What the eye doesn't see – what really affects the price of a watch?
Many of you are probably familiar with the image of an iceberg, with only a small portion sticking out above the waterline. The invisible part, hidden beneath the surface, is always dozens of times larger than what the human eye can see. I hope this visual example will help you better understand the idea behind today's post.
Polish brands versus global giants
Our local watch world is dominated by global players. Their influence on the market goes beyond dictating trends. Polish watch companies must compete with the giants. The battle can seem doomed to failure. On one side, we have unlimited budgets and global ambassadors, and on the other, small, owner-owned companies that carefully weigh every penny spent. However, the battle continues, and our manufacturers have found a way to reach customers and convince them to embrace their often exceptional products.
Why are more expected from Polish producers?
If choosing a watch were solely determined by quality of workmanship, the matter might seem trivial. However, the reality is different. The bar for domestic watchmakers is set much higher. What global brands often get away with, local producers consider, at best, a lack of respect. This carries serious consequences, which is why Polish brands must strive harder to convince and satisfy customers.
The invisible part of work and the real costs of production
When evaluating a watch, sooner or later the conversation turns to the price-to-quality ratio. Customers paying for a watch with their own money rightly expect to receive a proven movement, excellent materials, and precision that fully justify the expense. However, there are areas throughout the production process that are often invisible, yet they truly impact the final price of the timepiece.
How does a Polish project come about? Uniqueness comes at a price.
Polish brands like Balticus are known for original designs inspired by history and national symbols. Creating a watch from scratch is a multi-month process that includes:
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designing a unique envelope,
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designing the dial and selecting the perfect indexes,
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designing instructions and assembling a suitable bracelet,
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Research into the ergonomics and durability of components. This requires specialized knowledge, consultation with numerous experts, and hundreds of hours of design work.
Prototyping – the most expensive stage
Before a watch receives approval to begin production, at least one, and usually several, prototypes are created. This is an extremely expensive part of the entire operation, codenamed "new watch." A single test piece, made to order, generates costs significantly higher than those of subsequent mass production. The prototype effectively validates the expectations of which materials and mechanisms must stand the test of time.
