Results of the 2nd Collectors Forum Watch (CF3) Survey

Here are the numbers:

Total Completed Survey: 82 (100%)

How many Collectors' Forum 3 Watches should be produced? Assume the watch will sell for 8000 CHF or less
100 31.5%
200 28.8%
500 27.4%
Unlimited 12.3%

Should anyone who wants one be able to qualify for the watch?
Yes 53.3%
No 46.7%

Should applications for the watch only be through this forum?
Yes 89.0%
No 11.0%

Should IWC Boutiques be able to sell this watch independently of the Forum?
Yes 22.5%
No 77.5%

Should other IWC dealers be able to sell this watch independently of the Forum?
Yes 17.5%
No 82.5%

My comments:

--Everyone is divided on quantities. I think we need enough to satisfy collectors here and but not have so many to lose exclusivity. The 200 number at least is a middle ground. Some comments suggested a period of "open enrollment" and quantities geared to that.

--The second question of mine wasn't well-worded. IT could have meant that people here might not get the watch b ut only "insiders". That wasn't my intent. Many of the comments (which are difficult to show here) said that amny active forum member should qualify. I concur with that. I'd also rather err on the side of being slightly liberal than restrictive.

--I think almost everyone thinks applicatiosn should be through this forum, and a large majority are opposed to sales outside of the forum. IF the project proceeds we might need to use boutiques for payment/delivery for technical reasons, though.

Your comments?

Michael - I think you have summed it up and concluded very well, you have my support.

Now, just make sure the CF3 is not a Mark version :-) I'm still keeping my fingers crossed for a Worldtimer!!!!

Michael, Thank you for the update.
One concern I have with limiting distribution to the boutiques is that many of our members do not live near one of the existing outlets. Jim in Texas would have to go to NYC or LA, if overall cost is a consideration perhaps we should revisit adding some local ADs as well. Just my thoughts.
Kevin

Thanks Michael, no comments other than should this move on to the next stage I hope there is something very distinctive on the watch or even strap (without adding too much extra cost) that makes the watch quite identifiable from afar. Regards, Thang

Boutique distribution may not be ideal as already noted.

Many collectors have strong relationships with their AD and to take custom elsewhere is perhaps non-optimal. It's like shopping at a competitor in the end in the eyes of an AD where you have a relationship - often with some perks.

Perhaps 200 is already an ambitious target ? But would be a brilliant success if that was achieved.

Thank you Michael. Looking forward to the next step. I do agree with others that distribution through AD would be preferred.

Kind regards, Marinus

Michael,

Your analysis is sound.
I voted against the sale by boutiques or ADs. What I was concerned about was the sale outside of the Forum. For those not located near a boutique delivery by an AD is fine. I just don't think independent sales should be permitted.

Also, I think Forum members should get first preference. Let's say anyone with over 500 posts gets first choice for a day or two. Then other Forum members can participate. I do not wish to exclude anyone, but active participation should mean something.

200 watches I think is optimistic; I think 100 is more likely the best. One way to gauge interest is to take a $1000 non refundable deposit after the watch design is announced. then the limited edition number can be announced.

Just my opinion.

Given that apparently only 82 people responded to the survey, I'm not sure why the number produced would be more than 100. The last thing I would want is a bunch of extra unsold watches sitting around that could end up somehow reaching the market.

Taking an upfront meaningful non-refundable deposit (I like the suggestion of $1000) would separate the wheat from the chaff. Assuming it is a basically stock watch with perhaps custom dial and special engravings, perhaps deposits could be taken and that would then determone how many watches are actually produced.

Thank you Michael for the stats.

If I well remember, that's my current opinion anyway, I voted for an unlimited edition. This watch goes beyond ordinary rationales, it's about community.

A famous play's song recites: "Add one more place at the dinner table, share the food, double the joy." That's my thought and my philosophy in life.

Whatever the distribution, it won't be an issue - imo. I'd prefer the watch to be available just via the forum, it would be a "nice to have" thing.

At the very end, I'm not worried about anything but the soundness of the watch (a guise of an anglage and technically worth).

MF, Alan, your sumations are well put and I am in line with them.

Thomas, Kevin, like you I believe that distribution should preferably be via existing customer/distribution chain. So delivery via local AD or prefered IWC Boutique.

Dick, Like the deposit idea - but probably due to distributon and other legal/commercial reasons, probably the way to appoach that would be a Credit Card direct to IWC Schaffhausen Order Guarantee in CHF refundable when confirmd signed orders are received via the normal distribution chain. Non refundable, if the sale agreements are not completed at AD or Boutique within set time period. As regards your 2nd point I would like to try and put your concerns to rest - I very much doubt and its never been one of my concerns around CF watches reaching the market post the "forum sale"....in fact just the opposite! I often ponder the fact that us CFDV owners are lucky in that respect that IWC have NOT ACCEPTED post intial closure date any orders for CFDV.

Best regards
Mark

Dick, we sold 100 CFI in 2 weeks. The forum's activity has more than tripled since 2005. The volume now is huge. The survey was up about 72 hours and got buried under at least a dozen new discussions I think the 82 replies was huge given that, but not reflective of the interest in a forum watch. I think at least 50 will be sold to people who have the first or second watches, or both, assuming the design and price are right. It's easier to understand for those who chose the prior ones.

great stuff Michael.

I think your analysis and interpretation of what is best works well - there will never be complete agreement with all forum participants afterall.

for me I would prefer a limited edition of say 150 (I had voted for 100 which remains my preferred number), and I like the idea of a deposit to be laid down -- but I say this without the benefit of knowing what the point-of-sales, and logistical limitations and possibilities are in each city, which I think will need the input of each forum collector who has to collect the watch, with the final decision a compromise between that and where IWC can send the watch (regardless boutique/AD etc). my 2 cents.

I think the price setting is right. I voted for 100 watches, and stated that if the demand is higher, the active members should have priority. Both exclusivity and real members of this forum, that's what the watch is all about, the friendship of those who participate in recent times. I guess there are about 100 more or less active members, maybe a bit less, a question of definition. About a year ago I started a count of the amount of posts per member from a certain starting date: although not finished (sooo boring after an hour or so), my assumption seems rather viable.

I look forward to the next step. I guess the data is clear enough, maybe it is IWC that should have the ball now?

Kind regards,
Paul

Thank you for keeping us filled in on the process, Michael. This is getting very exciting. I can't wait to see what design is chosen. Til then I will start hinting ANOTHER possible watch purchase to my wife : ) I will use words like "Community" and "Limited" to warm her up. Cheers!

Michael,
First, thank you for letting us 'say our piece' regarding this proposed watch, both anonymously thru the survey, and then by this route- this is greatly appreciated by me- and I would think every one else. It is a great example of 'community'.

So, while I voted for 100 pieces, I think now I see where 150 might be a better number- but if we go much above that, the 'specialness' lessens, IMO. I do believe a good idea is a non-refundable deposit (which would demonstrate sincerity on the collector's part).

If the money were paid to an account directly by the buyer, then perhaps they delivery could be made by whomever (boutique or favorite AD).

Anyway, I really like the way this is being handled, and it is very interesting to read what every one thinks. We all appreciate this!

Nelson

I agree with Nelson. It is a privilege to be able to provide input either anonymously through the survey or in the follow up posts.
I further agree that 150 may be the right number of watches. (On further reflection how about 144 watches, one for each year of IWC's existence?)

I suspect that once a design is presented to us, and then perhaps tweaked a bit based on further comments, there should be great participation by those who post here.
Exciting....isn't it?!

In my opinion 150-200 would be more reasonable. The distribution with IWC own boutiques I think depends on the wish of the company only. But it would be understandable.

Thanks Michael.

100-200 seems to be the right quantity, and I agree that boutique should be the primary channel of distribution. Please keep us posted.