Which watch brands, price points are selling? (USA)

Which watch brands, price points are selling?

By Joseph Dobrian

junio 23, 2009

Seiko's "Ananta Mechanical Double Retrograde," with a Katana bladeshaped subdial, offers day and date retrograde dials and a new 6R24 caliber that uses the most advanced mechanical technology.

Which watch brands and price points are selling well? National Jeweler asked retailers around the country to weigh in for our Regional Report.

NORTHEAST

--"We sell Seiko, and they run from $150 to nearly $800, but we sell mostly up to $300," says Barbara Barbe, Brown's Jewelry and Gift Store, Thurmont, Md.

--"We carry Pulsar and Seiko. This is a rural community, and our farmers love their stretch-band watches in the $89 to $100 range," says Debbie Honey, Steckel's Jewelry, Bangor, Pa.

SOUTHEAST

--"The lowermost price points sell best, and for us, that's Fossil. In our mid-range, we sell Belair private label, and Cyma at the high end," says Layne Gautreau, Layne's Jewelry and Designs, Gonzales, La.

--"Seiko's higher-priced watches sell best for us; Seiko has a more expensive line now, with some pieces as high as $1,700," says Kissy Tuten, Cunningham Jewelers, Brunswick, Ga.

MIDWEST

--"We're still doing well with TAG Heuer from $1,000 to $3,000, and Swiss Army from $495 to $795. It's slower at the upper end, but cult brands like Ernst Benz and Bell and Ross still have their adherents," says Bill O'Brien, Moyer Fine Jewelers, Carmel, Ind.

--"For us, the cheaper, the better. They are in a throwaway mindset here. We do well with Black Hills Gold watches, and with Speidel, in the $30 to $50 range," says Les Christen, Smith Jewelry, Huron, S.D.

--"Our main line is Belair with our own logo on it, at $150 up to $800. Belair stands by their product, and we get triple key," says Mike Donovan, Bentley Donovan Fine Jewelry, Scottsbluff, Neb.

SOUTH CENTRAL

--"I only handle Bulova and pre-owned Rolex, and surprisingly enough, the Rolexes are doing better. People always have a price point in mind, but it varies from customer to customer," says Terry Adams, Adams and Co., Hot Springs National Park, Ark.

--"Bulova and Caravelle do best, at about $300 and $100, respectively. Our customers appreciate Bulova's selection of styles," says Shirley Chandler, Chandler Jewelers, Albuquerque, N.M.

WEST

--"For both vintage and modern, our best brand is Rolex. Those customers are not collectors, but brand-conscious consumers, and they get good value, selection, constant turnover and a good buy on a guaranteed product," says Ken Jacobs, Wanna Buy A Watch?, Los Angeles.

--"The digital revolution is killing watches, although older people still buy them: Citizen and Belair, mostly under $500," says Bob Bonaci, Bonaci Fine Jewelers, Kent, Wash.

--"We mainly carry Seiko, and our best prices are $150 to $200 for ladies, and $300 to $395 for men," says Ted Blohm, Blohm's Jewelers, Elko, Nev.

FUENTE: http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/watches/brand-profiles/index.jsp