Yesterday we got a call from a customer
inquiring if we can do a battery replacement and water pressure test in a
mid-range Swiss brand watch. Of course we can. How much? Depends, could be $50 or perhaps bit more. How much more? Hard to tell, depends on case construction and time required to complete the job. What would be the worst case scenario? $75. How long? Overnight, we are bit busy.
He was in a state of shock: the brand service quoted $800 and 21 weeks
turnaround time. Obviously, the brand service was trying to sneak in 'a
complete overhaul' which was not what the customer wanted or needed, but
even a complete overhaul on a basic quartz movement should cost $300 at
the most.
The annoying bit is that we get calls like this every day. Yesterday, we
replaced a battery in a Breitling for $75 and we charged $45 for Omega
Constellation. The other day, we replaced two batteries free of charge
while he was buying a watch. Easy. A battery replacement is a job which
requires specialist tools and bit of patience, but it is not rocket
science.
If this was never clear and obvious to watch owners, it must be obvious
now: big Swiss brands are taking full advantage of you, the consumer.
They are ripping you off at every opportunity, and especially so on
simple jobs. If it was in their power, they would restrict the supply of
every component - not just the ones they make, but even those
aftermarket parts made by third-party makers. If they could, they would
shut down every independent watchmaker; because to them, independent
watchmakers are just annoying competition.
It's simple: if we go out of business, you will be at the mercy of
multibillion dollar corporations sucking your blood and money,
mercilessly.
And you know that.
There are 6 things you can do to help us go on and serve YOU in the years to come.
I am not saying 'do it now'. I am not saying 'you must do it'. It's
entirely up to you, but if you opt to do it, then our longevity is
guaranteed.
1. If this newsletter does not add value to your life, then please unsubscribe.
The only intention of daily emails is to 'enhance your appreciation of
horology' in some way or another. While the quality varies, the
intention is always the same: both information and watches on offer
should add something of VALUE to your life. The email is free to you,
but it does cost us time and money to prepare it and deliver it. We
don't want to pay Mailchimp to annoy you or spam you with the content
you don't need or value. Therefore, if you've been already on the verge
of leaving us – please do that today, it would be truly appreciated.
2. If you like the newsletter, stay subscribed, and recommend us to your friends. Thank you.
3. Buy a SEIKO. Not today, not tomorrow - but one day
when you are ready, buy a SEIKO from us. We make money on each and every
SEIKO sold. To us this is easy money: the watch arrives brand new, in
perfect condition, we take your payment and we ship it. You are happy,
Seiko is happy, we are happy.
Selling second hand watches is significantly more difficult than selling
new ones. When you buy a Seiko from us, you help us grow.
4. Buy Mark 1. This is the only watch in our entire
range sold with a decent profit. NH1, NH2 and NH3 cost more to
manufacture than what they are sold for so we practically we lose money
on each and every 'manufactured in Australia' watch. No pain, no glory.
But when you buy Mark 1 you are literally putting cash in our pocket.
5. If you are a serious watch collector then you should put a Mark 2 on your 'to buy' list. The
first batch of 50 watches to be delivered around Christmas is already
reserved, however now is the time to put your name down for the next
batch, scheduled for mid 2023. No down payment is required – just your
commitment. Such commitment would help us in long term planning,
investment in tools and material, and investment in new machinery which
will help us grow and strengthen the 'Manufactured in Australia'
project. A project which benefits our employees, the Australian economy
and Australian national interest.
6. Buy a Mondaine clock for your office or a Mondaine watch as a present. Again,
not today, but next time you need a smart, sophisticated present,
remember us. Your friends and relatives will be pleasantly surprised; a
present built to last for 20 or 30 years which could be used daily is
not easy to find. We keep Mondaine in stock for that very reason.
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