[MZhammer]

CNN Money seems to think so, as does Nick Hayek. I'm not sure if added costs can be so easily passed on to consumers in such a short period. What are your thoughts?

7 biggest losers from Swiss currency blowout - Jan. 16, 2015

 

[Watchbreath]

So soon!? We just had one of these, I hope Nestle takes it in the shorts.

 

[inkonx]

If someone is in the market for a luxury swiss watch then they're already primed to spend big money via years of market programing. So much so much that the general public expects to pay a lot, which is why the article says watch companies can pass off the increase to their customer with greater ease then other industries. For folks like you who know how much swiss watches currently cost and how much they could increase, then the idea of a possible 22% price hike seems crazy. For the average guy on the street, like the vast majority of my co-workers, who think any swiss watch regardless of the brand should cost 10K+, a 20% increase from current prices wouldn't phase them. At least IMO.

 

[Likestheshiny]

The Swiss Franc was this high just a few years ago. It only looks like it's suddenly high because it was so depressed by being attached to the sinking Euro. If the Franc in 2011 didn't drive prices through the roof when it was worth more than it is now, I'm not too worried.

 

[BigSeikoFan]

To the extent shop owners follow the currency markets, yes, the price will adjust upwards quickly to reflect the spot markets. If not, then their current inventory should be unchanged and only new orders will be pricier.

The question really is to what extent can shopkeepers pass through the full increase to consumers. Can we say "sticker shock?"

Overall. I think it's the same phenomenon as prices at the gas station: prices are very responsive on the way up and much less so on the way down...

 

[Watchbreath]

That can work in a department store, but a watch store is another matter.

 

[mleok]

The Swiss Franc was this high just a few years ago. It only looks like it's suddenly high because it was so depressed by being attached to the sinking Euro. If the Franc in 2011 didn't drive prices through the roof when it was worth more than it is now, I'm not too worried.

The high Swiss franc in 2011 did drive prices through the roof for brands like Vacheron Constantin, but the prices didn't drop once the franc dropped. So, in a sense, we're already been paying for the increased value of the franc since 2011.

I can see these currency fluctuations affecting smaller Swiss brands, but I am skeptical that Swatch is affected to quite the same level given that a significant amount of their lower end manufacturing is performed offshore, and the increase in the value of the Swiss franc will actually allow them to reduce the amount of Swiss made components in their movements while still being sufficiently Swiss made by value. I can't help but think this is just a bit of profiteering on the part of Swatch.

 

[Memphis1]

geez... talk about being late to the party...

 

[brrrdn]

Will we see watch prices rise with the "new" Franc?.

Lower prices for PP

http://www.woundforlife.com/2015/02/11/opinion-patek-philippe-price-decrease/

Effective today, a number of retail price changes will be seen across Patek’s lineup, including a 7% decrease in the Americas. An obvious reaction to the recent currency fluctuations resulting from Switzerland untethering the Swiss Franc from the Euro, the price changes will certainly have an effect on collectors while sending a message to the market in general.

 

[brrrdn]

Letter from PP

 

[sleepyhead123]

I can totaling see someone selling off things and dipping into retirement funds to now buy a "cheap" Patek, and then turning those savings over to their divorce lawyer.

It's good to see Patek adjusting, though I doubt the average Patek buying needs a price adjustment of 5-7% to decide the watch for them. I think if Rolex or Omega did this, it would have more impact.

 

[brrrdn]

That is the question. Will Rolex and Omega follow suit? Panerai already had a 5% price decrease in the US.

 

[sleepyhead123]

I wonder if that's why I was given such a good discount on a Reverso recently.