[watchcritic]

Now I know this will get some of you fired up...

Just went to order the venerable 3573...my AD says no more deliveries until after Feb. 1 and yes that means the 15% increase on top of the current price.

So before I say it...does anybody have a decent discount source for this watch?

If not...I AM DONE BUYING OMEGA...really?...REALLY!

 

[Houston]

It's one item Mr Watchcritic. Not all have risen by 15%

I know it's the one you're after which is a pity but across the board, over time, Omega's prices have not increased all that much. The AT for instance has only increased 15% over 4 years. Well at least on these shores anyway and things are usually higher than over where you are. The previous increase on the 3573.50 was just around 5% and that price had been held for something like 18/19 months if memory serves me correctly. I know since as a proud owner, I had been following the price of the 3573.50 on this side of the pond.

Do please watch out for a PM from me.


Wish you well my friend

ZIN

 

[MacDaddy]

I'm glad I bought my Speedy last year!

 

[watchcritic]

15% hike

Thank you for your PM suggestions...I will be sure to follow up tomorrow.

Just hope I haven't sat on the fence for too long...

Also, I was not aware that only certain models of Omega were set to increase drastically. My AD did say that recently a new watch brand has joined the Swatch Group...he tells me that many of the 1863 movements are being forwarded to this brand...hence the shortage (and maybe the price hike?).

 

[LarryD]

I've heard this somewhere else too.

However, my AD had one in the showcase and just got a Speedy Patch in as well (to replace the one my wife got me for Christmas).

There was no talk of holding orders ..

:cool1:

 

[timefinder]

WOW! If they did do this, and if others followed suit, I may look at pre-owned, or just scrap the idea already. Assuming a 5K watch, the 15% would take on an extra $750. To much and not worth it IMHO. In today's economy, the price hike will exclude the middle class and focus strictly on the upper class. If they want to focus on them, they will cut out some of their market. This would be a good time for Tag, Ball, and other companies to aggressively market to those just priced out.

 

[Houston]

WOW! If they did do this, and if others followed suit, I may look at pre-owned, or just scrap the idea already. Assuming a 5K watch, the 15% would take on an extra $750. To much and not worth it IMHO. In today's economy, the price hike will exclude the middle class and focus strictly on the upper class. If they want to focus on them, they will cut out some of their market. This would be a good time for Tag, Ball, and other companies to aggressively market to those just priced out.

@ Time

As said above and on other threads by several members, the increase in price is not 15% across the board, some as low as 6 or 7% and others 15% over 4 years - that's 3.75% per annum.

As the price of the 3573.50 had been static for some 18 - 19 mths now it's not entirely out of order. How often and by how much does Rlx increase their price?

There's still a lot of value in Omega, Speedy Pro 3573.50 or whatever model. For years their pricing have not reflected the value of their watches. That's no secret.


Be well now

ZIN

 

[timefinder]

If companies want to raise their prices annually, that is expect. Cost of inflation, etc., that is acceptable and expected. It is the big price hikes that lead everyone into sticker shock that sends them over the edge.

For example:

$5,000 watch with a *very low* tax of 5% with an increase of 3%.

$5,000 for the watch, $250 for the tax, = $5250 for the watch.

Add in the price increase of 3% ($150). Watch is now $5150 + tax =$5407.50

Now take that same scenario, and increase it 15%:

Watch costed $5,000 and an increase of 15% puts the price at: $5750. Add in the 5% tax = $5750 + $287.50 = $6037.50

For a 15% price increase, or even 7% over 18-19 months, is still higher than 3% annually.

Now, take that money and invest it using the magical 7% average rate of return.

In 20 years: $5,000 turns into $20,273
In 20 years: $6,000 turns into $24,326

And I am not picking on just Omega. Rolex is going to be guilty of this as well. Due to these pricing tactics, and given today's economy, the watch industy will lose some business. Will it collapse? No, of course not. But do not expect the middle class to start saving for these watches, when families, mortgages, cars, education, and other factors are at risk.

Just my two cents, with no rate increase!

 

[Houston]

The point I'm making is that the increases Omega has made over a number of years now has not been huge and to my mind in line with the rising cost of living. They after all have to pay their staff while landlords require ever increasing rents for the boutiques. Without these increases how is Omega to pay its' way and meet development and production costs.

Omega's pricing policies have been such that their products are generally regarded to be value for money. I don't think there's any argument about that. Incidentally the examples of price increases I have used are based on actual retail prices which would already include any sales tax.

State tax is out of the control and hands of Omega. I'm afraid you'll need to take that one up with your legislators.

ZIN

 

[timefinder]

Quoting Mr. Houston: "State tax is out of the control and hands of Omega. I'm afraid you'll need to take that one up with your legislators."

We are lucky in that in New England, the tax rate is low or even non-existant (NH). But some European countries I have visited are very HIGH. VAT is a killer! New York is no bargain either. They tax everything, even essentials like food and clothing. CA is weird as the state tax is actually done by county, or at least used to be a few years back. It caused some frustration with businesses, due to the cross driving between to save money on some items.

 

[Houston]

Now you know why we look across the pond with such envious gaze. Well, those like me anyway



Enjoy your weekend

ZIN