With all of the buzz - (some informed, most not) about the Swatch group and the 30% planned reduction coming, perhaps it is time for us all to take stock. Many are crying foul, that this will single-handedly destroy the Swiss watch industry. Let's keep in mind that the Swiss watch industry is very, very different than it was 20 years ago. Many have come and gone and come again. Don't get me wrong, if the Swatch group is able to squeeze this one through, there are going to be a lot of unemployed people - but not only in Switzerland. Mr. H assures everyone that this is for the good of the industry as a whole, etc., that they are doing this to make the other companies become more self-reliant, etc.
I call bullshit.
Yes, I said it.
When we really talk about what is happening, about to happen, will happen - let's face some realities. Swatch is not in the business of doing good for others. By the way, that doesn't make them bad people. But ultimately, this has already started to transform the industry. The easy guess is that this is intended to thin out the heard - a sort of horological eugenics. Possibly true. Everyone in the mainstream is focussing primarily on movements - but think about it at an even more "granular" level - springs. Every movement manufacturer/assembler needs GOOD springs - and well, it would seem that here we have another monopoly. And it is interesting that this places Swatch in a position to play GOD on some level - of course some companies will be able to get them - and it seems that the others can (to quote my niece) - suck it.
How much is enough? How much money, how much control, how much influence - and not just over people's ability to do business, but their employees jobs, and lives? When is enough going to be enough?
I call bullshit.
Yes, I said it.
When we really talk about what is happening, about to happen, will happen - let's face some realities. Swatch is not in the business of doing good for others. By the way, that doesn't make them bad people. But ultimately, this has already started to transform the industry. The easy guess is that this is intended to thin out the heard - a sort of horological eugenics. Possibly true. Everyone in the mainstream is focussing primarily on movements - but think about it at an even more "granular" level - springs. Every movement manufacturer/assembler needs GOOD springs - and well, it would seem that here we have another monopoly. And it is interesting that this places Swatch in a position to play GOD on some level - of course some companies will be able to get them - and it seems that the others can (to quote my niece) - suck it.
How much is enough? How much money, how much control, how much influence - and not just over people's ability to do business, but their employees jobs, and lives? When is enough going to be enough?
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