Great article and I like the two-sides presentation
I still haven’t bought a brightly coloured watch and doubt I will.
I suspect they might attract some younger buyers and is fine for lower priced products. But for higher priced pieces I can only expect values to plummet when the current fad ends. So if it attracts a new younger buyer to a brand but they then lose a lot of value I suspect it won’t help retain the customer
I believe I am guilty of going after the colorful “summer” fun watch for the past few years. I no longer have the Pink Rowing Blazers Seiko 5 (sold after 4 months), or the dayglo yellow Vero dive watch (sold after 3 months). On the other hand, the DLC Citizen Challenge diver that I bought as a less expensive “fun” summer watch, is quickly approaching it’s 2nd anniversary in the watch box, even if its not exactly my most worn.
Glad I’m not the only one who thinks Beckham’s new Tudor is UGLY. And thanks for the thoughts about fun in watches—something to chew on for the week ahead! Loved the double sided take.
Your vote on Sunrise Orange was correct. I assume Seiko gets a pass on fun colors because of their lower price point and history of throwing everything at the wall?
Though “no” has significantly more votes, I voted “yes” because you mentioned adding to new content to your previously published work. I’m always interested in your latest commentary and insights on this rapidly changing business.
I cannot believe the second best name for Favre Leuba’s Deep Blue was Deep Raider. I already would never buy a “Sharkhunter.” Certainly won’t be buying anything that’s actually “raiding” the ocean.
I enjoy the debate format and broadly think you're overthinking it. Trends in the industry are long and we've got a while to go before the passion for colour will be exhausted. I love seeing the new colours every summer from different brands having a go, and as long as their production runs aren't too high they'll be just fine. The main reason is this: both casual buyers and obsessive collectors actually take ages to add things to their roster. I'm the perfect example, as I bought my first green dialled watch at the end of last year, approximately ten years after the trend started, and I'm now thinking carefully about orange, yelllow and purple, ready to make a decision in perhaps 2027 or 2028 (my 2026 watch budget is allocated to a different trend). As industry participants, both you and I see so so so much more of what's going on than everyone else, so it feels like trends are getting too much and perceptions are changing about brands. My belief is it takes way longer than you think. Happy to discuss further!
Overthinking it!?! My friend, I have been overthinking it for 161 issues straight. It's my M.O. par excellence.
Joking (slightly) aside, I really wanted to approach each side of the argument with as much conviction as I could muster. It may not be an existential question, but it was a fun one. Ironically. Glad you liked the format.
I suppose I’m glad fun watches exist, for all the reasons you outline. But I don’t buy them and I’m always perplexed when friends and collectors I respect do.
Moser was always the worst offender in my mind - serious horological chops (their QP in particular) married with cringe-worthy levels of “fun”.
Having said that (and to continue the theme of arguing both sides), I’m going to give Studio Underd0g a free pass (although I shudder slightly even writing that gratuitously “fun” spelling of their name) - as it is their entire brand, they do it really well, and I really like Richard who’s a fantastic chap.
I also like Dennison - but they aren’t fun, they are neo-70s, right? And the two things are very different…
Interesting take on Moser vs S.U. (gets around the use of zeroes nicely)
I find the idea of the 'fun' brand quite limiting - but I know Richard is smart enough to have realised that, and I'm sure he knows how it will evolve in time. I guess it all comes down to your individual sense of humour - I enjoyed Moser's Swiss Alp but wasn't interested in the QR code watch at all, and as a rule I prefer their ad campaigns to the usual luxury blandness, even if they do veer towards cheesy at times. (Sometimes literally).
The cheese watch was a bit of a low point!! Tho over time I’ve really come to appreciate their “Apple Watch” - to the point where I might even wear one today. So I guess I just keep contradicting myself on this one! 🤣
Great article and I like the two-sides presentation
I still haven’t bought a brightly coloured watch and doubt I will.
I suspect they might attract some younger buyers and is fine for lower priced products. But for higher priced pieces I can only expect values to plummet when the current fad ends. So if it attracts a new younger buyer to a brand but they then lose a lot of value I suspect it won’t help retain the customer
I believe I am guilty of going after the colorful “summer” fun watch for the past few years. I no longer have the Pink Rowing Blazers Seiko 5 (sold after 4 months), or the dayglo yellow Vero dive watch (sold after 3 months). On the other hand, the DLC Citizen Challenge diver that I bought as a less expensive “fun” summer watch, is quickly approaching it’s 2nd anniversary in the watch box, even if its not exactly my most worn.
Provocative piece!
It’s all summed up within the two camps in watch world.
Collectors and Enthusiasts.
Glad I’m not the only one who thinks Beckham’s new Tudor is UGLY. And thanks for the thoughts about fun in watches—something to chew on for the week ahead! Loved the double sided take.
Tudor chronographs are too thick
Your vote on Sunrise Orange was correct. I assume Seiko gets a pass on fun colors because of their lower price point and history of throwing everything at the wall?
Though “no” has significantly more votes, I voted “yes” because you mentioned adding to new content to your previously published work. I’m always interested in your latest commentary and insights on this rapidly changing business.
I cannot believe the second best name for Favre Leuba’s Deep Blue was Deep Raider. I already would never buy a “Sharkhunter.” Certainly won’t be buying anything that’s actually “raiding” the ocean.
A point I'd not considered until now. We're ok with Lost Ark Raider, right?
I’m still mad at the Goonies for stealing from One Eyed Willy.
I enjoy the debate format and broadly think you're overthinking it. Trends in the industry are long and we've got a while to go before the passion for colour will be exhausted. I love seeing the new colours every summer from different brands having a go, and as long as their production runs aren't too high they'll be just fine. The main reason is this: both casual buyers and obsessive collectors actually take ages to add things to their roster. I'm the perfect example, as I bought my first green dialled watch at the end of last year, approximately ten years after the trend started, and I'm now thinking carefully about orange, yelllow and purple, ready to make a decision in perhaps 2027 or 2028 (my 2026 watch budget is allocated to a different trend). As industry participants, both you and I see so so so much more of what's going on than everyone else, so it feels like trends are getting too much and perceptions are changing about brands. My belief is it takes way longer than you think. Happy to discuss further!
Overthinking it!?! My friend, I have been overthinking it for 161 issues straight. It's my M.O. par excellence.
Joking (slightly) aside, I really wanted to approach each side of the argument with as much conviction as I could muster. It may not be an existential question, but it was a fun one. Ironically. Glad you liked the format.
I suppose I’m glad fun watches exist, for all the reasons you outline. But I don’t buy them and I’m always perplexed when friends and collectors I respect do.
Moser was always the worst offender in my mind - serious horological chops (their QP in particular) married with cringe-worthy levels of “fun”.
Having said that (and to continue the theme of arguing both sides), I’m going to give Studio Underd0g a free pass (although I shudder slightly even writing that gratuitously “fun” spelling of their name) - as it is their entire brand, they do it really well, and I really like Richard who’s a fantastic chap.
I also like Dennison - but they aren’t fun, they are neo-70s, right? And the two things are very different…
Interesting take on Moser vs S.U. (gets around the use of zeroes nicely)
I find the idea of the 'fun' brand quite limiting - but I know Richard is smart enough to have realised that, and I'm sure he knows how it will evolve in time. I guess it all comes down to your individual sense of humour - I enjoyed Moser's Swiss Alp but wasn't interested in the QR code watch at all, and as a rule I prefer their ad campaigns to the usual luxury blandness, even if they do veer towards cheesy at times. (Sometimes literally).
The cheese watch was a bit of a low point!! Tho over time I’ve really come to appreciate their “Apple Watch” - to the point where I might even wear one today. So I guess I just keep contradicting myself on this one! 🤣
As always, a privilege to be able to get your bearings on the industry-at-large, Chris.
Thank you! Very kind