In all sincerity, congrats on the new watch. It is a really stunning piece. Hope you enjoy it in good health. And please yet do post multiple photos.
Rest of the post is simply about economics and not about the watch itself. Maybe I have a odd perspective on collecting so apologies if it pisses on your parade after a recent purchase, I'm responding philosophically.
Not at all, I understand where you're coming from, and perhaps I've also not quite been as clear. I'm happy with the purchase and I'm more than happy to discuss and debate different viewpoints! So bit by bit:
Many brands over produce. If that were not the case then the GM would not exist and BNIB would not be available at big discounts. The fact that many of the watch makers are now going direct to customer with LEs is in some way a reflection of the fact that they have dug themselves into a whole - dependant involute to achieve economies - but not able to control the perceived value due to discounting driven by oversupply and competition.
100% correct.
I meant on this scale - the reason this and the Montreal are limited editions not even based on regular-production catalog models, suggests that TAG is not confident in their viability beyond a limited scope.
The issue of overproduction is a nasty one to be sure; the fact that one is forced to buy a number of precious-metal Datejusts before being allowed to spend their money on a Daytona; or forced to buy a Code 11:59 or three before being allowed to spend their money on a Royal Oak jumbo, is quite sickening and puts me off those companies and models altogether. A whole other discussion, which I'd be more than glad to participate in!
But in this case, with these 39mm Carreras - 1860 pcs for the silver makes enough sense. But just 1000 pcs for the Montreal? They are not confident that they can hit that number.
I was simply reflecting that at the volume they are producing for a "Limited Edition" - in all probability supply will exceed demand - therefore availability will not be an issue in a few months time.
I don't see it as my job to maintain TH's profit margins. that's the duty of their board of directors. Or now as it stands, the wiz kid! I'll quite happily take advantage of what I perceive to be their miscalculation and preserve my collection budget.
I do think you're right, but I did understand your point, which is why my response was "Who cares?" - I am in the exact same position as you, I don't have quite enough disposable income to be able to throw away a 20% or more premium on just any new watch at MSRP. And it is certainly not any of our responsibilities to maintain a corporation's profit margins!
But on the flip side of that same coin: TAG is in this business to make money, and I'm voting with my dollars in the hope that these do sell out fairly quickly rather than sitting on the shelf or being dumped on the gray market. Because what happens if half of these 39mm Carreras end up being heavily discounted, while they sell thousands and thousands of the Hublorrera monstrosities that are inflicted upon us year after year? I very highly doubt you'll have more options like this on the secondary market to choose from in the future, below MSRP or otherwise.
I know very well that I could have waited perhaps a year for this one to come down some - trust when I say there are
many watch models I'm hanging back on, waiting to snap up for cheap! - but efforts like this I strongly believe that TAG should be encouraged to continue. And the only way to do that is to buy new.
I posted at length about my disappointment with the Tele18 having paid full MSRP direct from TH. That's basically 3 to 4k down the pan as they are likely next to worthless now. But after falling in love with the design in photos, and the relative scarcity of new ones available in UK ADs - the fear of not getting one caused an impulse purchase.
Hear you loud and clear. But pursuant to my point above, you did your part in signaling to TAG that there was a market for these, which I appreciate!
😁 The poor resale value was on TAG, for producing too many of those for the market to bear (getting back to your point about the gray market). But thanks to the "hit" you took buying that direct from TAG at MSRP, there's been a recognition however small, that these classic styles have value!
As for "In-House Movement" - these are not PP, CV or ALS watches. They are re-issues of everyday utility watches from the past that have lovely classic designs, and a good story. So unless the in house movement can predict stock market changes I don't think the lack of it makes a big different to enjoyment of the watch - and since we have established they are not for investment then I can't see what real difference it makes in all honesty. In house or not, you only have to look at the finishing to know that it is all machine made - Does the location of the machines which made it make all that difference? We're the Cal 17s that were COSC certified "in house" or bought in ETA?
True, but even though it is nowhere near haute horlogerie the Heuer-02 is a
much nicer movement than even the top grades of the modular ETA chronograph movements that TAG bought for the "Calibre 17" range. Far better tactility in winding, chrono pusher action, rotor noise, etc. which I do believe justifies a higher price point than those. Best way to put it is, as I'd said those Cal 17s and the Telemetre and the Skipper etc all felt like $2500 microbrand watches with nice dials. The Heuer-02 movement is a whole step above those, and in these Carreras costs the same (the Fragment notwithstanding, which I have been on record as being disappointed by). This is a watch I am much more satisfied by at $6500 than those watches, resale value be damned. And that is why I am glad to pay MSRP unlike any other TAG in the current catalog!
. IF, status and "investment" was a priority. But I don't really care about any of that.
