I didn’t say their goal isn’t to sell watches, I said their goal isn’t to sell the maximum number of these hype O+S collaboration watches
Nike’s hype shoes also aren’t “limited edition” but are purposefully made in very limited numbers such that by design only a fraction of people who want them actually get them (at MSRP)
it’s basically Modern Apparel Marketing 101
Speedy lovers: compliments like this coming your way soon 😉
I am curious what the source of your information on the inner workings of Swatch Group might be.
Just been watching youtube and all the buzz about the "Omega X Swatch Speedmaster". Cute watch, but maybe not an Omega??
Only how Swatch has operated for 40 years. They have a six month schedule, new watch designs twice a year. They don't keep watches around. Since this is a unique case design for Swatch it is possible they could crank it up again and produce more, but this means ordering more straps and making more dials, disrupting new designs already in production and diverting movements already tagged for other watches. And the new ones wouldn't be available for months by which time the novelty has worn off. Let's wait and see what happens, but history is a strong predictor for the future, especially with Swatch.
Just been watching youtube and all the buzz about the "Omega X Swatch Speedmaster". Cute watch, but maybe not an Omega??
I think one simple thing would have made this move palatable for just about everyone...making exactly the same watch, but leaving the Omega name and logo off of the watch completely. It could say "MoonSwatch Speedy" for example with everything else identical and it becomes an instant cult classic Swatch. The Speedmaster configuration is so instantly recognizable that diluting the Omega brand power with their labeling on a Swatch seems not only unnecessary, but perhaps even a major marketing blunder. I own a half dozen Omegas, including a reduced, and I have enjoyed the slow but obvious regaining of status that Omega gifted to Rolex with the introduction of the Cal 1000's in the 70's. Having the Greek Omega symbol on a dial now seems somehow less relevant. If Omega wants to do something spectacular to make up for this misstep they could always reissue the Cal. 551 with modern hi-beat timing. It was a hit with the 321. I could not think of anything better than a vintage homage Seamaster in a 39mm case, with an exhibition back displaying the pinkish gold looking mechanicals of this iconic movement----from an era that Omega was generally considered preferable to a Rolex. Very little development cost, so sell it for $2200, and sit back and enjoy years long waiting lists of enthusiasts trying to get their wrists wrapped by one. Instant classic. Much better way to garner raves from the masses than conning them into a gimmicky quartz watch with allusions to being an actual Omega. These might be selling on ebay for a $100 a year from now. Swatch could react quickly and take the misleading name off the dial, and make that first run of "SwatchMasters" an oddity that actually does become a collector item. In my humble opinion
Will not influence Omega's standing at all , is my guess. It is a complete different cattle of watches..... Brings new interest to the real thing. Let the Hipsters do their thing. The more Quartz Masters are out there, the more People will Google the real thing. And might make a few think about the stupid obsession with smart watches, where you pay top $$$$ to throw away your privacy to be Data collected and become no more private. Millions of rules to protect your privacy and on the other hand you buy willingly listening devices for your home, that collect all that cherished privacy and transmit to be collected. Strange Times !
So Modern Apparel Marketing 101 dictates creating a market and then denying the public the opportunity to buy the product, thereby creating an active, vibrant and profitable secondary market from which the manufacturer itself cannot profit?
Gee, economics is a funny game . . .
