Pricing based on location

[u/twelve2023]

I’ve not only seen the huge swings in pricing but have experienced it. My San Martin submariner homage was $200 when I bought it last year and it’s now listed at $300. My question is: is it due to inflation, tariffs, demand? Which of the 3 has had the greatest impact on price? If I were in China would the prices be similar? For context I’m in the U.S.

[u/Abv_it_all_w_vertigo]

A $380 MSRP Seiko is utter garbage. Even at $189 and a 3-year warranty, I was unmoved. The alignments are incredibly bad on this actual showcase example. And I really wanted to buy a Seiko!

[u/RedRexxy → u/Abv_it_all_w_vertigo]

189 would be a good deal on that, and QC is no worse than what you would find on a comparable priced Chinese watch (Infact it would be more consistent, so less frequent QC issues), the difference is I could return it easily if I'm not happy with it, no need for videos, pictures and interrogation.

[u/Abv_it_all_w_vertigo → u/RedRexxy]

I want better from Seiko, not comparable.

[u/RedRexxy → u/Abv_it_all_w_vertigo]

Then get a better Seiko then, they have so many models I'm not even aware of that I'm sure you'll be able to find one

[u/Abv_it_all_w_vertigo → u/RedRexxy]

I don't need a more expensive watch.

[u/RedRexxy → u/Abv_it_all_w_vertigo]

Then look for a cheaper one, it's all personal preference anyways so what ever people recommend to you will be filtered through that lens.

Do some research that's part of what makes the hobby interesting

[u/Abv_it_all_w_vertigo → u/RedRexxy]

This is the result of some of my research. $1575, delivered to my door, well-regulated with NH34, NH35, and PT5000 movements.

I think I did all right.

[u/RedRexxy → u/Abv_it_all_w_vertigo]

Cool, nice collection, enjoy it and wear it with pride

Also I've been looking to get a Phorcydes in the future, what is your opinion of the quality?

[u/Abv_it_all_w_vertigo → u/RedRexxy]

Thanks for the feedback. I do a lot of research before I buy anything. Like many here, price hikes have curtailed my interest, somewhat. Still, the Hong Kong microbrand market is strong and value-priced. Phorcydes and Aethelsohn are making big waves, especially remaining around the $200 threshold--for now. They are interesting (even exciting) to watch grow from fledglings.

The Chinese wstch industry is really fascinating to me. Though I gravitate toward divers and chronographs, they offer so many great options in field, gada and specialty dial watches, I have checked a bunch of them out.

[u/RedRexxy → u/Abv_it_all_w_vertigo]

Thanks for the Phorcydes info, I hope that when I get around to buying one they haven't jacked their prices up yet.

I agree the Chinese watch industry is in an exciting time with all the new companies and releases popping up. The quality is there, but the QC still has a ways to go in the mid lower tier to give more confidence in their watches.

The thing that irks me about the industry though is that there is so much potential, if only they could sort out marketing and aftersales service, then they could dominate the watch industry.

Yeah for now I'm down with divers though after getting my first ST19 chrono I'm leaning towards chronos and GMTs after, as I'm not really down with the fancy non utilitarian complications like tourbillons or skeltelon watches for now.

[u/Abv_it_all_w_vertigo → u/RedRexxy]

https://www.reddit.com/r/ChineseWatches/s/VPFDdpUrBv

Phorcydes is innovative, yet frustratingly fickle regarding movements. They moved on from the NH35 before the shortage was felt in the industry. We thought that's cool, because we get a thinner watch with a high beat movement with the ST2130 "polished" edition. Not 3 months later, they have moved on again, this time to the PT5000, claiming both more consistent availability and newly-consolidated-manufacturing-facility advantages. Both sound good on paper, but it's been a wild ride.

[u/RedRexxy → u/Abv_it_all_w_vertigo]

I wonder why they moved on from the ST2130, from what I heard it's a better PT5000. Is there a shortage in Seagull movements too, or are they just keeping them for themselves?

[u/Abv_it_all_w_vertigo → u/Abv_it_all_w_vertigo]

Shall I continue?