Post by JBHII on Oct 15, 2004 9:39:57 GMT -5
Check out the following article - it shows the total number of COSC certificates issued by the organization, and breaks it down by specific watch manufacturers:
www.fhs.jp/News/english/cosc2003.htm
Apparently all the major manufactures (Rolex, Omega, Breitling, etc.) had a reduced number of certificates issues in 2003. I can offer one possible explaination/factor: Basel 2003.
The 2003 Basel show was one of the poorest attended and worst shows in Basel history from what I understand. The SARS epidemic was largely to blame, as were overall poor world wide economic conditions. Since the lion's share of watches sold for the year are ordered at the Basel show, I would imagine the poor Basel showing had an impact on the total number of watches manufactured - this would help to explain why there was a consistent reduction by all manufacturers on the list as compared to the year prior.
Some interesting observations:
Rolex earned more COSC certs. than the combined total of ALL other manufacturers. COSC issued roughly 1.2 million certs. in 2003 and Rolex represented about 750,000 of them. WOW.
Omega, the next highest on the list, earned over 200,000 certs. That's nearly double the next place manufactuer (Breitling) and nearly as many as every other manufacturer on the list below them. Impressive.
I had no idea that Tissot sold any COSC certified watches, yet their number 5 on the list!
The value of COSC certification is certainly debatable, but I think these numbers make for some interesting discussion.
John
www.fhs.jp/News/english/cosc2003.htm
Apparently all the major manufactures (Rolex, Omega, Breitling, etc.) had a reduced number of certificates issues in 2003. I can offer one possible explaination/factor: Basel 2003.
The 2003 Basel show was one of the poorest attended and worst shows in Basel history from what I understand. The SARS epidemic was largely to blame, as were overall poor world wide economic conditions. Since the lion's share of watches sold for the year are ordered at the Basel show, I would imagine the poor Basel showing had an impact on the total number of watches manufactured - this would help to explain why there was a consistent reduction by all manufacturers on the list as compared to the year prior.
Some interesting observations:
Rolex earned more COSC certs. than the combined total of ALL other manufacturers. COSC issued roughly 1.2 million certs. in 2003 and Rolex represented about 750,000 of them. WOW.
Omega, the next highest on the list, earned over 200,000 certs. That's nearly double the next place manufactuer (Breitling) and nearly as many as every other manufacturer on the list below them. Impressive.
I had no idea that Tissot sold any COSC certified watches, yet their number 5 on the list!
The value of COSC certification is certainly debatable, but I think these numbers make for some interesting discussion.
John
