Got the Swatch x Blancpain Indian Ocean... Thoughts...

[Jocas712]

Got the Indian Ocean as it contrasts with my Omega x Moonswatch Uranus (light blue one)

Same light cheap toy feel as the Moonswatch. I think priced a bit high for what its worth?

All in all a good fun watch. Honestly though for the cost of it I think the Seiko GMT is better...

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[wesdaniel]

If one is a collector of watches, then all of these Swatch collaborations are nothing more than fun novelties.

I do think that Swatch Group is somewhat smart in this marketing though. Swatch appeals to a different demographic and, if this might inspire a passion for watches in a younger age group, then it's a great thing.

[enjoythemusic]

+1 Wes. I easily see young girls and ladies liking this release. Of course the typical social media marketing is taking care of the rest. Marketing 2023

[INC]

But what if young people say: This is more than enough for us, why should we spend more on the same knowledge?

[wesdaniel]

Originally Posted by INC

But what if young people say: This is more than enough for us, why should we spend more on the same knowledge?

The same could very easily be said about quartz watches, smart watches, fashion brand watches, etc. For some people, having a Timex quartz watch, an Apple Watch, or a Michael Kors watch will be enough and they'll never dive into more.

But, some people will get the "bug" and will move into full-fledged collecting. The people who say, "this is more than enough for me," wouldn't be likely to have their interest sparked by anything, so, there's no loss.

[Enzo954]

It's a rather large and thick watch. I prefer the Moonswatch out of the 2 collaborations.

[scarlet knight]

It looks like a plastic copy of a Blancpain. I guess it is. .

[vitalsigns]

Stupid big.

But wear it if you like it...

[John Doyle]

Childish piece of junk if you ask me

[PBJ1925]

Fun watch. I've blown $400 on a lot worse, so definitely wear it and enjoy.

[taxidriver]

Congrats


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[INC]

Originally Posted by wesdaniel

But, some people will get the "bug" and will move into full-fledged collecting. The people who say, "this is more than enough for me," wouldn't be likely to have their interest sparked by anything, so, there's no loss.

You may be right about that. Arousing the demand for a simple watch among the kids can be a really reasonable marketing strategy, since nowadays they are slowly forgetting what a wristwatch is. Also the adults...

But at the same time I want to recall that Swatch in itself is also good at this, since they could sell a lot of watches. That is why I think, that these watches could be sold even IF the Blancpain name was NOT on them.

And from this point of view I think, that it was not a good idea to use the name of a lesser-known premium brand for this. IMHO a Moonswatch was, by its very name, a "fun homage", and it is all right for one time. But to make it as a company strategy? To sell out the value of their premium brands for pennies? I'm not sure if the watch market will be saved by the next Swatch x Breguet "collaboration". Also, I think we should also face another aspect: the Blancpain collectors feelings! What it will be when they will see cheap Blancpain watches all around? They may loose their current enthausiasts and the interest in the expensive Blancpain models. I think, this watch looks childish, while the Moonswatch at least looked like a real Moonswatch from the far. So I think, this time it was not a good idea to do this.

However time will decide if this strategy will pay off

[gm58]

Originally Posted by INC

You may be right about that. Arousing the demand for a simple watch among the kids can be a really reasonable marketing strategy, since nowadays they are slowly forgetting what a wristwatch is. Also the adults...

But at the same time I want to recall that Swatch in itself is also good at this, since they could sell a lot of watches. That is why I think, that these watches could be sold even IF the Blancpain name was NOT on them.

And from this point of view I think, that it was not a good idea to use the name of a lesser-known premium brand for this. IMHO a Moonswatch was, by its very name, a "fun homage", and it is all right for one time. But to make it as a company strategy? To sell out the value of their premium brands for pennies? I'm not sure if the watch market will be saved by the next Swatch x Breguet "collaboration". Also, I think we should also face another aspect: the Blancpain collectors feelings! What it will be when they will see cheap Blancpain watches all around? They may loose their current enthausiasts and the interest in the expensive Blancpain models. I think, this watch looks childish, while the Moonswatch at least looked like a real Moonswatch from the far. So I think, this time it was not a good idea to do this.

However time will decide if this strategy will pay off

Think that this will be a long term strategy as you mentioned kids nowadays will grow up and potentially may want a "nicer" timepiece if they had fond memories of their own swatch for example, watch collecting is still very niche after all so any potential is still a good think i reckon

As for BP collectors, I personally like the fact that the BP name is getting a lot more exposure and bringing the 50 fathoms which is very iconic into the mainstream, ultimately these swatch watches are so different to the actual BP timepieces that there is no effect whatsoever. Some people will always want the "nicer"/"real" thing as some people wouldnt want to pay for that (e.g. Rolex homages or whatnot)- I dont think Rolex owners are losing interest in their pieces due to Invicta for example

Actually this latest collab funnily enough is shows to be more true to the original design with BP vs the moonswatch (as they changed the subdials placement)

[DVR]

I so would like the blue one. I think all 5 look nice. It's a fun watch, nothing more, nothing less. No reason to get upset about if you don't like it.

[1William]

A gimmick watch from a brand, Swatch, trying to stay relevant in todays watch world. A waste of money for a plastic watch that can not be serviced. With that said, it is your money to spend as you like.

[walds11]

Originally Posted by vitalsigns

Stupid big.

But wear it if you like it...

Agreed. It looks huge on your wrist!

[Rrpdc]

-plastic junk novelty.

[subtona]

Swatch /Nicholas Hayek … salvaged the Swiss watch industry from the brink with their inexpensive and collectible original watches. These new offerings remind me of that moment in time and while they may not be perfect they are fun and likely will introduce a generation to the hobby.

[szabo_martin]

If you like it that's all that matters. I wouldn't wear one personally, but i'm sure there's lots of teenagers and kids that'll like them. I think anyone who buys one for over 1k on chrono is insane though

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by subtona

Swatch /Nicholas Hayek … salvaged the Swiss watch industry from the brink with their inexpensive and collectible original watches. These new offerings remind me of that moment in time and while they may not be perfect they are fun and likely will introduce a generation to the hobby.

[samson66]

I like it, but since I already have a MoonSwatch, that's as far as I'm going. One toy fun plastic watch is enough. The blue is my favorite of this series. I have no issue with it. Might help Blancpain sell a few watches, a company that has become largely irrelevant in the watch world.

[Easy E]

Originally Posted by subtona

Swatch /Nicholas Hayek … salvaged the Swiss watch industry from the brink with their inexpensive and collectible original watches. These new offerings remind me of that moment in time and while they may not be perfect they are fun and likely will introduce a generation to the hobby.

While that may be true, the current watch industry is not in need of being saved. Overall, I won't hate on this release, just not for me. I do think they are a bit high to generate a ton of new watch enthusiasts.

[rjd1]

Originally Posted by PBJ1925

Fun watch. I've blown $400 on a lot worse, so definitely wear it and enjoy.

Exactly this.
Could think of far worse ways as a watch nerd or otherwise of spending $400 -
Beyond that, it’s just nice seeing watches being excitedly talked about in segments outside of the inner watch community - considering they were supposed to go extinct with the advent of the Apple Watch and all.

[hgg43c]

from a marketing perspective Swatch did a great job building a lot of Hype, and for those that liked it an bought it congrats. Its not for me, I bought a fun watch from Mr Jones earlier this year for a lot cheaper. and then there is always Gshocks

[Watcheroo]

Congrats, fun watch for the right audience. I probably would’ve bought one a bunch of years ago. Today, I’ll enjoy pics of it.

And agreed, I’d buy a Seiko before one of these any day.

[huncho]

not a fan

[windingmybusiness]

Looks comically big on you, in my opinion. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Not for me, but rock it if you like it.