What Happens Next...

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 -

Horolonomics.com

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.

2022 - Electric Boogaloo

Inhorgenta Munich has been postponed until April.

Here's the scoop, straight from the source -

PRESS RELEASE

INHORGENTA MUNICH postponed to April

January 11, 2022

• New date: April 8 to 11, 2022
• Reliable alternative for the industry network

INHORGENTA MUNICH, which was scheduled for February 11 to 14, 2022, will be postponed. Europe's leading platform for jewelry, watches and gemstones will be held from April 8 to 11, 2022, at Messe München’s exhibition grounds.

“We had many discussions with our exhibitors before making this decision. And we want to ensure more clarity for them, as well as for visitors,” explains Klaus Dittrich, Chairman and CEO of Messe München. “Our customers and partners are still very interested in the trade show, the industry network wants to meet. With this new date, we provide a more reliable alternative for this.”

The decision was mainly driven by a number of travel restrictions. At the same time, Messe München has repeatedly demonstrated that—thanks to a sophisticated protection and hygiene concept—trade fairs can also be successfully held under pandemic conditions: particularly impressive was IAA MOBILITY, a major international event with 400,000 participants, in fall 2021 and most recent example is TrendSet, which was held in January. “Our main concern is to create the best conditions for our customers for successful networking, for inspiration and for business success—and with the new date we are doing just that,” explains Elena Jasper, Exhibition Director INHORGENTA.

In Praise of the Mondaine Stop2Go

I love my Mondaine Stop2Go.  I don't claim to know or understand what is currently motivating Mondaine's approach here in the US, but having spent enough time in Switzerland I can say that I find 

it a reassuring quantity there. The Stop2Go is based on the same motion as the Swiss Rail clocks and (if I am not mistaken) in the lobby of certain portions of Boston Logan airport. The second hand sweeps around the face of the clock, pausing or "stopping" at 12:00 o'clock before the minute hand advances.

With the purchase/acquisition of Luminox, Mondaine seemed to lose its luster to the owners. Apologies to one and all if that seems unfair, I can only go by what I saw at the last BaselWorld I attended (LOTs of Luminox, and about zero Mondaine). 

The other thing I've noticed is a decided de-emphasis on the Stop2Go. And in some ways I get it. Compared to the other pieces in the collection, they are not inexpensive. And as I have to remind myself, I am not the only consumer out there, Mondaine makes watches for A LOT of people, not just me ; )

Now again, for those of you unfamiliar, the Stop2Go gets its name form the pause of the second hand just prior to the minute advancing. In essence, it stops. The minute hand then advances and the second hand resumes its sweep around the dial.

My particular Stop2Go is the Gottardo 2016, with a green bezel derived from the door of a train, as they were painted green back in the day.

http://www.tempusfugit.watch/2016/06/the-sbb-gottardo2016-stop2go.html

I managed to pick mine up in 2018 - and it was NOT EASY!

COVID has changed a lot for all of us.  For the second year in a row, I find myself in my New England home rather than riding the rails across the cantons in to visit dear friends and search out new stories.  Let's hope that our collective "STOP" is nearly over, and we can all "GO" in the not too distant future. You will know me when you see me - I'll be the Northern Youth standing in the station, coffee in one hand, camera in the other. I hope to see you all there soon.