Swatch vs. Richemont

[Cybotron]

Interesting article.

https://deployant.com/mid-term-analy...-vs-richemont/



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[Muad'dib]

Interesting read, makes me want to buy from independent brands only as the whole scene seems to be so "artificial".
Thanks for sharing .

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[tribe125]

It is interesting, and it’s recent enough to include the purchase of Watchfinder, which I mentioned the other day.

If Watchfinder’s business remains unaltered, Richemont will be making money from selling Rolexes - both used and effectively unused. Together with other brands, of course, but Watchfinder sells more Rolexes than anything.

Alternatively, or additionally, Richemont now has an alternative to buy-back.

It will be interesting to see what they do.

[mlcor]

So, basically, they took a one-time hit during good economic times in order to reduce excess inventory on the street and throttle the gray marketers, making them in better shape for a macroeconomic downturn. Sounds like a smart strategy to me. Then by acquiring Watchfinder it also gives them more visibility to the secondary market. Still sounds smart.


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[is that my watch]

but could they not price fix the market using watch finder ?

[tribe125]

Influence and seek to protect but not fix, probably, and they’d have to establish Watchfinder in more markets.

[mlcor]

but could they not price fix the market using watch finder ?

At least in the US, it isn't an antitrust violation to agree upon prices when the parties agreeing are controlled affiliates of each other. In other words, if Richemont owns and/or controls Watchfinder, the parent company can legally dictate prices to be charged by Watchfinder.

A more interesting question is whether the acquisition itself could be viewed as anti-competitive. My guess is that the combination of market share of Richemont and Watchfinder isn't enough for the case to be made. And that's assuming you could convince a regulator that the market for new and pre-owned watches was one big market.

[is that my watch]

At least in the US, it isn't an antitrust violation to agree upon prices when the parties agreeing are controlled affiliates of each other. In other words, if Richemont owns and/or controls Watchfinder, the parent company can legally dictate prices to be charged by Watchfinder.

yes this was what I was thinking so if they was force to set them high, one no one would buy them but they could market it as... it keeping it's value over time.... and also the factor that if set to high some might think for that price I will pay the ££ more and have a new one ...

we have all done it seen something set at a price you think "your joking at that price I will buy a new one with a warranty" ?

[tribe125]

we have all done it seen something set at a price you think "your joking at that price I will buy a new one with a warranty" ?

But a lightly-used and Richemont-tested Richemont watch with a Richemont warranty?

[is that my watch]

But a lightly-used and Richemont-tested Richemont watch with a Richemont warranty?

to be fair not a richemont followers so not sure .... and don't think I could afford one of their straps let alone a new or used watch from them just seems a bit off still