Mark in Paris[Purist]
10488
I knew you would intervene Nicolas.
May 19, 2013,06:42 AM
And that's a good discussion I thought about lately: Too much or not too much LEs.
Well, firstly, I don't think that many LEs make a brand more or less exclusive: the number of watches doesn't impact significantly the overall production in order to make it too numerous.
RM produces less than 4 000 pices a year. How much do Patek? JLC?
But, I don't think that we can compare these little Hi-tech machine with more traditional products as Pateks or Langes watches.
Hence, in this RM world, the LEs are more an addition of small differences, of a little touch of uniqueness (in the sense of "personalization") that is a real plus.
Of course I don't look at all these LEs the same way: some are really different, in a small number of pieces and sometime with different exotic materials. And some are just a little change in flange+crown color, which is not what attracts me.
This offer is, too me, something more, something that allows to select a different pleasure from this best seller.
It is not a LE as a rare piece that is unique and will be invested in as to speculate.
It is a particularly nice alternative to the standard versions.
I guess when RM launches a LE dedicated to an event as Spa Classic or Le Mans Classic, it's a question of passion in horology AND in motor-racing: we like what is engineering, Hi-tech magines, it's a love for an entire specific world.
In these circumstances, some (fortunate) clients would find enjoyable to purchase one of these.
As for me, if I wanted to buy an RM011, I would seriously consider buying one of the very nice LEs I mentionned in my post, instead of the standard version.
As far as I'm concerned, you understand by now that these LEs is not something I define the same way as LEs for other classical brands: it is a better in a way it leaves more choice to the customer (whitout flooding the market): you buy what you like and you don't just buy what is available.
Hence, I really find these LEs completly coherent with the brand, without flooding the market (the number remains very small) and while bringing something appealing.
But I know we'll have a very different opinion on that matter
Thanks for your constructive thought Nicolas.
Cheers,
Mark