Moana43 wrote:
Chronomat01LE wrote:
I was a little shocked that he released so many variations of the new Chronomat. This is the first time that I come across the company releasing the regular versions(which is already a lot) and LE at the same time. I cannot imagine if I start seeing plenty of them in boutiques and ADs a few mths later.
I've seen this view expressed a few times here, but, I must admit, I have a very different reaction.
In the Schneider era, there used to be many, many versions of the Chronomat. I will admit that I enjoyed visiting the Breitling website and playing with the function that allowed you to mix and match different case materials, dials and straps. It was a blast!
Even though I knew that a new rollout of the Chronomat was coming at some point, it was frustrating to go to the recent website and only see a couple of different options for this model. So, I, for one, am very glad to see the variety of Chronomats that has been introduced in one fell swoop. Honestly, I think the particular choices made as to the dials are really solid. To me, it's a "right-sized" release -- just enough different models to give consumers some great choices.
I don't believe that offering a variety of versions of a particular model inevitably results in flooding the gray market and undercutting the value of the brand. Anyone check out how many versions of the Daytona are available these days?
Regardless of how one may have felt about the offerings of the Schneider era, one of the things I really liked about that period was the spirit of creativity and the willingness to take chances -- even though certain approaches may have backfired at times. Similarly, regardless of how one may feel about the offerings of the Kern era, the recent releases -- complete with Rainbow SOH -- reflect a similar dynamic in my view. For me, that's what has always attracted me to Breitling, and what has set it off from other brands. There will continue to be hits and misses, of course -- but, I welcome what I'm seeing these days.
Agree with you on a few things. When the Chronomat 01 was launched, they launched many versions and options, and allowed customers to choose their dream combo. So you don't often see the exact same model and combo on other wrists as compared to yours, which at the same time also portray the versatility side of the model. However every advantage will have its downsides, which the company is supposed to forsee and counter that. It was a pity that the company could have adopted better strategies to adorn the image of this model. After all, being the first in-house model, it is such an important model that they could have done much better, as compared to just flooding the market with huge quantities and degrading its value. You are right that the Daytona has plenty of versions. However notice that in every model line, including the Daytona, Rolex would have at least one version that is highly desirable, and they know how to do that. Also notice that they rarely launch many variations at one go. I guess doing well in horology business is more than just designing good looking watches, but more importantly what they do to enhance the prestige of a model, that also affects the overall image of the brand as well.
I used to disregard resale value and feel that it's foolish to buy a watch because of it, because one can always buy a pre-owned at the right price, and flip for a profit anytime, regardless of the brand, if resale is ever a concern. I never buy a watch with the intention to sell. However it is always welcoming to know what you are wearing on yr wrist is increasing in value and desirable. After all it is not a few hundred dollars toy, but thousands of dollars, which in my opinion, is classified as an asset in my eyes. Breitling watches has always been one of the value for money out there, or rather undervalued IMO. IMHO it was due to improper marketing and business strategy that their resale had been low.
From the original Breitling family, to Schenider, to George Kerns era, despite many criticisms of certain models and their designs(especially Teddy Schneider era), my opinion is that it was never about aesthetics issue. Aesthetics expectations are very personal, and I believe that every watch designer would have what it takes, that was why they were chosen and employed by the company. All the comments about "design errors", are purely subjective, because of our different expectations. IMO designing a good luxury watch takes more than just making a luxury watch look nice, but more of the significance behind every detail of a luxury watch, that a layman will not know, not even watch bloggers or enthusiast, because we are simply not trained professionally in these areas. That is what makes a luxury watch, a luxury watch. However it is how the company carries these "encrypted" designs and brings them across to consumers. I agree one area that Breitling has been distinguishing itself from its peers is its creativity and willingness to take bold steps, but some "backfired" not because of design IMO, but it was lack of good business strategy and action. Where this is concerned, on a positive note, I believe GK will at least do better.
Being negative once again(so sorry), not sure if I am the only one feeling this way, I have not been able to understand many Breitling advertisements, like the current ones. They show a few celebrities chatting with one another, can't even see what they are wearing on their wrists. The message behind the advertisements is not clear. I miss the Breitling Jet Team, although I know it cost the company quite a sum. Tried wingwalking in UK with their ex-pilot and wingwalker a few mths back. Was honored to have met them and they too felt a pity that the company have stopped the sponsorship program.