So, as I write this I am reminded how many times I start off a post with "so". I suspect that it is designed to try and welcome readers in. To try and diffuse any possible tension.
So…. it sort of eases you in. And I am guilty of perhaps trying to play both sides. Working hard not to really speak plainly, afraid to upset the hierarchy.
So, while it is all fine and good to Stir up "passive" controversy while still praising the industry, today is when that changes. PERIOD. And honestly, how on earth can you trust me if I'm not willing to get spit on by the PR person from Breguet USA and not share it?
So here today I am stating clearly, there will be no more "softening". If a watch sucks and if it is one I have contact with/reason to comment on, you will hear from me. But more importantly, I don't live in a vacuum - and I hope that you don't either. So for better or worse, you will get a taste of my personal views.
For whatever reason, I feel like tonight is a good time to clear the decks and set the table for what Tempus Fugit will be in the future.
So let's talk about what is wrong with the watch industry. Big, huge conglomerates telling you what you should want. Small (seemingly) plucky independent watch makers giving you "real value" in the face of MASSIVE industrialization!
I'm calling BULLSHIT!
Brands telling you that they are offering you a SWISS MADE watch for $250 retail… that watch is no more made in Switzerland than is Seiko. And the main difference is that Seiko CAN deliver that watch without fibbing about provenance.
So when I get yet another press release about the AMAZING (insert faux Swiss name here) line of watches offering such AMAZING value… I say
So…. it sort of eases you in. And I am guilty of perhaps trying to play both sides. Working hard not to really speak plainly, afraid to upset the hierarchy.
So, while it is all fine and good to Stir up "passive" controversy while still praising the industry, today is when that changes. PERIOD. And honestly, how on earth can you trust me if I'm not willing to get spit on by the PR person from Breguet USA and not share it?
So here today I am stating clearly, there will be no more "softening". If a watch sucks and if it is one I have contact with/reason to comment on, you will hear from me. But more importantly, I don't live in a vacuum - and I hope that you don't either. So for better or worse, you will get a taste of my personal views.
For whatever reason, I feel like tonight is a good time to clear the decks and set the table for what Tempus Fugit will be in the future.
So let's talk about what is wrong with the watch industry. Big, huge conglomerates telling you what you should want. Small (seemingly) plucky independent watch makers giving you "real value" in the face of MASSIVE industrialization!
I'm calling BULLSHIT!
Brands telling you that they are offering you a SWISS MADE watch for $250 retail… that watch is no more made in Switzerland than is Seiko. And the main difference is that Seiko CAN deliver that watch without fibbing about provenance.
So when I get yet another press release about the AMAZING (insert faux Swiss name here) line of watches offering such AMAZING value… I say
"ni men hao"!
And in all fairness, that's fine, but don't try to pump me with this horse shit that your watches are SWISS. When a sausage with a roll and mustard costs about 10 - 12 Swiss Francs I have a hard time believing that your watches are sold to your distributors for $85 - $100, so that they can afford to sell it to the retail partner for $125? What are your "SWISS" employees eating? How are they able to afford to pay their rent?
"Made" in Switzerland?
My Ass.
Sold "through" Switzerland - maybe.
Think I'm being too harsh - fine, you can pay my BaselWorld hotel bill and buy my meals. It's EXPENSIVE!
It goes without saying, people will always find a way to f*&ck people out their money based on false promises. But what is fascinating about the SWISS watch industry? Nobody is willing to call a liar a liar.
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