New Omegas and Rolexes certainly depreciate from new, at least for several years.
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High-End Retail Shops Around the World Preparing to Showcase Apple Watch
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New Omegas and Rolexes certainly depreciate from new, at least for several years.
There is no reference to ceramic particles being used in the Apple Watch Edition - Gold video. Apple usually likes to make a big deal over new materials so you would expect it to be mentioned.
Jony just says they use specially formulated alloys of Gold with Silver, Copper and Palladium as the key elements.
High-End Retail Shops Around the World Preparing to Showcase Apple Watch
True, but that also depends on what price you get into them for. But even you have to admit, if value retention is important to a prospective buyer, that all of the Apple watches are going to have negligible value after 2-4 years. No real way for digital tech to appreciate or even hold value.
True, but that also depends on what price you get into them for. But even you have to admit, if value retention is important to a prospective buyer, that all of the Apple watches are going to have negligible value after 2-4 years. No real way for digital tech to appreciate or even hold value.
Yeah, but most of the Apple watches are relatively cheap. I mean, a service on a Rolex costs as much as the steel Apple Watch with a leather bracelet. I think my last Rolex service was over $800, and you have to deal with that every 5 years or so.
The gold Apple Watch is the only questionable one, but it's not aimed at those who buy $10K Rolexes. It's aimed at those who buy $50K+ watches in bulk and decide they want a fun little, cheap smart watch for $10K. Think Beverly Hills housewives, wealthy Chinese, etc. WIS's aren't buying a $10K Apple Watch.
Interesting. I'll accept that people buy them for an appreciation of it's beauty and engineering. But are you sure it's the VAST majority? The reason why I ask is because I do not believe it's this way in China. People there buy luxury items hands over fists with some appreciation for it's engineering and beauty but not the same appreciation that of a watch collector. In otherwords, I believe that most Chinese luxury watch buyers are not collectors or even enthusiasts.
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the chinese rich buy whatever gives them the biggest "face". If you know chinese, you'll understand what I mean.
I understand this stuff about as much as I do landing on the moon. So just based on what I've read today about their gold patent it doesn't sound like something they'd want to advertise.
Apple own loads of patents that never see the light of day so there's no guarantee it applies to the God used in the Edition Watch.
I'm not saying they are definitely not using the ceramic particles in the Gold alloy but I'm very surprised they have made no mention of it, especially as they love to brag about new innovations that separate them from their rivals and have highlighted the other elements used in the alloy.
I believe you
I didn't want to state it as fact or as all encompassing because I don't have hard facts. And I'm sure there are some Chinese buyers that are legit watch collectors and the reverse, I'm sure that there are some Chinese wealthy that don't have a love-affair with luxury goods, but from my experience it's a minority.
I don't pretend to know the Chinese market. I would say it's the majority in the western world, but I have zero insight into the Chinese/Asian market.
The only thing I do know about the Asian market is that last year was the first in a long time that Rolex sold more watches in the US than in the Asian market. Whatever that says, I don't know.
I don't expect miracles within one year, if people can stomach waiting two years for a new phone, I don't think many people will ditch that watch after one year. And enough people don't upgrade their phone every two years, they might do so only every three or four years.
A few comments on the apple watch and more...
Respectfully, I think that Apple would have done much better doing the following;
The aluminum watch; best deal. But why not produce it also in gold like the iPhone? Anyone?
The stainless steel model; what happen to gold plated? There are zillions of gold plated models out there that look really good. They are not the real thing but who cares? You would have sold way more volume in dollars by producing an affordable gold plated model.
Many of us know what a good time piece is the most expensive pieces are typically the ones with more mechanical (not electronic) complications. Battery watches do not retain value as a mechanical, be it manual or automatic watch from a well know and respected brand.
All of the apple watches are going to be obsolete within one to two years. That is a fact, and THAT IS FINE. But the regular models do not cost $10,000-$17,000. I truly believe that is completely absurd to spend that kind of money on an Apple gold watch. I believe that whoever buys it does it just to let the world know that they could afford it and they will make sure that everyone knows about it. Hey its a statement; Hey look I have so much cash that I dont care burning $10,000. It is not an investment and whoever tries to argue differently is not a reasonable person. It is not a Rolex. Rolexes still work and look classic after 30+ years.
Having said that, where Apple could have done better is by stating that the gold edition is upgradable. Yes, for say $500, Apple will upgrade all the internal components including the screen. If you spent $10 grand on a watch you can surely spend $500 every couple of years to keep it current. Im sure you will sell more units by offering that option.
Also, I do mostly water sports; windsurfing, sailing, etc. I own a Polar V800, it has an integrated GPS, which tells me (in real time) how fast Im sailing through the water and how far Ive travelled. I can later download the workout or route to my iPhone and even analyze my heart rate on my computer. It has a really good activity monitor (steps, sleep, calories), etc. and its supposed to shortly receive notifications via a software update it even tells me to move when Ive been sitting for too long. Hey Im not trying to sell you a Polar but Dude; do you mean to say that I need to take my iPhone Plus sailing, jogging, cycling, or swimming if I want to fully enjoy the Apple watch? Seriously? You just eliminated all tri-athletes on planet earth, and believe me there are quite a few. Also how about all swimmers, Australia? Swimming is their passion. I could keep going on this.
But ok, let be real, its a first version. I wholeheartedly congratulate Apple on a really good first effort. Really neat, and the aluminum model is very well priced. I will be extremely tempted to buy one once you integrate a GPS into the unit.
Lastly, I love my iPhone, but do we really need to be that connected, or distracted by a watch. We do not need to answer everything or know everything instantly. What happen to enjoying life, nature, family, real friends (not those that claim to be your friends but in reality are just judging everyone and everything they do). Some need to get a life. Let others be don't be so reactive. Have the courage to be different, dont follow, lead don't be afraid of silence, its awesome, it allows you to think and create...
Respectfully, I think that Apple would have done much better doing the following;
The aluminum watch; best deal. But why not produce it also in gold like the iPhone? Anyone?
The stainless steel model; what happen to gold plated? There are zillions of gold plated models out there that look really good. They are not the real thing but who cares? You would have sold way more volume in dollars by producing an affordable gold plated model.
Many of us know what a good time piece is the most expensive pieces are typically the ones with more mechanical (not electronic) complications. Battery watches do not retain value as a mechanical, be it manual or automatic watch from a well know and respected brand.
All of the apple watches are going to be obsolete within one to two years. That is a fact, and THAT IS FINE. But the regular models do not cost $10,000-$17,000. I truly believe that is completely absurd to spend that kind of money on an Apple gold watch. I believe that whoever buys it does it just to let the world know that they could afford it and they will make sure that everyone knows about it. Hey its a statement; Hey look I have so much cash that I dont care burning $10,000. It is not an investment and whoever tries to argue differently is not a reasonable person. It is not a Rolex. Rolexes still work and look classic after 30+ years.
Having said that, where Apple could have done better is by stating that the gold edition is upgradable. Yes, for say $500, Apple will upgrade all the internal components including the screen. If you spent $10 grand on a watch you can surely spend $500 every couple of years to keep it current. Im sure you will sell more units by offering that option.
Also, I do mostly water sports; windsurfing, sailing, etc. I own a Polar V800, it has an integrated GPS, which tells me (in real time) how fast Im sailing through the water and how far Ive travelled. I can later download the workout or route to my iPhone and even analyze my heart rate on my computer. It has a really good activity monitor (steps, sleep, calories), etc. and its supposed to shortly receive notifications via a software update it even tells me to move when Ive been sitting for too long. Hey Im not trying to sell you a Polar but Dude; do you mean to say that I need to take my iPhone Plus sailing, jogging, cycling, or swimming if I want to fully enjoy the Apple watch? Seriously? You just eliminated all tri-athletes on planet earth, and believe me there are quite a few. Also how about all swimmers, Australia? Swimming is their passion. I could keep going on this.
But ok, let be real, its a first version. I wholeheartedly congratulate Apple on a really good first effort. Really neat, and the aluminum model is very well priced. I will be extremely tempted to buy one once you integrate a GPS into the unit.
Lastly, I love my iPhone, but do we really need to be that connected, or distracted by a watch. We do not need to answer everything or know everything instantly. What happen to enjoying life, nature, family, real friends (not those that claim to be your friends but in reality are just judging everyone and everything they do). Some need to get a life. Let others be don't be so reactive. Have the courage to be different, dont follow, lead don't be afraid of silence, its awesome, it allows you to think and create...
a) Providing a product for people who like to spend that sort of money on something fancy.
b) Make glossy ads of it.
Why do they think this will work? That is another question.
It's probably a sign the Chinese Government's crackdown on corruption and bribery is starting to work.
Chinese Crackdown on Corruption Shakes up Luxury Gifting
You mean people buy a $650 to $950 iPhone with with the mindset that it will last decades?
Thank you for the detailed reply. A high-end watch that high-end watch enthusiasts laugh at. Sweet.
Personally I'm in a total wait and see mode about this device, both "low end" and high end, as a consumer and as a stockholder.
As a representative of Apple's 'core customers' I'll be buying the Apple watch for the technology and what I can do with it. I'll leave the Apple Store with my $350 Apple Sport watch not caring one tiny little bit that there are people who can afford to drop $10K+ on one with a gold case.
I wouldn't think that and I don't know why others would. The steel version gives you nicer materials, more robust materials, and much nicer bands. The only thing the gold version gets (except for the bragging right of having a solid gold watch) is somewhat nicer bands at a price that is ten to 20 times higher. I don't think the steel version would feel a very poor second best.
You'll be surprised how many people have money to burn and they don't buy expensive things because they're timeless. They buy it because of how it makes them feel.
NO ONE needs a $18,000 watch. The truly wealthy will buy it if they think it looks good and sets them apart from the masses. In other words, it's an emotional (ie, irrational) purchase.
Naw. The primary market for the Edition Watch will be the Chinese nouveau riche. They have a ton of money, Apple is seen as very desirable there, and culturally they love gold and love to show off their wealth. This is why Apple has been targeting Chinese fashion magazines.
And of course anyone else around the world who wants an Apple Watch and wants it in gold (and has enough money to not care about the price). This was never supposed to be an item for timepiece aficionados.
I think this could be partly true. And that's why they went with yellow gold. Because at first look white gold or platinum look exactly the same as polished stainless steel.
Considering diamonds have very little intrinsic worth; they're worth mostly created through marketing. Well, if there was diamond, you'd have been ripped off even more... ;-).