I always thought the 11k EW reissue would spark some interesting debate.
I’m mixed on what to think. I love the fact omega did this for the enthusiast. There would be no other logical reason to ramp up a production line of a fairly complex movement to assemble in terms of parts, investment in parts building, tooling and skill.
As I understand it Breguet are providing the stream or movements and yes there will be some margin in this but it’s hardly a hugely profitable move for omega.
Then you see that this is one alpha hand, 3 shades of off white and a bracelet away from a 3.5k FOIS
however, when you talk about steel chronographs and look at AP and even Rolex, what you get with the 321 movement and the finishing they’ve done is pretty special. Especially when you generally know AP sell steel chronographs purely on the finishing at the price they do.
still trying to figure out where I sit but I do love it.
And I’m a physicist and can give you real world examples from my work, kinda how I know. Equally I’m an investor in a lot of industry.
My next question! If you get buyers remorse after purchase and have to sell it on what is likely to happen - lose money, make money or break even?
Its a strange world now with CV hitting markets, before you would have almost guaranteed your cash back+ but now who knows?
I Icnbnewho knows, the watch market is one that is as unpredictable as the stock market nowdays lol
my opinion is as to whether omega sticks to its ‘1000-2000’ units a year. If they suddenly decide add double the amount of watchmakers for the 321 movement, im guessing the value will tank accordingly. I wouldnt put it past omega to do this either if sales/deposits/interest exceed expectations.
I Icnbnewho knows, the watch market is one that is as unpredictable as the stock market nowdays lol
my opinion is as to whether omega sticks to its ‘1000-2000’ units a year. If they suddenly decide add double the amount of watchmakers for the 321 movement, im guessing the value will tank accordingly. I wouldnt put it past omega to do this either if sales/deposits/interest exceed expectations.
Agree that it is not predictable. From an Omega perspective however I assume that the best outcome would be a 2nd-hand price surge as seen with the Daytona (i.e. virtually unobtainable and offered for > MSRP from resellers). As such the 321 would become a halo piece that would allow to raise price on the normal Speedmaster Professional when they introduce the 3861 as next gen.
According to this logic they should be really careful not to flood the market at any time soon.
Adding another thought: vis-à-vis the limited edition approach, where supply is fixed, here they control the supply-side. So they can also steer the market price of the watch.
Its the 321 hype that Omega is backing to get this big RRP, for me though the original 321 is just that THE original.
Omega can will get buyers all misty eyed over Cernan's movement was the template, one dedicated watch builder etc, but modern machining, materials make it a copy in my eyes and it will never hold the aura of the original.
The original was part of human space exploration history and was tested for that use, as I said before this new 321 is lovely but a show pony only.
I IcnbneNot sure how that relates to the discussion
We're talking values based on the 321 and Omega is cashing in on the original, I just put forward that the original demands the hype/price for what it was involved in while the new version is just a cash cow/show pony for Omega, that sounds harsh as it is a beautiful watch but never the less its a remake.
I IcnbneOh understand what youre saying.
However, whether it be an original or a remake and our opinions on it, hype is dependent on supply and demand.
Simply put, if there is indeed a 1-2 year wait and that continues for the next 5-10 years, hype will build and secondary prices will likely rise beyond that of the rrp.
regarding your comments on it being a show pony, what do you think the daytona/royal oak/natuilus are?
Just a thought.....
How much would a Snoopy be worth with a 321 movement 😗
Or do we have to wait to the 5th of October to find out 😉
Well, in the video review of this watch, RJ says this:
"Although I can understand the retail price of 13,300 Euro, especially compared to other watches from other brands with similar manufacturing steps, it is a lot of money."
So even he admits that the price, even with this method of assembly, is high.
As for it being about profits, if it wasn't about profits, the CEO should be in big trouble. They have a duty to shareholders to increase shareholder value, and you don't do that with unprofitable pet projects. I know there is a tendency to think that watch companies (because we are enamoured with their products) are somehow different and operate under different principles than other corporations, but they don't. You mentioned previously you were an investor in manufacturing companies as well, so I'm sure you understand that making money is a primary driver. Without that, the company doesn't survive.
