Round Table China What's ticking in watchmaking?
26 snips
Aug 30, 2025 The podcast dives into the transformative world of watchmaking, spotlighting the surge of innovative Chinese brands that challenge traditional Swiss powerhouses. It uncovers the shifting consumer preferences, especially among the youth, for bold designs that blend mythology with modernity. Topics like the contrast between luxury timepieces and smartwatches are explored, along with breakthroughs in the tech side of watchmaking. Cultural moments, like celebrity engagements, also highlight the evolving status symbols in luxury.
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Smartwatches Shift Perceptions Of Value
- Smartwatches are eating into the traditional luxury watch market and changing perceptions of watches as hard assets.
- Forbes data shows secondhand luxury watch prices have fallen significantly, signaling reduced speculative demand.
Family Habits Reflect Watch Value Beliefs
- Yushan shares a personal story about her mother searching for a watch box to preserve value.
- She notes older generations still treat watches as long-term assets despite market declines.
Vintage And Artistry Gain Traction
- Collectors are shifting from buying new high-production luxury watches to seeking vintage pieces with historical significance.
- This diversifies demand toward artistry, exclusivity, and independent watchmakers.