[JRoem]

I feel like the price is too low...it feels scammy

like if this was a $1,500 watch I'd be ok....nice, the specs def make it a good bang for your buck. But at $450, I can't help but wonder what the catch is...because the math just doesn't make sense for you to be able to offer al that for a price that low.

Free world wide shipping is $100

SW200 standard grade movement with no decoration...another $100

Case that is waterproof to 1000 feet? Another $100

Bracelet? Another $50

Dials, Superluminova, AR coating etc...another $50

"Swiss made" assembly and prototyping and boxes etc...another $50.

So where is the profit? Just feels fishy.

Throw in the scam sounding company name, and all kinds of red flags start going off.

I get what you are saying, but I can assure you we are making a profit. It isn't enough to afford selling through a third party, but it is plenty for my dad and I. Also I think $1,500 is far too high for a new brand on their first model. I would say that our quality would be fairly priced up to $800. Higher than that and I would feel we were over priced.

Also we go directly to the manufacture and do not use any third parties to facilitate our manufacturing (something my dad goes into more depth on in this podcast). Also we pay FAR less (as does every other brand) than what you have listed. For example our average shipping cost is $20-$50 with DHL Express.

Regardless of that though, the most common feedback we get when we deliver a watch is that it looks far better than expected. Having our price as low as we do can be viewed as a negative as you have stated but it is a price we are comfortable with. It also builds brand loyalty as our customers know they are getting far more than what they pay for.

You aren't the first to have this concern though so I understand your concern.

 

[JRoem]

I don't know I would probably opt for the Certina diver with the powermatic 80, and better bracelet, for $575.

Certina definitely has some awesome pieces!

 

[JRoem]

Hello JRoem,

Always nice to hear from microbrands trying to appeal to the watch hobbyist crowd. I have one question:
Are you related at all the old Swiss Roemer watch company?

Here are my comments for your dive watch:
* I have found there is lots of excitement around here when companies release slightly smaller dive watches such as 38-39mm in diameter and 44-46mm lug to lug
* Overall, I think it is an attractive design, feels like a Seamaster which I think was what you were going for
* I agree with the name on the dial - full name is too much. SWC would be fine (and I think you can still label your products as that even if the company name has not formally changed yet)
* The patterned square in the middle of the dial I find a little odd - I think any dial texture or pattern should take up all of the dial
* The second hand should be longer so that it actually touches the indices of the minute track
* DATE WINDOW THE SAME COLOR AS THE DIAL - so many brands just do white date windows for all watches but watch collectors give nothing but praise to companies that match the date wheel to the dial color! The numbers of course, would need to be white.

Finally, you may or may not care but you did mention your background in making watches for first responders.
I'm currently looking for a field watch and there is a brand called Bertucci that makes some great quartz watches. However, they don't offer any solar quartz watches. If you could make some solar quartz field watches, I would be VERY interested in that but I can only speak for myself.

Hello! And I would need more information to be sure if you are referring to us or not. There is a retail store in Texas with the name "Swiss Watch Company" but I don't know of any others! I can say that our family name (Roemer) is not a very common one so we are likely the same company you are refering to.

I really appreciate the feedback! These are all things that I will keep in mind and look into.

I can't promise anything in a solar quartz field watch but I like the idea! Nearly all of our watches that we made for first responders and the armed forces were dive watches. Also creating a quartz watch is tricky for us as most quartz watches are on the cheaper end. All of our watches are required to be Swiss Made or we will lose our licence in Switzerland. Meaning creating a quartz watch for under $200 a near impossibility for us, which is more than most would be willing to pay for a quartz watch from a newer brand.

 

[Grégoire]

I like them! Cool color combinations and - as said earlier - the bracelets look really nice too.

Also as mentioned previously, the only downside I see is the name. It comes off as overly generic, like something you'd pick up at Walmart between the disposable razors and flea collars.

 

[Earthjade]

Hello! And I would need more information to be sure if you are referring to us or not. There is a retail store in Texas with the name "Swiss Watch Company" but I don't know of any others! I can say that our family name (Roemer) is not a very common one so we are likely the same company you are refering to.

I'm talking about the Roamer watch company that was founded in 1888 in Solothurn, Switzerland:

Spelling is slightly different but surnames can have variations. Maybe I wasn't clear what I meant.

 

[JRoem]

I like them! Cool color combinations and - as said earlier - the bracelets look really nice too.

Also as mentioned previously, the only downside I see is the name. It comes off as overly generic, like something you'd pick up at Walmart between the disposable razors and flea collars.

I am happy to hear that!

And noted on the name! Maybe the switch to SWC would bump us up the Electronics or Outdoor Supplies department haha.

 

[JRoem]

I'm talking about the Roemer watch comapny that was founded in 1888 in Solothurn, Switzerland:

View attachment 14496737

I see! No, we have no relation to this company, though that would be quite the heritage. Our last name is actually spelt Romer, but the "e" is added when translated to English.

 

[Tempvs Ex Machina]

It looks like when the offspring of an Omega AT and Seamaster, has an offspring with a Tag Heuer Aquaracer.

 

[JRoem]

It looks like when the offspring of an Omega AT and Seamaster, has an offspring with a Tag Heuer Aquaracer.

The reference to the Seamaster is definitely the most common comparison that we get. The Omega AT is a first but we've had a few mention the Aquaracer. That would be quite the lineage line though, regardless!

 

[Hotblack Desiato]

...

Appreciate that you guys are taking feedback and working on solutions for the logo/name. I understand it can take time to steer the ship in a different direction.

Love the color of the lume plots on the blue dial. I only wish more "classic/retro/vintage" style designs would lean into "minty toothpaste" instead of brown patina.

Agreed on both.

I look forward to seeing the next batch with a smaller size and logo on the dial.

Doc Savage

 

[GrussGott]

Yeah, that is definitely something we have heard before. If it's worth anything we do have a brief history on how "Swiss Watch Company" came to be on the "about" page of our website. We are looking at getting the name officially changed to SWC (similar to International Watch Company IWC) but legally changing a corporation name in Switzerland is pretty tough so it could take some time before we are able to get anything changed.

The name should stand for something, evoke the company's history, ethics, or principles. Even "roemer watch company" would be better for the brand (have Swiss watch company be the parent company, with "Roemer" as the name on the watch) as that sounds a bit like the english word "roam" and kinda ties in the military history. I'd change the logo too - try to pull in a Swiss cross military themes.

for me, the only reason to buy a mechanical watch is emotion, that's it, I don't need a watch. So the brand should evoke emotion or identity - if you'd been around since the 1800s maybe SWC would work, but at this point I'd say create a new military brand and make SWC a parent. SWC just doesn't create any emotion or conjure up any passions.

As for the watches, they're ok, although a bit generic - given the name, price, and design my first thought was "scam". As with the name, the design needs to pull from somewhere - right now it looks like it's copying Rolex & Omega. It's definitely better than some I've seen, but everything is missing passion. Sorry to be downer - I really support micros so just trying to telling you why I wouldn't be interested yet.

 

[1afc]

I cannot get excited or recommend a brand that chose a parts bin name. It would be like me starting a blog called Online Blog.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

So you don't like International Watch Company either then?

I haven't looked at the price point but they look like well finished items with good dial detail IMHO.

 

[JacobC]

So you don't like International Watch Company either then?

I haven't looked at the price point but they look like well finished items with good dial detail IMHO.

Yeah not really stoked on IWC for that reason either.

I think the products shown here look to be of quality at this price point.

Instagram @open_escapement

 

[BostonWatcher]

Brand name and all else mentioned aside, I think this is a very well executed design. Different enough to not be an homage and quality materials for a very fair price. Some small details that many companies overlook too like the oil pressed case back and multiple lume layers.

If I were not bogged down with dive style watches, I'd gladly strap one of these to my wrist. Bracelet looks well done too!

Many will criticize the tiniest things, but overall, well done!

 

[Mr.Jones82]

There is a review for those who are interested.

https://www.watchuseek.com/f67/swiss-watch-company-swc-diver-review-4984835.html

Interesting story and good luck with everything!

 

[Vioviv]

Congratulations on the launch ... I'm always in awe of entrepreneurs and I hope you sell a boatload of watches!

I think it's a fantastic looking watch. I personally don't wear dive watches, but I appreciate the aesthetics and I love the color pops on the chapter rings, the handset, the detailing on the bezel and dial. In addition to some traces of Omega and TAG, I detect a hint of CFB ScubaTec in there as well.

Given that the number one comment so far on this thread has been regarding the 44mm size, do you mind if I ask a) are you surprised at this reaction, and b) what kind of research did you do to determine the dimensions?

Thanks so much for coming to WUS and sharing with us, and good luck!

 

[JRoem]

The name should stand for something, evoke the company's history, ethics, or principles. Even "roemer watch company" would be better for the brand (have Swiss watch company be the parent company, with "Roemer" as the name on the watch) as that sounds a bit like the english word "roam" and kinda ties in the military history. I'd change the logo too - try to pull in a Swiss cross military themes.

for me, the only reason to buy a mechanical watch is emotion, that's it, I don't need a watch. So the brand should evoke emotion or identity - if you'd been around since the 1800s maybe SWC would work, but at this point I'd say create a new military brand and make SWC a parent. SWC just doesn't create any emotion or conjure up any passions.

As for the watches, they're ok, although a bit generic - given the name, price, and design my first thought was "scam". As with the name, the design needs to pull from somewhere - right now it looks like it's copying Rolex & Omega. It's definitely better than some I've seen, but everything is missing passion. Sorry to be downer - I really support micros so just trying to telling you why I wouldn't be interested yet.

No need to apologize! Feedback is always welcome and is the only way we will improve moving forward. It is a name and logo I grew up with so I have the emotional connection but that doesn't apply to people interested in our brand so I definitely see your point. I will see what we can do about the company name and logo going forward but can't make any promises as our current customers will take priority when it comes to changes made.

I do appreciate the feedback though.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[JRoem]

Brand name and all else mentioned aside, I think this is a very well executed design. Different enough to not be an homage and quality materials for a very fair price. Some small details that many companies overlook too like the oil pressed case back and multiple lume layers.

If I were not bogged down with dive style watches, I'd gladly strap one of these to my wrist. Bracelet looks well done too!

Many will criticize the tiniest things, but overall, well done!

I really appreciate that! All design elements are credited to my dad and our backers. And we are very proud of our luminosity!

And we look at the criticisms in a positive way. Even the worst ones usually have a grain of wisdom that can be used Haha.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[JRoem]

There is a review for those who are interested.

https://www.watchuseek.com/f67/swiss-watch-company-swc-diver-review-4984835.html

Interesting story and good luck with everything!

Thank you for sharing this! He was nice enough to take time to review our blue and black model. We have quite a few other reviews on YouTube as well.

Thank you very much!

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[JRoem]

Congratulations on the launch ... I'm always in awe of entrepreneurs and I hope you sell a boatload of watches!

I think it's a fantastic looking watch. I personally don't wear dive watches, but I appreciate the aesthetics and I love the color pops on the chapter rings, the handset, the detailing on the bezel and dial. In addition to some traces of Omega and TAG, I detect a hint of CFB ScubaTec in there as well.

Given that the number one comment so far on this thread has been regarding the 44mm size, do you mind if I ask a) are you surprised at this reaction, and b) what kind of research did you do to determine the dimensions?

Thanks so much for coming to WUS and sharing with us, and good luck!

Thank you very much! Dive watches tend to be the safest bet for a brands first release, but we will definitely be covering many more model families in the future so stay tuned!

To answer your questions, the size being an issue with people came as no surprise. We have had quite a few YouTube reviews done on various channels and the size was always something that came up. I have had many people reach out to me personally in regards to it as well after we released. Most of our inspiration came from the size of traditional dive watches as well as our personal preference. Also the watches being at 44mm honestly didn't become a real point of criticism until after we began shipping watches to customers. Though this is likely due to us not having very much exposure before our release. Ideally we would release two separate sizes, but this is very difficult to do with the minimal exposure we currently have as minimum order quantities tend to be quite high. Without having a smaller and larger size we run the risk of alienating our current customer base who enjoy wearing a 44mm piece.

It is a problem we plan on working out with the help of feedback from our customers and community! Thank you for the warm welcome and comment!