The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Alright, time to get some opinions on this one........

For some time I have been considering a limited production run 'Roff watch' - a run of around 10 watches based on vintage Venus chronograph movements with a commissioned case and dial that I would then case up and offer.

That may still happen, but over the last little while I have been observing the success of some other boutique brands and have been considering designing my own line of watches. Production would have to be outsourced, and I would have to find an appropriate partner - I know who I wanted to work with when I was thinking 10 watches, but they aren't going to be able to support a larger production run.

I have also made some decisions for myself - it needs to be mechanical, and it needs to be my case and dial design - I'm happy to be 'inspired' by others, but I don't want to have someone look at one of my watches and say - "it looks like a.......". I also have a hard time going with a non Swiss movement, although it will need to be an unmodified movement (at least initially).

So, time for some very, very preliminary market research. I know that everyone is going to say 'yeah, go for it', but I need something a little more tangible than that, so............

I'll still be going for a LE concept - it allows me to commission a production run, but what's appropriate - 50,100, 500, 1,000???

What would be your first choice for style - aviation, diving, sport, dress, avant garde, other?????

What one feature must it have (bearing in mind a standard movement)?

Should I be targeting the + / - $500 market, or the + / - $1,500 market (anything more won't fly until I get a reputation)?

Does it have to be automatic or is manual wind OK?

Time only or chrono?

That'll do for now. If this ever becomes reality it will still be at least a few years away, but this is also a serious consideration for me, so let's get your thoughts.

I prefer Autos and would love the idea of a GMT timepiece, Something affordable and auto would be great, I would suggest a limited run at least to start as you dont know how they will sell. I like the seamaster GMT so anything looking as good as that is a winner for me, Also 40-44mm not too big not too smalll, Blue or black face.Prefer solid hands and great lume
designs like this, Not a copy but along similar lines






Oh and a little add no cyclops unless its on the inside of the glass to keep the lines smooth.

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I agree as previously stated, a nice auto diver would be nice, but it would have to be quite unique and within a reasonable price range. If the dial is not unique i don't see a lot of people going for it. I know some won't like it but i would like to see you use bold colors for the dials, that way so when other members buy the design from you, and feature it in their collection they can look at it and say ;that right there is my "ROFF." A crazy dial color will help you achieve that. Although i think for a lot of people to jump on it u should keep the watch around $500 i feel that without a reputation commanding a higher price may be difficult.

i think this is a really interesting concept and i also think it depends alot on what YOU want to do for the first watch.

its hard to sum it all up in a post it would be much easier in person.

ive spent the last little while trying to figure out what to say about this. i need more details before i can make decent comments but here kinda where im at given ive made a lot of assumptions but if you turned round and said to me the following

Mechanical manual wind, high quality (cant remeber the levels but say high qual 7750), display back, classical vintage look (understated dial, high quality case, basically simple, vintage, functional then yes that interests me

if you then said first run would be an unmodified movt, case and all other comps would be more specific to final design ie between the first version and the refined model later the case wouldnt change but if you then modified the movt decorated bridges replaced compoonents to enhance the look and functionalty of the moevement itself and then it went from a $500 to a $1500 watch but the people who bought first round could upgrade the model for a cost id also be interested in that

in short i think the idea has a lot of merit, for me to want to be involved from the start id wanna be able to have a watch that would progress as your skills and the model developed over time.

i also really like the idea of you using swiss well known movt and customising for the more complex complications that im sure you are thinking about on a very long term like a ratrrapante or min repeater

i know ive jumped from a basic watch to something imensely complex but i love the idea

I think this is an interesting idea. I agree with others that say divers style/several dial color choices/ $500-$700 to start. Not sure if LE would work for an initial production.
If you produce a lessor expensive watch as I described it may give you a good idea whether you want to continue this "project" with manual wind/higher end pieces.

Just my two cents.

Regards,

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Breitling Hercules White Dial
Breitling Super Avenger Blue Dial
Tag Grand Carrera Calibre 17 Silver Dial
Mont Blanc Timewalker Silver Dial
U-Boat Flight Deck 50MM Black Dial
Boschett Cave Dweller Black Dial
Seiko Orange Monster
Casio G-Shock

Great idea Roff!

I think a very unique/stand-out design is going to be key (since movt is unmodified, mfr/assembly is contracted out) to generate initial publicity & interest.

Also low LE is important because if I'm investing in a new watch designer, I want a chance of appreciation or at least value retention, from a limited run/supply.

So, I'd go for auto, LE of 250 (for each dial color, let's say), ~$500 for time-only or ~$750 for chrono, date as must-have feature, style is unimportant as long as design is VERY recognizably "Hey, it's a ROFF!"

The access file to this topic is coming up with a virus threat for Pilot watches........anyone else ???????????????????????????

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SUPER AVENGER 563
BLUE DIAL
SILVER SUBS
PRO 2 BRACELET
]

I have no idea what that means, sorry.



Thanks for the comments guys, I do have some early thoughts, and have some colour combinations in mind based on what I like, but this can't just be a 'Roffensian Opus' - if I do it then it needs to be a commercial venture so I have to consider more than just my taste, while retaining an overall look that I am proud of.

i still think vibrant dials is the way to go
but you have great taste i trust you, i will definitely be claiming one

I think that this could be something unique and great. I would think that if you were to start your own brand you would have to decide at the beginning if you wanted to appeal to the masses or to a specific niche of consumers. I can't wait to see what you come up with. I guess this is what you do after you have all the watches you want, you start making your own!

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Current collection: Breitling Superocean Heritage I 46, Rolex Submariner, Swatch X ****** Sistem51

I think automatic movement, small seconds subdial and display back. like previously said a case between 40-44mm or so would be optimal for me.

I think a function that most people pass over is power reserve. Maybe on a later run you could incorporate a power reserve!

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Breitling Emergency Mission-- Breitling B01--
Chronomatic 24H-- Skyland Blacksteel-- Navitimer World--
Emergency Ti-- Chronomat Evo-- Airwolf-- Skyracer Raven
Bentley GMT-- Motors Speed

I like the idea of a "vintage styling" philosophy. Seems like a lot of high-end brands (IWC, GO, etc) have had a great deal of success with going "back to their roots" but with modern dial sizes (and post-modern prices!).

Examples of things that would be interesting would be a WWII aviator's watch...not just the typical "aviator style", but one that incorporates styling aspects that were common of, specifically, WWII aviator watches. Or there are "railroad" pocket watches...these dial styles can be interpreted onto a modern wristwatch dial. Or some sort of 1930s art deco case and dial.

It's a fine line because you want to replicate design elements without just flat-out copying a specific design. But if you could manage it, I think it would be a way to leverage your knowledge of vintage timepieces. As the customer, I could wear something that looks vintage (and from a design standpoint is "authentic" to the time period) but has the advantage of being brand new and more durable. There are some mighty cool watches that have been made in the last century, but if I were to buy the vintage piece itself, I would be afraid to wear it.

Anyway, it's just a thought. It seems like the vintage strap people are making out pretty good.

///M

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There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness." --Dave Barry

Hi,

An interesting concept, its just taken me a while to sit and think, hummm design your own watch, what would I want?

You will have to be careful and keep control so its not designed by committee to try to please everyone, and while lower prices may attract the volume sales, to include many of the very valid ideas and thoughts as suggested above is going to push the price higher.

But like the LE2 design I kept out of the discussions, followed the posts and when it was finished liked what I saw and put down my name.

I would echo Mofongo, classic style with a modern twist. (what ever the heck that is)


Ian

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Navitimer World, Callistino.
Omega Speedmaster Moon, Hamilton 992B, Steinhart BS LEII #2, B&R 01-92 Heritage

That sounds like a very interesting idea Roff. And low risk since I think allot of people here would jump on the watch if it is made, even indirectely, by you. I know I would trust you to make a fine watch at a reasonable price.

Although I like the idea of going vintage, I hope you stay away from the military watches and divers. There are just a zillion of them out there! A simple dial and case with an innovative idea might be the way to go, something not too dressy or sporty would be interesting.

personally it would be a great incentive if the lug width was 24MM, as that means I can use my current straps on it. A white dial would distinguish it from the hoards of black watches out there, and some sort of quick change mechanism would be cool.

There is no one feature that I think is a must (other than time obviousely ) though a big date would be a very nice addition. manual wind or automatic is fine with me as well.

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Certified watch nut.

The reason I like the idea of manual wind is if ur gonna have a db u wanna see as much of the movt u can