heuer sells a great deal more watches than Chris does), it's pushing the limit a bit to call a 200-limited edition series Peregrine Red overpriced. If you don't want to pay 250 euro for a limited edition of a watch that is also available (in a different configuration) for less than 200 pound, then apparently you don't buy into the idea of the exclusivity of a limited edition. I can see why you wouldn't. Fair 'nough. Go ahead and buy a Peregrine for 150 pounds, and compare THAT to TAG-Heuer, or to Stowa, or Poljot, or to whatever brand you like.
The comparison to Seiko chronographs is also quite unfair. Seiko punches out huge numbers of very good watches at an excellent price point, but they lack the finesse and the individuality of a CW chronograph. If you simply want a durable watch that keeps excellent time, get a digital Casio G-Shock. If you want a durable watch with an analog face that keeps excellent time, get a Seiko chronograph with a 7T92 quartz movement. Punching out huge numbers is what Seiko is good at, and because of that, they can keep the cost down.
Yet. While they cost less than a Peregrine, they aren't half as pretty, and they don't stand up to wear and tear as well as at least my Malvern does. I can tell... I've got two Malverns, one G-Shock, and two Seiko quartz chronos. The Seikos, being quartz watches, keep better time, the G-Shock, being a Wave Ceptor, keeps perfect time.
But unless I go rock climbing (which at my age, is an excercise in loosing my balance, toppling over and damaging parts of my anatomy, and possibly my watch too), the C5SWT is my daily watch 95% of the time. It is a beautiful thing to behold, and plenty accurate enough.
I just don't see the point of CW watches becoming too expensive. Yes, they may be more expensive than an individual might be willing to afford. I'd love to be able to buy a Malvern-type watch for 99 pounds. But if Chris can't make a Malvern and sell it at 99 pounds and make some money in the progress (Chris and Wera have to eat too, you know... and they'd probably prefer to have some peanut butter on their buns rather than dry bread, and milk instead of tap water to rinse it down), then it ain't gonna happen.
I also do not see the "sudden change" that cstef is on about. Apart from special offers like the 99 quid offer that I got my C5 for one and a half year ago, the C5 and the C3 have always been at the same price point, give or take a few quid.
The Russell is too much of an acquired taste to sell in big numbers, plus it's probably more expensive to make. But my guess is that, after some time, we're going to see more "entry level" configurations of the Russell (i.e. with an affordable strap).
When I first came across the C5, I did some supernatural Excel calculations, and wondered how Chris could ever make money on that watch selling at a list price of 159 pounds. He then told me what his profit margin on the C5 was, and while I was amazed at how high it was (actually I was amazed that he did make money on it at all!), I also thought that this margin was, from a business point of view, too low. Apparently, he did listen - he raised the price to 160 pound.
But I am still sure that I make more money than he does. I hope his margin on watches like the Peregrine and the Russell is better than it is on the Malvern, or else he won't be in business 5 years from now.
Come on, guys... give the guy a break. He's providing us with excellent watches at a fair price. I don't think there is any ground whatsoever to say that his products are too expensive.
If you can get an Antea Creme STOWA, go ahead and get that one too.
Just my €0.02
peter
Man with one watch, always know time. Man with many watches, never sure.
(unidentified Chinese philosopher)