I am looking forward to TAG Heuer's efforts...

Jan 21, 2015,21:33 PM
 

...whether they succeed or fail.

Once the smart watch market reaches a certain size, there will be a market for luxury smart watches, just as there is a market for luxury smart phones today. A utilitarian good, even one with superb build quality and beautiful software, doesn't provide it's owner with the same emotional connection as a luxury product. 

Of course the market for smart watches is just developing, so TAG Heuer must be looking to 2017 and beyond to create their profitable niche in this market. The $2000 price point is not too crazy in the watch world. I imagine a nicely-skinned smart watch that offers the 18-34 demographic exclusive perks could sell with just a touch of Biver's marketing magic. Is a partnership with Apple out of the question?


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JC Biver: Apple Watch biggest threat to traditional timepieces, likely to wear one himself

 
 By: Ornatus-Mundi : January 21st, 2015-13:02
Bloomberg on Tuesday broke the news that Jean-Claude Biver, TAG Heuer's interim CEO and head of timepieces at luxury holding LVMH, who in the past voiced harsh criticism over Apple Watch, has changed his opinion and is now quoted for saying that the weara...  
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At least, Biver is scared now.

 
 By: lhk1 : January 21st, 2015-14:02
The traditional watch Brands are digging their own graves by continuously increase their prices. Hence, they themselves have created and exposed their weak point. Some brands are very brave as they are still increasing their prices despite the surge of Sw... 
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I am afraid you're right.

 
 By: 中野れい : January 22nd, 2015-20:25
Swiss watch companies shouldn't take it for granted that people will keep buying their watches even if the prices are crazy. Interesting to see if we can get big bargains later or still the status quo.
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What public?

 
 By: CastorKrieg : February 1st, 2015-09:34
Public doesn't buy $1000 watches, let alone those of Patek, A.L&S, JLC, etc. I think if you spend too much on Purist you tend to assume people here are fairly average income-wise. Nothing can be further from the truth. If you cannot afford luxury watc... 
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Really?

 
 By: lhk1 : February 2nd, 2015-05:49
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Swiss watches are still luxury products meaning only intended for a small fraction

 
 By: 中野れい : February 2nd, 2015-20:27
of the whole population. That's the "public" I meant. In Asia you'd be surprised to see many good watches (mostly Rolex, Panerai) on people's wrists. Of course it's still less than, maybe, 5% of the whole populations. But Swiss watches are not like Casio'... 
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I apologize in advance for my seemingly disrespectful comment.

 
 By: Luis6 : January 21st, 2015-15:09
I admire Mr. Biver as a person and for what he's achieved in the industry. I have a feeling, however, that he's just trying to justfy Tag Heuer's move into the smart watch territory.
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Indeed

 
 By: Arie - Mr Orange : January 27th, 2015-11:18
That's his job.
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In my vanity

 
 By: Ares501 - Mr Green : January 21st, 2015-16:20
I'll quote myself :) Thank you for bringing this up dear Magnus Sincerely D
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I am looking forward to TAG Heuer's efforts...

 
 By: jmpTT : January 21st, 2015-21:33
...whether they succeed or fail. Once the smart watch market reaches a certain size, there will be a market for luxury smart watches, just as there is a market for luxury smart phones today. A utilitarian good, even one with superb build quality and beaut... 
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The second biggest threat is an all silicone movement

 
 By: COUNT DE MONET : January 21st, 2015-23:21
And I believe all the big players are very keen on developing one. Regarding the apple watch: maybe someday we see an apple shirt button on the sarcastic note and more constructively I would like to mention that live is stress full enough and I do not nee... 
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At least Biver taking it seriously

 
 By: tom2517 : January 22nd, 2015-01:52
I used to work for a company that manufactured a lot of Nokia cellphones, when Apple introduced the iPhone, they didn't take it seriously, saying Apple will be out of the mobile phone business in two years. I don't know how well Apple's smartwatch will se... 
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standing ovation for all of you

 
 By: dsgalaxy1 : January 26th, 2015-14:36
I'm tired, to live in a world where passion is always overwhelmed by money. Ok, it's all about the benjis (and euros or CHF etc.), the "maisons" sell emotions, way of life, status.... but what about the fu@@@@ watch? the precision? the engineering? Of cou... 
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Could you elaborate a bit?

 
 By: Ornatus-Mundi : January 27th, 2015-13:25
I am still not sure I got all your points. Thanks, Magnus
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avec plaisir

 
 By: dsgalaxy1 : January 28th, 2015-04:13
If we talk about cars, audio, art, drugs (i'm a pharmacist) etc. by now every human activity is dominated by marketing. It's what outside that counts, and it's a pity. The ignorance is every day more accepted, does not matter how you behave or speak, the ... 
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So you are complaining about one-root-problem...

 
 By: TheMadDruid : January 29th, 2015-11:00
that manifests itself in several ways, if I understand you. The root problem is the desire to maximize profit. And it manifests itself through shoddy (or shoddier) craftsmanship (poor finishing as one example) and the sales of watches to people who do not... 
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I want whatever he's smoking!

 
 By: TheMadDruid : January 28th, 2015-17:27
The Apple watch is worthless to anyone without an iPhone. So if you are in the majority of people with a Samsung or another brand, don't waste your money. Smart watches will NOT be the downfall of the luxury watch industry. But ridiculous price increases ... 
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As someone who knows something about this field...

 
 By: patrick_y : January 28th, 2015-21:44
As someone who knows something about this field, I can see that Tag Heuer is looking at the high end Smart Watch Industry. Like how they went into the high end cell phone industry to compete with Vertu. Apple already has contingency here, by offering a so... 
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