Like any crisis, COVID-19 has laid bare a lot of realities that were probably always there, but that could continue on until external events made it impossible for them to remain unacknowledged.
Here's the thing, you don't tug on Superman's cape. It was pretty foolhardy of the BaselWorld organizers to assume that they could try to give Rolex and Patek an "Atomic Wedgie" -
Now I cannot claim to know or understand every thought process or motivation that runs through the storied hallways of Big Green in Geneva. I respect my place in the hierarchy ; )
But what I can say is this - while Rolex, Tudor, Patek and Chanel had every right to pick up their tents and move them south, let's not misconstrue that as a blow for the Proletariat of Watch Town. The "letter of secession" makes it pretty clear that these four brands made their decision based on what would work for them. Several other not-so-fancy brands may not be invited to join the party.
And ladies and gentlemen, train your eyes to the center ring here in the Big Top!:
BaselWorld was clearly living in a different reality than a lot of the larger brands that were willing to continue to pay the price to be there. And truthfully? These are some of the real victims in this three-ring shit-show. If you are a Richemont brand? You are safe, Watches and Wonders has you covered. If you are viewed "luxurious and exclusive enough"? Not a problem, FHH will certainly deem you worthy and you can join them. But what about some of those other big, notable, and dare I say it - POPULAR brands that actually sell a LOT of watches? Where do they get to go?
You get the idea.
Now I still like my personal crack-pot theory that Hayek the Younger has been sitting back in his stronghold in the Biel/Bienne hinterlands, biding his time and waiting to come back to BaselWorld. But then again, I have frequently been guilty of the Dunning-Kruger Effect ; )
George Orwell Animal Farm |
Courtesy of the Simpsons |
But what I can say is this - while Rolex, Tudor, Patek and Chanel had every right to pick up their tents and move them south, let's not misconstrue that as a blow for the Proletariat of Watch Town. The "letter of secession" makes it pretty clear that these four brands made their decision based on what would work for them. Several other not-so-fancy brands may not be invited to join the party.
And ladies and gentlemen, train your eyes to the center ring here in the Big Top!:
BaselWorld was clearly living in a different reality than a lot of the larger brands that were willing to continue to pay the price to be there. And truthfully? These are some of the real victims in this three-ring shit-show. If you are a Richemont brand? You are safe, Watches and Wonders has you covered. If you are viewed "luxurious and exclusive enough"? Not a problem, FHH will certainly deem you worthy and you can join them. But what about some of those other big, notable, and dare I say it - POPULAR brands that actually sell a LOT of watches? Where do they get to go?
You get the idea.
Now I still like my personal crack-pot theory that Hayek the Younger has been sitting back in his stronghold in the Biel/Bienne hinterlands, biding his time and waiting to come back to BaselWorld. But then again, I have frequently been guilty of the Dunning-Kruger Effect ; )
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