For months, maybe years, Ben Clymer, the president of a major media outlet and a long-time consumer of various watch types, has been mesmerized by the captivating yet puzzling dynamics of the watch industry. Now, he shares his observations, amassed from a diverse range of experiences and interactions, to shed light on this enigmatic world.
Clymer unveils five outcomes in the watch industry that are perplexingly irrational alongside another five outcomes which appear entirely sensible. An intriguing observation he makes is the undervaluation of complicated Patek Philippe watches (both vintage and new), who should theoretically be trading at higher rates. Despite the watch’s incredible horological value and rarity, the market price is staggeringly low, especially relative to other models in the same sphere.
Collective Horology LLC, an independent watch retailer, is making a stand against the Trump Administration over new tariff duties, deeming them ‘unlawful’. In a lawsuit filed in July on behalf of the Ventura-California company, it’s alleged that the new tariffs lack congressional approval, and inflict damage upon American businesses.
The tariffs, imposing levies of 10% and 12.5% on goods imported into the U.S, are claimed in the lawsuit to exceed the President’s authority for such measures. This decisive action from Collective Horology signifies a significant response from the watch industry which financially, has had its legs cut off by these levies. These, alongside a strong Swiss franc, a challenging economic environment and record high precious metals prices, have hit the industry hard.