TAG Heuer Sales Director Patrick Pruniaux Joins Apple in Run-Up to iWatch Launch [Updated]

[SHNXX]

Like i said i have 4 Longines automatic watches and yes 2 Boss for casual

And your big idea is that Rolex will implement digital functions and that Swiss watch companies will go bankrupt by 2020?
Because that's what happened to Mercedes and vertu?

Lol.
Gotta love the diversity of opinions of the internet.
So many Ms Cleos.

 

[Serban]

if they can future health related senzor for your smartphone they don't really need to have digital

 

[SHNXX]

if they can future health related senzor for your smartphone they don't really need to have digital

Do you know something we don't?
Can you also tell us the lotto numbers?

 

[peterdevries]

if they can future health related senzor for your smartphone they don't really need to have digital

In stead of making general comments why don't you explain to us how an iWatch will transform the market for high end watches? Let's assume that apple comes up with a watch that is similarly priced as the gear fit and it contains better software and some good sensors. What will happen? Please explain how Rolex, Breitling, Patek etc will react? I will gladly give you my vision too.

 

[Serban]

luxury dressing brand has adapt for smartphone etc with bags, or jackets with special place to put your phone. the phone has changed , the cars has changed, the architecture of houses has changed...the only think that haven't changed is the luxury watch because until now they were alone in this market share. nobody has tried to appeal for a more thinking watch

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In stead of making general comments why don't you explain to us how an iWatch will transform the market for high end watches? Let's assume that apple comes up with a watch that is similarly priced as the gear fit and it contains better software and some good sensors. What will happen? Please explain how Rolex, Breitling, Patek etc will react? I will gladly give you my vision too.

iwatch will be for consumers for 300$ price tag, but the highest will probably cost 1500-2000$ for an elegant high quality build and precocious

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and watches brand we will be obligate to come with something new, because 10 years from now a lot fewer people will still have our mentality about classic high end luxury watch

 

[nando87]

I'm a real watch collector and high end watches aficionado, from Panerais to the Hublots of Jean Claude Biver to vintage Rolex and Pateks, above all. I'm saying this because you need to know very well this market to understand its behavior, so please those of you who are not really interested in watches and inside this world don't think this is a standard market and that you can throw whatever comes to your mind and be right comparing it to cars or something.This is a very special market if not one of the most special markets you can find, and very elitist if you want to go for the high end.

That being said, IMO, the iWatch will be a very serious threat to low, low-mid brands, particularly to sport watches under 1000-1500USD, even 2000USD, or what is the same, all the brands under Omega of the swatch group. I would like it to have a base price of 600-1200USD. I wouldn't like it to cost 250-300USD just because I don't think you can create a good looking piece to my eyes for that kind of money. If it costs 250-300USD I would prefer it to be a bracelet or band of some kind so I can wear both a watch and the iwatch, although actually I would prefer this anyway.

BUT, this will never be a threat to high end watches or haute horlogerie, not just because it won't be mechanical, but because high end watches are all about their aesthetics, their charisma, their quality, but also about their differentiation, how do they feel. You can't make a 200 € watch, improve it a lot and decorate it and sell it for 10000USD, it doesn't work like that, it's not about precious metals, there are a lot of watches over 10000USD made of ceramic, steel, titanium... even most sport Rolexes, although mostly cheaper than that but very famous (submariner, daytona...) are made of steel at least in 2 or 3 versions, that's why swatch needs several brands to sell to several price sensitive targets. It needs its own personality and charm, and apple, because it's mainstream, can't create that with its own brand at least. They would need to create a new brand, swiss based if possible, and make an entirely different watch if they want to go high end. Why? Not because its profits, but because its appeal, to give prestige to their low end iwatches.

And by the way, nowadays high end sport watches tend to be quite big and bulky, like 44mm diameter, so it would be tremendously disappointing if it's a slim female-vintage like watch like some of you are pointing. Really, most of you have no clue at all about watches. You can check 1950 Luminor case Panerais, Hublot Big Bangs... that is the correct direction. Get informed:

http://watchanish.tumblr.com

http://thewatchspotter.tumblr.com

 

[SHNXX]

I'm a real watch collector and high end watches aficionado, from Panerais to the Hublots of Jean Claude Biver to vintage Rolex and Pateks, above all. I'm saying this because you need to know very well this market to understand its behavior, so please those of you who are not really interested in watches and inside this world don't think this is a standard market and that you can throw whatever comes to your mind and be right comparing it to cars or something.This is a very special market if not one of the most special markets you can find, and very elitist if you want to go for the high end.

That being said, IMO, the iWatch will be a very serious threat to low, low-mid brands, particularly to sport watches under 1000-1500USD, even 2000USD, or what is the same, all the brands under Omega of the swatch group. I would like it to have a base price of 600-1200USD. I wouldn't like it to cost 250-300USD just because I don't think you can create a good looking piece to my eyes for that kind of money. If it costs 250-300USD I would prefer it to be a bracelet or band of some kind so I can wear both a watch and the iwatch, although actually I would prefer this anyway.

BUT, this will never be a threat to high end watches or haute horlogerie, not just because it won't be mechanical, but because high end watches are all about their aesthetics, their charisma, their quality, but also about their differentiation, how do they feel. You can't make a 200 € watch, improve it a lot and decorate it and sell it for 10000USD, it doesn't work like that, it's not about precious metals, there are a lot of watches over 10000USD made of ceramic, steel, titanium... even most sport Rolexes, although mostly cheaper than that but very famous (submariner, daytona...) are made of steel at least in 2 or 3 versions, that's why swatch needs several brands to sell to several price sensitive targets. It needs its own personality and charm, and apple, because it's mainstream, can't create that with its own brand at least. They would need to create a new brand, swiss based if possible, and make an entirely different watch if they want to go high end. Why? Not because its profits, but because its appeal, to give prestige to their low end iwatches.

And by the way, nowadays high end sport watches tend to be quite big and bulky, like 44mm diameter, so it would be tremendously disappointing if it's a slim female-vintage like watch like some of you are pointing. Really, most of you have no clue at all about watches. You can check 1950 Luminor case Panerais, Hublot Big Bangs... that is the correct direction. Get informed:

http://watchanish.tumblr.com

http://thewatchspotter.tumblr.com

Agreed.
I'm not a collector but I do have a Patek calatrava, breguet, two rolexes and some lesser watches.

I would also prefer a bracelet so I can wear both this device and a watch but our opinions are probably specific to the niche crowd of WIS so apple may not go in that direction.

But it's really crazy to see all these people make crazy analogies in every iWatch thread and every time someone does this, they are so CERTAIN that they are right.

 

[peterdevries]

Nando87. Exactly, well said. Proud owner of a Rolex GMT blue bezel, Breitling Cosmonaute and Breitling Superocean Chrono here.

One thing though. I personally hate this move to 44 mm watches. Makes it less classy. Nice if you are a rapper but sucks if you need to wear a shirt and don't need to display your watch like a douchebag.

 

[Serban]

I'm a real watch collector and high end watches aficionado, from Panerais to the Hublots of Jean Claude Biver to vintage Rolex and Pateks, above all. I'm saying this because you need to know very well this market to understand its behavior, so please those of you who are not really interested in watches and inside this world don't think this is a standard market and that you can throw whatever comes to your mind and be right comparing it to cars or something.This is a very special market if not one of the most special markets you can find, and very elitist if you want to go for the high end.

That being said, IMO, the iWatch will be a very serious threat to low, low-mid brands, particularly to sport watches under 1000-1500USD, even 2000USD, or what is the same, all the brands under Omega of the swatch group. I would like it to have a base price of 600-1200USD. I wouldn't like it to cost 250-300USD just because I don't think you can create a good looking piece to my eyes for that kind of money. If it costs 250-300USD I would prefer it to be a bracelet or band of some kind so I can wear both a watch and the iwatch, although actually I would prefer this anyway.

BUT, this will never be a threat to high end watches or haute horlogerie, not just because it won't be mechanical, but because high end watches are all about their aesthetics, their charisma, their quality, but also about their differentiation, how do they feel. You can't make a 200 € watch, improve it a lot and decorate it and sell it for 10000USD, it doesn't work like that, it's not about precious metals, there are a lot of watches over 10000USD made of ceramic, steel, titanium... even most sport Rolexes, although mostly cheaper than that but very famous (submariner, daytona...) are made of steel at least in 2 or 3 versions, that's why swatch needs several brands to sell to several price sensitive targets. It needs its own personality and charm, and apple, because it's mainstream, can't create that with its own brand at least. They would need to create a new brand, swiss based if possible, and make an entirely different watch if they want to go high end. Why? Not because its profits, but because its appeal, to give prestige to their low end iwatches.

And by the way, nowadays high end sport watches tend to be quite big and bulky, like 44mm diameter, so it would be tremendously disappointing if it's a slim female-vintage like watch like some of you are pointing. Really, most of you have no clue at all about watches. You can check 1950 Luminor case Panerais, Hublot Big Bangs... that is the correct direction. Get informed:

http://watchanish.tumblr.com

http://thewatchspotter.tumblr.com

You are a collector so no point in here. Like a coins collector, has fanatic pleasure about one type of product. But well im sorry but we are not living in 1950 anymore and there are fewer handmade crafted watches, and like was in early very early watches for your pocket, now you have for your hand. So time goes by, i love handmade leather on the Rolls Royce who had no digital dash 20 years ago, i love my Longines watches BUT if your insanity about trusting that luxury brand will not improve with more functionality of their brand to stay in business, then you are so wrong. You can't run a company that is based on sales with no sales

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A collector by nature is blind with his own obsession, no offence because i have the same issue. But you can swear to me on your life that you truly believe that 20 years from now the luxury watch company will still make only a high end crafted watch to tell the time and date only?

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Most of football players have collection of cars and super cars. i think nobody thought that a Ferrari who has the purpose of only performance and road feeling will ever have AC or GPS or 4x4

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Trust me, in 2-3 years we will have at least 1 luxury smartwatch

 

[Steve121178]

iwatch will be for consumers for 300$ price tag, but the highest will probably cost 1500-2000$ for an elegant high quality build and precocious

$300? Heh. Triple that and you might be close.

 

[Serban]

$300? Heh. Triple that and you might be close.

You think the base line iwatch will be more than 300$ ? that would be nice

 

[peterdevries]

You are a collector so no point in here. Like a coins collector, has fanatic pleasure about one type of product. But well im sorry but we are not living in 1950 anymore and there are fewer handmade crafted watches, and like was in early very early watches for your pocket, now you have for your hand. So time goes by, i love handmade leather on the Rolls Royce who had no digital dash 20 years ago, i love my Longines watches BUT if your insanity about trusting that luxury brand will not improve with more functionality of their brand to stay in business, then you are so wrong. You can't run a company that is based on sales with no sales

----------

A collector by nature is blind with his own obsession, no offence because i have the same issue. But you can swear to me on your life that you truly believe that 20 years from now the luxury watch company will still make only a high end crafted watch to tell the time and date only?

----------

Most of football players have collection of cars and super cars. i think nobody thought that a Ferrari who has the purpose of only performance and road feeling will ever have AC or GPS or 4x4

----------

Trust me, in 2-3 years we will have at least 1 luxury smartwatch

Dear lord. You have absolutely now idea how this market works.

 

[Serban]

Dear lord. You have absolutely now idea how this market works.

you are living in the past. we already have so many luxury smartphones...

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guys behind luxury watch will die soon and new staff will come with new mentality

 

[brendu]

You think the base line iwatch will be more than 300$ ? that would be nice

I think the iWatch will fall in the $499+ range. I also think there will be an iBand which is essentially the same health sensors as the iWatch but instead in a nike fuelband style package with possibly basic info displayed on it which may start around $199.

 

[Serban]

I think the iWatch will fall in the $499+ range. I also think there will be an iBand which is essentially the same health sensors as the iWatch but instead in a nike fuelband style package with possibly basic info displayed on it which may start around $199.

but you think there will be only one iwatch model? or will be a more expensive one as well?

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anyone knows from what year first rumours about Johnny Ive with another 100 people work on iwatch design? was 2010?

 

[brendu]

but you think there will be only one iwatch model? or will be a more expensive one as well?

I think it will start at $499 and will go up from there. Possibly into the thousands depending on materials/style. Watches, unlike phones at not one size fits all and I'm sure apple knows that. I imagine this may be the most customizable apple device ever.

 

[Serban]

I think it will start at $499 and will go up from there. Possibly into the thousands depending on materials/style. Watches, unlike phones at not one size fits all and I'm sure apple knows that. I imagine this may be the most customizable apple device ever.

yes that would be nice.

 

[gyang333]

Yea you live in the past...i don't say that will be a game changer for luxury watches this year or the next...but with all the smartwatch taking upon almost the market, you as aluxury company), you can't stay and make the same idea, because you must have some profit. Look at Vertu...in 2007 i bet you said..Vertu WILL never make a smartphone

It will affect the luxury watch market very little. People will not replace their Rolex, Omega, Panerai, JLC, IWC, etc for an iWatch. The people who might, are not potential customers for luxury watch companies anyway, the people who spend sub $1000 on a watch. This might affect sales on Hamilton, Rado, Tissot but that's a tier that most don't even consider luxury.

Sales of watches that fashion houses outsource will be affected, Burberry, Guess, Hugo Boss, Michael Kors, Fossil, etc.

 

[Serban]

i don't say that will affect directly, i just say that will affect in sense of makeing the same idea of just showing the date/time thing, thats all

 

[nando87]

You are a collector so no point in here. Like a coins collector, has fanatic pleasure about one type of product. But well im sorry but we are not living in 1950 anymore and there are fewer handmade crafted watches, and like was in early very early watches for your pocket, now you have for your hand. So time goes by, i love handmade leather on the Rolls Royce who had no digital dash 20 years ago, i love my Longines watches BUT if your insanity about trusting that luxury brand will not improve with more functionality of their brand to stay in business, then you are so wrong. You can't run a company that is based on sales with no sales

----------

A collector by nature is blind with his own obsession, no offence because i have the same issue. But you can swear to me on your life that you truly believe that 20 years from now the luxury watch company will still make only a high end crafted watch to tell the time and date only?

----------

Most of football players have collection of cars and super cars. i think nobody thought that a Ferrari who has the purpose of only performance and road feeling will ever have AC or GPS or 4x4

----------

Trust me, in 2-3 years we will have at least 1 luxury smartwatch

I have not said there won't be luxury smart watches, what I wanted to say is that they won't compete with high end timepieces. They are different markets.

As I said, you can't compare this to the car market, you better compare it to jewelry market, even it's wrong too. You can't put a bunch of utilities on a swarovski jewel and pretend it to be more appreciated than even a mediocre diamond.

 

[Steve121178]

You think the base line iwatch will be more than 300$ ? that would be nice

iWatch will be a premium product. Apple Care alone will be a few 100.

If anyone thinks this is going to be priced like an iPod or a Nike Fuel Band, please reset your expectations accordingly...

 

[Serban]

iWatch will be a premium product. Apple Care alone will be a few 100.

If anyone thinks this is going to be priced like an iPod or a Nike Fuel Band, please reset your expectations accordingly...

i really think will be nice to be treated as high build quality
i hope the base line will be $1000

 

[nando87]

you are living in the past. we already have so many luxury smartphones...

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guys behind luxury watch will die soon and new staff will come with new mentality

Man, we live in the golden era of luxury sport watches... this is a growing market, not a declining one.

 

[rish]

Classic...

...time pieces have a timeless allure.

I have digital watches a Casio G Shock and Nike. They do the simple job of telling you the date and time as well as acting as timers/stop clocks with time zones etc. Hardly classic time pieces. These will not have the timeless allure nor do they evoke the quality or elegance of a Hublot, Breitling or any other beautifully crafted watch.

I would love a watch that has both the classic element combined with the digital abilities. It's hard to imagine that when there are so many components to bring together in a suitable sized watch/device. With the health measuring element it's even harder to imagine the miniaturisation of components to produce something that is an information tool, classic time piece and desirable jewellery for both men and women.

Judging the knowledge that some have expressed concerning this market it seems like it is a difficult nut to crack. So far from what I've seen in the growing category there is nothing that drives me to even consider a purchase. They seem so lacking in comparison, there's no charisma or elegance despite being able to achieve many functions.

In my view it would need to be like a Hublot MP02 or Breitling Chronometer Certifie with all the tech sitting behind it to not remove from the beautifully crafted piece. It would need to be largely voice activated with a minimalist digital display to view the active app.

An iWatch resembling what's in the category now wouldn't drive a consumer to make a compelling purchase.

 

[Piggie]

Why are people forgetting Apple is a mass market, bulk device company?

They are just over average prices, the quality/look is set so that's it affordable to the masses, but priced just high enough to make the user feel special as it's just that bit higher, and just that nicer quality than the typical product.

Other than say a Mac Pro, Apple is low cost mass market.
Not LOWEST cost, but not very high end either.

They have made their money from selling large amounts of items, not a specialist brand you to to a special store and only a few have them.

It would seem stupid to bring out a $1000 watch