There has been a lot of talk about the difficult times the Swiss watch industry is in, but SIHH 2017 proved that there is still room for some innovation and passion in the industry. So let’s begin this roundup with a recap of some of our favorite new watches from the show.
Next, we turn our attention to the industry by asking Fabienne Lupo, the Chairwoman and Managing Director of the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, about the state of the watch industry. Following that, we examine how watch prices have increased over the years, and seek to answer the parlor-game question: are watch prices really too high?
Finally, we end things with a focus on Seiko, specifically their amazing new Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36000 GMT SBGJ021 watch. That’s not all, we also take a behind-the-scenes look at their workshop and learn more about their philosophy and approach to watchmaking.
1. Top 11 Watches Of SIHH 2017 & An Industry Holding On Tight
SIHH 2017 is over and despite the generally pessimistic economic outlook coming out of 2016, it is mostly business as usual for many brands. There has been an increased emphasis on value and entry-level pieces, but at the same time, high-end brands are still pursuing the ultra-rich with ultra-complicated and exclusive pieces. Join us here as we share some of our favorite watches from the show as well as our thoughts on the watch industry heading into 2017.
Source: aBlogtoWatch
2. Interview: 10 Questions For FHH’s Fabienne Lupo On The State Of The Watch Industry
Shows like SIHH are fascinating for a number of reasons. Obviously, checking out the latest watches is the most exciting, but also equally important and interesting is meeting some of the key people in the industry. Fabienne Lupo is the Chairwoman and Managing Director of the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, the body that organizes SIHH, and we thought it would be good to hear what she has to say about the current state of the watch industry.
Source: aBlogtoWatch
3. Montblanc TimeWalker Chronograph 1000 Limited Edition 18 Watch Hands-On
Montblanc updated its TimeWalker collection at SIHH this year with a wide range of pieces from simple three-handers to this beast of a chronograph that you see here, the Montblanc TimeWalker Chronograph 1000 Limited Edition 18. This chronograph is impressive mostly because it is able to time events with a precision of 1/1000th of a second. As you would expect, there is a lot of magic going on under the dial, but what’s even more impressive to me is how easy it is to use and read even though it measures up to 1/1000th of a second.
Source: aBlogtoWatch
4. Zelos Hammerhead Watch Review: Affordable 1,000m Diver In Bronze With Meteorite Dial
Zelos is a relatively new brand that is making waves in the indie watch scene, and with good reason – they offer some really handsome and well-designed watches. The Hammerhead is one of the newest models, and I think it is also one of the best-looking. The Zelos Hammerhead comes in a variety of case materials and dial designs, but I think the one featured here is the most attractive. It has a 44mm-wide bronze case and a black meteorite dial. Meteorite dials are relatively uncommon amongst indie watch brands so it adds to the attractiveness of this piece.
Source: aBlogtoWatch
5. Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Automatic Acciaio & Oro Rosso 42mm Watches Hands-On
The Submersible is Panerai’s modern hardcore dive watch. And for 2017, Panerai has announced two new Submersible models in a smaller, more wearable 42mm case. There is one in stainless steel and another that comes in rose gold, and they are ideal for watch lovers who are looking for a modern Panerai that is less chunky, but no less tough and functional. These two new Submersible models also come with Panerai’s updated P.9010 movement that comes with a more stable balance bridge that is secured on both sides.
Source: aBlogtoWatch
6. From A Swiss Perspective, US Watch Prices Haven’t Increased That Much
There has been a lot of talk about watch prices especially now that the market has taken such a hit in 2016. Watch prices have increased quite significantly in the past couple of years and there is a general feeling right now that some brands have priced their watches far too high. But is it really so? Yes, prices of watches are high, but it isn’t as if watch companies are reporting bumper profits. So what gives? This article takes an in-depth look at how watch prices have increased over time.
Source: aBlogtoWatch