It is clearly a time of uncertainty. In fairness? The uncertainty in Watch Town is the least of the world's problems, but with that said...
Availability -
As Brendan Cunningham pointed out in his most recent post at Horolonomics, things are looking like they are not getting better any time soon -
On the production side, this has an immediate impact on brand's ability to manufacture and deliver watches in a timely manner. Now some might immediately say that this means a renewed interest (and price increase) on the pre-owned market. Sorry to be a naysayer, but - Nay! The uncertainty that the world is feeling right now is at such a level that pretty much everyone is hanging onto their money.
Politics -
We are undoubtably at one of those rare turning points in global history. Sorry to be so dark and gloomy when watches are supposed to bring us joy. Here in the US, it has been something curious to watch. During Trump I, a lot of well-respected retailers and distributors lost a lot of business due to publicly aired political opinions.
You'd hear stories about the brand employee or manager being frogmarched out of the BaselWorld halls owing to a bit too much alcohol and an ill-advised comment or comments within earshot.
Moreover, lifelong business friendships disintegrated overnight during Trump I and the COVID pandemic that overlapped Trump I and Biden. People who would look forward to meeting and talking would first trade barbs, then actively avoid each other. Several privately owned retail outlets on both sides of the political divide paid a heavy price. And that's to say nothing about the retailers who put their faith in selling Russian made / marketed watches.
Think I'm full of it? I know more than a few TESLA owners who are regretting their purchases.
Economic Reality -
I can only offer accurate commentary on things here in the US. I am (currently) the Executive Director of the MassHire Career Center in the Merrimack Valley (Lawrence, MA). Our primary function at the Career Center is to help people either get jobs, or enroll in training and / or education that will help people get into/back into work. Let's just say that we are feeling anxious ourselves. So when the people who are there to help you when you need help, are potentially in need of the same help? Let's just say that the safety net is starting to unravel. And this is something that is being felt across all industries, whether they are private, public, non-profit, governmental. The uncertainty is not being "selective".
So I don't think anyone sees a quick resolution. We're all going to have to wait and see.
And most importantly?
We ALL need to listen to the voices of our better angels. Now more than ever.
No comments:
Post a Comment