An important message

I started Tempus Fugit nearly a year and a half ago.  At that time, it was really a struggle to try and get information, press releases, etc.  A funny thing happened during that time.  I actually got to know some really great people at nearly every corner of the watch world.

This was really brought home to me when I travelled to Switzerland for BaselWorld this past year.  One thing became very, very clear to me.  The size, scope,  perceived value of a watch brand often times has NO bearing on the people working for them.  From the biggest, to the smallest I was genuinely impressed by most of the folks that I met.  To this end, I will cover these organizations because I believe in the PEOPLE behind them.  To be fair, there were some other organizations that, to quote an old university friend, were "all talk and no rock" - that is to say I spent hours listening to how great their brand was, but was informed that "Americans (I can only assume that they didn't know where I was from) were too unsophisticated",  that we just didn't get them, etc.  

This is not unlike a few exchanges with two very large, very famous companies from one of the big luxury groups recently.  Not unlike the famous TV personality who expects not to have to pay for anything, they wanted unlimited coverage.  One refused to do an interview " our CEO is too busy, he doesn't do interviews" - only to see three blog/ forum published interviews with this very "busy" CEO appear over the next two weeks.  Those two companies will not be covered here for now although they have asked to be.  And yes, they know this.

So - let me put it out there for everyone -

I am very, very happy to cover watches from anywhere, at any price point, etc.  But you, the watch company, have to live up to your end of the bargain.  Treat your customers, the press and your partners with respect.  Yes you are selling watches - but you are also in the relationship business.