As you know, it's becoming increasingly difficult to obrain ETA movements and Sellita aren't much better. I'n now at the stage where I need to order more of the Smiths Military and would like to continue with the ETA2801 but I can't find any. The alternative is to go with the Miyota 9039 (as used in the Everest) or wait until the 2801 is available (and run out of stock whilst waiting).
Eddie
Whole chunks of my life come under the heading "it seemed like a good idea at the time".
If it's a strong seller at its current spec keep it as is. I doubt any will be put off with a price increase.
Can you afford to run out of stock?
If yes, stick to your initial choice. The demand will not go away, you have a good following.
If not, it's a no brainer.
'Against stupidity, the gods themselves struggle in vain' - Schiller.
Good things come to those who wait
Eddie Your judgement on the watches You bring to the public has always been superb value for money and also very much praised not just here but You only have to go to other forums to see how much tyour watches are valued by collectors so I think Your decision will prove successful either way.
Incidentally I voted to go with the Miyota movement they are very good and power a lot of watches.
What I take it you are suggesting, is to go from a manual to an automatic. Would the case size accommodate? Either way I would say no. Wait for the ETA and increase the price to whatever it takes.
To be brutally pragmatic, running out of stock on the Everest expedition has done you no harm at all, with both prices and demand being stimulated by the lack of availability. There is still a cachet to having a Swiss movement, so I'd wait. It's an obvious win win.
Much as I hate to say it as I'm still after one of your Everest models after missing it last time, but perhaps it would make sense to be bringing your prices closer to what they can resell for immediately after purchase. I know that you want to offer your watches at a decent price, but it seems the market has become increasingly inflated while your prices have not. As a result, I think some of your recent watches are not as highly regarded as they really should be.
That's just my opinion and we all know what that is worth.
Wait for the ETA.
F.T.F.A.
Run out of stock and wait for the ETA. Allow orders for a 20-50% deposit if that is an option and ship the watches in the same order.
Wait for the eta
Stuff ETA
You will have to move away from them anyway eventually, so do it now, and take your custom to someone that gives a hoot.
Dave
I say wait for the ETA. Have you checked into any manual wind Miyota's.
In house?
Though I'd say ditch them sooner than later. My recently acquired miyota powered watch is far more accurate than the eta smiths. The idea of it being a Swiss movement quickly meant nothing when it was running 15 to 20 day fast compared to the miyota which runs 1s a day fast and cost 25% less.
I'd be tempted to stick two fingers up at ETA for its petty practice of throttling supply to the little guy and go with a proven movement where supply and maintenance won't become an issue.
But … ETA movements are so smooth and creamy compared to Miyota grit.
I voted Miyota though
Do both - keep the supply with the miyota and add the ETA as an option. Don't lower the price with the miyota as eBay shows that the market is plenty buoyant.
I voted to wait for the ETA option. Keep the Military range handwound and the Everest range automatic.
I wonder how many of each dial option Eddie has left, might be time to stop procrastinating! Although I have obviously missed the windows of opportunity for this month.
Dave
The way I see it, if ETA restrict the supply of movements to manufacturers then they do not deserve your business!
How about the Sellita SW210 ? probably would be cheaper and should just drop in where the ETA was.
Edit: sorry just noticed that you said they were a problem to source (I'm assuming you approached Sellita directly?) I bought 100 movements last year and if i remember correctly the delivery was about 6 weeks
Last edited by animalone; 26th February 2020 at 11:55.
I ordered 300 of the SW210 (top grade) in December and delivery is scheduled for July but I won't hold my breath.Originally Posted by animalone
Eddie
Whole chunks of my life come under the heading "it seemed like a good idea at the time".
Nth seems to be doing very well by just using miyota.
Sent from my MI MAX 3 using Tapatalk
I voted to hang fire, but with that availability (or lack thereof), and no guarantee of that changing in 2021, it's probably time to move on.
Dave E
Skating away on the thin ice of a new day
I love hand crankers, but seeing ETA's politics of limiting access to movements and parts, I voted Miyota.
I prefer a watch my local watchmaker will be able to service for many years to come, without artificially imposed problems sourcing materials.
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