Hey, They say variety is the spice of life. Well, it’s true to a point, but when it comes to timepieces it’s completely overrated bullshit! In the last five to ten years, it seems that even frigging underwear companies want to be watch makers. Maybe I am exaggerating a little, but it’s got way out of control. I hate to take food away from anyone’s mouth, but let’s be honest people, one thing this down economy will inevitably and finally do, is filter all the mickey mouse joke companies that claim or profess that they are serious watchmakers. The biggest issue that we are facing in the industry today are the independents. There really are some outstanding quality timepieces produced by the most exclusive artists, such as F.P Journe, Richard Mille or Vianney Halter. However, they are way too expensive and there is no heritage to legitimize who they are, and sadly enough, they just become another painting on the wall that most people can never afford.
The other issue is that because these independents make their own tools and parts, who the hell is going to service these timepieces once they are gone? To run as an independent today, there needs to be a lot of money backing them, and the reality is that this is few and far between. So as a result, there are no true independents because either they go under because of lack of funds, or they get swallowed up by a much bigger luxury group for a song. The other thing is, that it confuses the consumer to have too many choices. I know the whole deal with watches is they are statements of one’s individuality, but come on people if it ain’t done right, well let’s just say it can be like a bottle of cheese wiz that exploded in the microwave, dirty,sticky and who wants to touch it? The end consumer today wants to be informed, but at the same time have their personality in tact. Trust me people, variety in the watch industry has become massively cliche. I have collected enough watches to know that you can try them all, but it becomes an expensive lesson to realize, that you should stick with the staple brands that have had a voice for hundreds of years because of their history, exclusivity and now investment potential.
Please don’t be fooled so easily. If your lucky a brand like Panerai comes very rarely. I have so many clients that ask me about a million different brands and to be honest, I can’t keep a track of them all. Like music today there are so many imitators, and the true visionaries are in a different league trying to survive one day to the next. How cool would it be, to buy that true piece of craftsmanship and not have to read about it or talk about it because it is out of your league. So, I say to all of you out there, first do your research and find out the dirty truth about variety, before you put yourself in debt for something that you love.
JOHNNY FLYBACK 