Wario406 wrote: ↑Fri Sep 02, 2022 11:03 am
charger02 wrote:How disconnected from society is the author to think that a 1k+ watch is middle class? The article is fine, I suppose, heavy on the Swiss and a token nod to Japanese watchmaking. I think the author's social circle probably doesn't include a lot of blue-collar Americans.
I read it that the author was referring to the “middle tier” of watchmakers and their products/price - not the middle class economic group.
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I think you are correct. The author defines "middle class" watches as those costing between $1,500 - $3,500.
FWIW, the more I think about it, more I believe this is a nearly impossible market segment for a business to pursue. These watches are too expensive for the average person to consider "practical", yet not prestigious enough to be considered "flash" (or "flex" or whatever the latest term is). They live in that gray area of being neither practical nor luxury.
I think this segment used to be considered the "entry point into luxury watches" and was probably targeting those looking to purchase a nice watch as a college graduation watch, or as a reward for a work promotion (maybe to a mid-level management position).
Today, I think most of those folks are now more interested in Apple watches or other wearable technology (Fitbit, Garmin, etc.).
While we still have some interest in a few watches in this range (Seiko MM300, various Tudor models, etc.), I suspect we are a dying breed. I'm guessing the "average" watch buyer would rather have a smart watch or a fitness tracker than an Oris or Longines.
Heck, the most expensive Apple watch is less expensive than the cheapest Oris diver.
... a Rolex GMT-Master ref. 1675 would cost you $1,450 in 1986,
