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Hi Guys
Jan 5, 2005 23:47:40 GMT -5
Post by Eddie on Jan 5, 2005 23:47:40 GMT -5
I thought I'd say hello to all and add a little to something GW reported in his post "Weird 9937" about Swiss movements not being shipped out of Switzerland.
As I understand it, ETA under direction from Swatch had announced in 2002 that it would stop exporting movements in 2005. Subsequently several companies took the case to the Swiss Federal Committee for Fair Trade (“Wettbewerbskommission,” WeKo) on the basis of improper use of a position of power by the Swatch group. On Nov 8th 2004 an agreement was made by ETA and WeKo where ETA will continue delivery of ébauches until 2010 but they will gradually reduce the numbers exported. Based on the average number of movements that a customer had bought between 1999 and 2001 as a reference, Eta will only deliver 85 % of the reference figure in 2008, 50 % in 2009, and 25 % in 2010. Price increases are only allowed in the range of the inflation rate, if ETA wants to charge more than this, then WeKo has to give its approval.
It will be interesting to see what the future holds for companies that now use the ETA 2824-2 etc and who manufacture outside Switzerland. I have my own opinion on what might happen, but I'd be interested in hearing other's viewpoints.
The figures I've quoted above were reported in “Der Bund,” Bern, November 14, 2004
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Post by GW on Jan 6, 2005 5:02:48 GMT -5
Thanks for the info I was looking all over to get the info from were I was reading it and was having NO luck .. glad you set the record stright I was begining to thank I dreamed it ))))
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Post by MikeS on Jan 6, 2005 6:57:29 GMT -5
well this will help drive up prices! The old supply and demand method! We better buy them up now who knows what they will cost in the near future!
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Post by Pat McCarthy on Jan 6, 2005 8:52:17 GMT -5
. . . It will be interesting to see what the future holds for companies that now use the ETA 2824-2 etc and who manufacture outside Switzerland. I have my own opinion on what might happen, but I'd be interested in hearing other's viewpoints. Excellent point. I think you are already seeing manufacturers who have been using ETA movements beginning to use oriental movements - both Chinese and Japanese. I think we are going to see more. Seiko has an opportunity to become a big player with higher end European houses who may become squeezed out by the Swatch actions. There is a lot of opportunity in the market for someone who has the foresight to take a little risk with oriental watch companies.
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Post by JBHII on Jan 6, 2005 9:44:03 GMT -5
I thought I'd say hello to all and add a little to something GW reported in his post "Weird 9937" about Swiss movements not being shipped out of Switzerland. As I understand it, ETA under direction from Swatch had announced in 2002 that it would stop exporting movements in 2005. Subsequently several companies took the case to the Swiss Federal Committee for Fair Trade (“Wettbewerbskommission,” WeKo) on the basis of improper use of a position of power by the Swatch group. On Nov 8th 2004 an agreement was made by ETA and WeKo where ETA will continue delivery of ébauches until 2010 but they will gradually reduce the numbers exported. Based on the average number of movements that a customer had bought between 1999 and 2001 as a reference, Eta will only deliver 85 % of the reference figure in 2008, 50 % in 2009, and 25 % in 2010. Price increases are only allowed in the range of the inflation rate, if ETA wants to charge more than this, then WeKo has to give its approval. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for companies that now use the ETA 2824-2 etc and who manufacture outside Switzerland. I have my own opinion on what might happen, but I'd be interested in hearing other's viewpoints. The figures I've quoted above were reported in “Der Bund,” Bern, November 14, 2004 Thanks for sharing this Eddie. Let me help to shed some light on this: The reason ETA is moving in this direction is due to fakes and counterfeiting. I did an article last year on a "super fake" Omega Seamaster for IW Magazine. The model was nearly indestinguishable from an authentic Seamaster. I opened the case, and instead of the Omega caliber 1120, the fake had a poorly mounted ETA 2836. So fake watch producers are buying exported Swatch Group produced ETA movements, and using them to counterfeit other Swatch Group products! Omega is just one of the many watch companies that are held in the Swatch Group, in addition to ETA. The only way that the Swatch Group can minimize this from happening is by stopping the exporting of complete calibers overseas (the Pacific Rim is where a lot of these fakes coming from). Make no mistake, ETA is a cash cow for The Swatch Group, and they have no desire to stop servicing legitimate customers with ETA movements. There will be serveral conditions under which companies will be able to continue to buy ETA movements. Companies located in Switzerland will still be able to get ETA movements. Breitling for example should still be able to buy ETA movements after 2010. Companies without a Swiss presence will have a tougher time. I believe this more than any other reason is why Invicta now has something of an office or shop in Switzerland. In the long term, this will make it easier for them to get movements from ETA.
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Hi Guys
Jan 6, 2005 14:33:02 GMT -5
Post by Aaron on Jan 6, 2005 14:33:02 GMT -5
I did an article last year on a "super fake" Omega Seamaster for IW Magazine. The model was nearly indestinguishable from an authentic Seamaster. I opened the case, and instead of the Omega caliber 1120, the fake had a poorly mounted ETA 2836. Hey John, Is there anyway you can post that atricle or a link.I have heard of these super fakes and dearley would love to see one. Unfortunately IW is not available here.(might be in capital cities) Cheers Aaron
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Hi Guys
Jan 7, 2005 10:24:45 GMT -5
Post by JBHII on Jan 7, 2005 10:24:45 GMT -5
Hey John, Is there anyway you can post that atricle or a link.I have heard of these super fakes and dearley would love to see one. Unfortunately IW is not available here.(might be in capital cities) Cheers Aaron Sorry man...I don't have anything online to link you to, but I'll see about getting my old IW articles online at some point this year.
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Hi Guys
Jan 7, 2005 12:02:24 GMT -5
Post by DavidHernandez on Jan 7, 2005 12:02:24 GMT -5
Interesting.
I'm familiar with the Asian Valjoux 7750b1 movement, and my understanding is that these rival their Swiss counterparts. I have heard that the 7750b1's can be as accurate as +/- 2 seconds, right out of the box! That's amazing, considering they are not seeking COSC certification.
No wonder there's a counterfeit problem.
Dave.
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