I Know You Are, But What Am I? The Cubitus

Yes, this is about watches, but...

Shamelessly Borrowed from the World-Wide Infoweb

Stern, The Younger, has weighed in on the value of feedback. Living north of Boston, I am painfully aware of the mantra of New England Patriot's fans - "They hate us 'cause they ain't us!" I can honestly say I am not a fan of the Patriots because former coach Bill Belichick truly underscored what a lack of good sportsmanship looks like, and underscored that while everyone might "love a winner", it is not exactly a good look when trying to teach young (and not so young) people the value of being a gracious competitor. My neighbors say he's just very competitive. I need only look at the divide that exists in the Lower 48 today to see the trouble with that philosophy.

But back to watches -

Courtesy of Patek Philippe

With this launch, there was no shortage of feedback about it's looks, price, reason for being... Patek Philippe took a swing at the fences.

And Mr. Stern, well, let's just say he did not give the impression that feedback other than praise was worth considering. Per Watch Pro's coverage -

Responding to that criticism in an interview with Swiss newspaper Bilanz, Mr Stern shrugs: “I’m used to it, it doesn’t bother me. We all always get attacked when we launch something new.”

He dismisses the keyboard warriors on social media as “Haters,” and “People who have never had a Patek and never will.”

“What counts for me is the result,” he continues. “And I’m confident about the Cubitus because I have a good nose and a lot of professionals around me who tell me that it will work.”

Unlike a former owner, now employee of a large watch media outlet, I was not one of the two or three North American journalists air lifted out to Germany for the launch and face time with Mr. Stern. With that said, I have eyes and I have ears. The feedback I have heard from several current Patek owners, one of whom paid full-pop in a boutique, is not exactly full of warm and fuzzy praise for this design (and price) move. And regarding the visual aesthetic, I can honestly say that looking at it is jarring - and not in the avant garde sort of way that challenges my perceptions. I just simply don't like it.

Now in fairness to Mr. Stern's assertion - I have never really owned a Patek Philippe, and I won't be taking care of one for the next generation as I will be the last in the Henki line. With that said, may I make a suggestion that no doubt will be honestly considered (sorry, a little sarcasm to lighten the leaden election day hangover mood)?

It is never, ever wise to make too many assumptions about your customers.