I think the "problem" isnt what they are. Its what they arent hand havent been for years. They havent been Rolex or Cartier or any of those other prestige brands for a very long time. Although decades ago they were definitely on par, they had a long period in the wilderness making cheaper less well designed watches. And that's what people think of because they spent your entire lifetime as exactly that.
The new designs are good. Really good. But design isnt everything and watches are an emotional and status thing as well. Right now, they dont have the status, and argue what you want, but that counts.
If they stay on their game another 5, 10, 20 years... they'll be right there again. But you can lose status in a minute that it takes years to regain. They're going through that now.
I think the "problem" isnt what they are. Its what they arent hand havent been for years. They havent been Rolex or Cartier or any of those other prestige brands for a very long time. Although decades ago they were definitely on par, they had a long period in the wilderness making cheaper less well designed watches. And that's what people think of because they spent your entire lifetime as exactly that.
The new designs are good. Really good. But design isnt everything and watches are an emotional and status thing as well. Right now, they dont have the status, and argue what you want, but that counts.
If they stay on their game another 5, 10, 20 years... they'll be right there again. But you can lose status in a minute that it takes years to regain. They're going through that now.