Questions - Chat with Co Founders - London GTG / CW Event - 31st August 2019

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Re: Questions - Chat with Co Founders - London GTG / CW Event - 31st August 2019

Post by Bahnstormer_vRS »

As mentioned in my post above, I thought I would provide, where possible, a synopsis of the answers to questions that were asked, which I will do by quoting individually the post with the question and adding the comment / answer given.

There were a number of questions asked by forum members, due to time constraints, I did not get the opportunity to ask in the Chat, but did get answers for afterwards.

Answers to follow . . . . . . .

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Re: Questions - Chat with Co Founders - London GTG / CW Event - 31st August 2019

Post by Bahnstormer_vRS »

Macdaz wrote: Sat Aug 10, 2019 4:47 pm 1. Can you give us any early clues as to what the revamp of the aviation range might entail? (Or did I dream that a revamp was on the cards?!)

2. Are there any plans for a field watch type model in the short to medium term?
1. Sorry; no answer.

2. Yup; Military Collection just released with the C65 Sandhurst Series 1 being the obvious Field Watch.

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And in short measures, life may perfect bee. - Ben Jonson (1572 – 1637)

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Re: Questions - Chat with Co Founders - London GTG / CW Event - 31st August 2019

Post by Bahnstormer_vRS »

Mikkei4 wrote: Sat Aug 10, 2019 5:35 pm Has the quantity of sales of the 40mm Trident been sufficient to support expanding the range and colours of what Tridents will be produced in 40mm?

Will there be another version of the Trident Elite in a different colour-way and will an accompanying titanium bracelet be available?
McDaWisel wrote: Sat Aug 10, 2019 7:12 pm - Customer service has confirmed that there will be a titanium bracelet that fits the Trident mk3 Elite - I am therefore assuming that there are plans for more titanium models. Can you share any details? Any plans for a GMT?

- can you also confirm when the titanium bracelet will be released?

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40mm Trident? - Yes, range will be expanded with Blue version due in October '19. the 40mm Black / Black Trident Mk3 has been the best seller of the Mk3 range to date.

Trident Elite / Titanium? - Launch is planned for two further Elite Series watches in early 2020, along with (at that time) the availability of a Titanium Trident Mk3 bracelet.

Guy
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Re: Questions - Chat with Co Founders - London GTG / CW Event - 31st August 2019

Post by Bahnstormer_vRS »

welshlad wrote: Mon Aug 12, 2019 8:49 pm What have been the most successful specific models from the C60 Mk3 launch so far? Were there any surprises there?
The popularity of the GMT has been surprising, with sales well up on the MkII version, but the most successful model was the Elite 1000 which sold out within three weeks, well ahead of expectation.

Guy
In small proportions, we just beautie see:
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Re: Questions - Chat with Co Founders - London GTG / CW Event - 31st August 2019

Post by Bahnstormer_vRS »

STodd wrote: Sat Aug 10, 2019 6:06 pm Any chance of bringing the Makaira back..?

Other ranges evolved, but it just vanished...


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No!

Although clearly loved by those who own them, the C11 Makaira has probably been the worst selling CW watch to date. It will not return.

However, Adrian Buckmann, Chief Designer, confirmed that with the assistance of a new member to the design team, Will (William), Cushion Case diver watches are being considered (they are a particular favourite of Will).

Guy
In small proportions, we just beautie see:
And in short measures, life may perfect bee. - Ben Jonson (1572 – 1637)

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Re: Questions - Chat with Co Founders - London GTG / CW Event - 31st August 2019

Post by Bahnstormer_vRS »

what-time-is-it wrote: Sat Aug 10, 2019 11:24 pm Has the 60 month guarantee policy changed? Please clarify whether automatic watches now need a service history in the first 4 years of ownership to qualify for the final year.
StrapMeister wrote: Sun Aug 11, 2019 3:16 pm Why the change from a 60 month warranty to 48 months?
In broad terms these questions were asked by @golfjunky who was present at the GTG.

The 60 month guarantee has not changed and CW's recommendation for service has always for it to be done at 3 to 4 years point. CW have merely tightened up the wording within their current Owners handbooks.

Discussion rolled onto Omega having 7 year service intervals. Mike France explained that this is possible on their Co-Axial movements due to reduced wear inherent in the Co-Axial design.

Guy
In small proportions, we just beautie see:
And in short measures, life may perfect bee. - Ben Jonson (1572 – 1637)

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Re: Questions - Chat with Co Founders - London GTG / CW Event - 31st August 2019

Post by Bahnstormer_vRS »

TigerChris wrote: Mon Aug 12, 2019 11:06 am
Also, same question as usual from me; any updates on the 'Aqua Terra Competitor', maybe based on the new C60 40mm case?
An ongoing project which is now being worked on in the design stage (no commitment to produce), in a format that is an evolution of the original C65 Trident Classic. 40/41mm case is of course now available.

Guy
In small proportions, we just beautie see:
And in short measures, life may perfect bee. - Ben Jonson (1572 – 1637)

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Re: Questions - Chat with Co Founders - London GTG / CW Event - 31st August 2019

Post by Bahnstormer_vRS »

Thegreyman wrote: Mon Aug 12, 2019 2:46 pm How does the management team see the new capital injection from BGF being invested in the business in the short to medium term e.g. strengthening the CS/QC functions, accelerating development of new models, opening physical presence in other parts of the world.
welshlad wrote: Mon Aug 12, 2019 8:49 pm ^^ +1. Great question, Patrick.
Capital from the Business Growth Fund (BGF) will be used for general investment in all areas.

One such area is marketing for the USA. Current spend is £5,000 pa and USA accounts for 27% of CW's Worldwide sales. CW are attending the Wind Up Watch Fair in New York at the end of October.

There will be a new website in March 2020.

Guy
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And in short measures, life may perfect bee. - Ben Jonson (1572 – 1637)

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Re: Questions - Chat with Co Founders - London GTG / CW Event - 31st August 2019

Post by Bahnstormer_vRS »

jtc wrote: Sat Aug 10, 2019 7:13 pm How are you tracking customer satisfaction and do you believe you've fixed all the problems with customer service?
StrapMeister wrote: Sun Aug 11, 2019 3:16 pm What exactly are the new CS processes that have been put into place?

Are CS staffing levels going to increase to cope with the increase in demand from both buyers and returns?
Mike France told us that he is now dealing personally with all CS related matters. Trust Pilot is a powerful feedback tool. As yet, all problems have yet to be fixed and improvements are a work in progress.

MF explained to me after the main chat that Customer Service has recently been divided into two divisions, each with a CS Manager (reporting to MF).

Inbound - as the name suggests deals with all inbound enquiries and requests for the likes on information, place an order, request service / returns pack etc.

Logistics - deals with all 'behind the scenes' work. Processing of returns, warranty, service etc.

CW have a new phone system due to be installed in the next few weeks, which should improve their capability to deal with and respond to phone call.

CS staffing levels will be increased.

CW are recruiting, not only for CS staff but also for an experienced watchmaker to work in Maidenhead;- CW Careers

Guy
In small proportions, we just beautie see:
And in short measures, life may perfect bee. - Ben Jonson (1572 – 1637)

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Re: Questions - Chat with Co Founders - London GTG / CW Event - 31st August 2019

Post by Bahnstormer_vRS »

Eat My Goal wrote: Mon Aug 12, 2019 12:24 pm Any chance of the C60 Trident 316L LE Orange falling into the nearly new, or discounted bucket?
Maybe. CW never really know what watches might be returned to them and in what circumstances, that they then are able to offer for sale.

Guy
In small proportions, we just beautie see:
And in short measures, life may perfect bee. - Ben Jonson (1572 – 1637)

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Re: Questions - Chat with Co Founders - London GTG / CW Event - 31st August 2019

Post by Bahnstormer_vRS »

welshlad wrote: Mon Aug 12, 2019 8:49 pm What dual-colour GMT bezel plans do you have coming up for the C60 and C65?

Are your 2020 "year of the chronograph" plans going to be based on quartz, Valjoux 7750, SH21 or something else? Or some combination of these?
Black / Blue 'Batman' bezel is being worked on (no commitment to produce, yet). Initial samples didn't have the right shade of blue.

Future Chronographs will not be quartz. Valjoux 7750 is likely, plus other similar movements. SH21 chrono unlikely (see later post).

Guy
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Re: Questions - Chat with Co Founders - London GTG / CW Event - 31st August 2019

Post by Bahnstormer_vRS »

what-time-is-it wrote: Mon Aug 12, 2019 9:05 pm Does quartz still have a future? All recent releases have been auto only models.
Worldwide sales of quartz powered watches have been in decline for some years and currently account for <10% of CW sales.

CW's long term goal is to be 100% mechanical movements.


A related question came from a member of the audience who asked about SmartWatches / wearable Tech. CW have no plans to enter the Smart watch arena. These are seen as throwaway items and CW's philosophy is to offer a product that has long term ownership potential.

Guy
In small proportions, we just beautie see:
And in short measures, life may perfect bee. - Ben Jonson (1572 – 1637)

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Re: Questions - Chat with Co Founders - London GTG / CW Event - 31st August 2019

Post by Bahnstormer_vRS »

Squalus wrote: Tue Aug 13, 2019 4:10 am The C60 is quite a versatile watch. It can be worn in a causal setting as well as for formal events. I've read that it is referred to as a dress diver. The C8, on the other hand, comes across as strictly causal.

Has CWL considered designing a C8 dress aviator? Something that could be worn for most (or perhaps all) occasions.
C65 Cranwell perhaps? A bit dressier than the current crop of C8s.

Guy
In small proportions, we just beautie see:
And in short measures, life may perfect bee. - Ben Jonson (1572 – 1637)

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Re: Questions - Chat with Co Founders - London GTG / CW Event - 31st August 2019

Post by Bahnstormer_vRS »

Squalus wrote: Tue Aug 13, 2019 6:04 pm Is CWL considering incorporating the blue PVD finish on a new open production or LE watch?

Are they considering any other PVD colours?
Not currently, but not beyond the realms of possibility for the future.

Guy
In small proportions, we just beautie see:
And in short measures, life may perfect bee. - Ben Jonson (1572 – 1637)

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Re: Questions - Chat with Co Founders - London GTG / CW Event - 31st August 2019

Post by Bahnstormer_vRS »

ScofieldReturns wrote: Wed Aug 14, 2019 5:39 am will the white dial/black bezel trident be made in 38mm? will there be a GMT version?
Possibly but more likely the White dial / Black bezel will be available in 40mm.

40mm GMT, various colourways, will be introduced across the range.

Guy
In small proportions, we just beautie see:
And in short measures, life may perfect bee. - Ben Jonson (1572 – 1637)

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