Many innovators and strategists are obsessed with predicting how the world will change in the future, and then they then try and develop new products and business models to fit this “new hypothetical world”. As Jeff Bezos describes, it can be even more valuable to figure out what will not change in the future.
The Genius of Furlan Marri
My recent post about the effect of marketing contained a hypothesis about serious watch collectors: they will buy the recently released Furlan Marri (FM) watches but won’t wear them much. This post is about the brand, and why it represents a masterclass in product launches and marketing.
Purchases under pressure
Yesterday, over lunch with the infamous @nycwatchguy and @f1ptb… … we discussed the concept of purchases under pressure. In the current environment this issue is far more pronounced, due to the rise of limited editions, the increased popularity of independent watchmaking (who have lower supply inherently) and because of general hype with any popular watches – often fuelled by the influx of profiteers into the watch game, who tend to pose as genuine enthusiasts or collectors. This also raised the question of what defines a “genuine” enthusiast anyway; and when is it ok to sell a watch without being labelled a flipper? Thoroughly enjoyed the conversation, and thought I would share a bit here.
Watches in a post-COVID world
A post about the state of watch collecting, and a discussion about ways in which people collect watches, along with the impact of these choices.
Are you a victim of marketing?
As I began seeing more Furlan Marri watches shared on Instagram, I asked myself why someone would choose this watch in the morning, when looking at their watch box. I won’t go into the background story of the brand and the reasons this is an enormously popular release; Wei Koh wrote all about it here and you can read that if you want some background.
What about vintage watches?
Earlier this week I posted about the evolution of watch collecting, and talked about what might happen next in the watch collecting hobby, as collecting evolves, and collectors experience decision fatigue. Quite a few people followed up with me asking about vintage watches, and even suggesting that vintage watches might be the next big thing – so I thought I’d share some thoughts on the topic and see what others think.
Watchbox invests in De Bethune – so what?
The true purpose of this piece is to speak to all the people who are thinking about buying a De Bethune watch. If you didn’t like it a few months ago, the odds are you don’t actually like it now. Don’t get sucked into this hype train.
Evolution of watch collecting – where to next?
I just had a conversation with my buddy Ben (@koreahasseoul1) and I felt like the topic was worthy of a post. Incidentally he’s a pretty interesting collector, and I would urge you to chat to him too if you feel like you want some advice about your collection, or just to talk watches. I always appreciate his perspectives, and I am sure you will too. Ben and I spoke about how collecting has evolved, especially in the last two to three years.
How to raise successful people – book summary
Author, mum and teacher Esther Wojcicki says “There’s a real lack of understanding of what parenting is about”. Parents might be fearful that their child will fail, or anxious that they’ll make irreparable mistakes, and this fear and insecurity come from a place of love – but the result is a generation of anxiety-plagued, helpless young people. This book is about the “Woj Way” that stresses trust, respect, independence, collaboration and kindness (TRICK) – and how this approach will help you raise children who become self-reliant, capable and confident adults.
Never give up
I’m not sure who needs to hear this today, but it’s Sunday evening and this seems quite handy as we head into a new week. Transitions can be some of the most difficult parts of our lives… don’t quit.
