Among the many benefits that social networks have bestowed upon us, whether we like them or not, is the ability to connect and consult with friends and people we know about anything we want, and in an immediate way. Just as a quick example, anyone looking for a quality luxury watch, that’s not too expensive might need to do some research online. However, people that are connected via social networks can simply go online, and post a question on facebook (they now even have a special question app in the profile section). A question like: “Anyone know of a good place to find discount watches?”

It will only take a few minutes before that person’s network will start reacting. Whether it’s by posting a link to their favorite online watch store, or by suggesting a site. But the amount of information that the person gets is not what’s important. You can do the same thing with Google. What does make a huge difference is the quality of the answers. These are all sources the person trusts. He or she are more likely to follow through and buy a Tag Heuer watch that his friend recommended than the one that are coming from Google or any other sites. That’s why so many companies are trying to have a presence in these social networks.

The following tale may sound eerily familiar to anyone who has shopped online in order to get a good discount on a product they wanted:

As I was wandering through yet another strip mall, I happened to pass by one of those watch stores that I tend to ignore on my way to my usual stops. I noticed this Movado wrist watch that was simply perfect. But there was no way I was going to buy it for the price listed in the mall. But these days, there’s always a quick way to find better deals. I quickly snapped a picture of the watch using my cell phone, and returned home to search for discount Movado watches. With a quick Google search I was able to find the exact model for almost half the price. Now we’re talking! But I was not done yet.

While browsing, I noticed so many watches for men on sales. And these were not “you’re still paying for my store’s rent” sales. these were online exclusives that really dropped the original prices. Brands that I was familiar with like Fossil watches were labeled with some of the lowest prices I’ve ever seen. I am now an official online shopper.

In the last couple of years the wrist watch industry has seen a sharp increase in the number of online transactions involving discount watches and luxury brands as well. This should come as no surprise to anyone who has been using the internet at least a few hours a day. The sheer number of people using the web pretty much forces online shopping transactions, just like other transactions, to use the Internet. So the question is how will this affect wholesalers and will it have an impact on overall quality?

Well, according to last month’s watch and jewelry world convention in Basel, Switzerland the quality will probably stay very high. Even though more people are not spending time browsing around stores and looking at physical watches, they are still buying a physical product, and it seems that many would not hesitate to send it back if they are not pleased with the quality.

Another impact that the web is having on the industry is the number of luxury watch sellers. Anyone searching online for watches for men is bound to get a few thousand results. All from sellers who are able to send him the exact same watch for competitive prices. This could mean that the internet is creating a new wave of competitive retail.We will wait and see what the next step will be, as we wear our beautiful wrist watches.

I really want a watch, my little brother said.

Really? Why? What kind of watch?

One of those black Nixon watches with the canvas straps. I think it’s important to accessorize because people notice the small things about what you’re wearing.

I dunno, I said. You don’t really need a watch. You should save your money.

Psh, he said. I know material things don’t make you happy and all, but I dunno, I really think that Nixon watches are stylish. One of those mens watches would help me look snazzy while I’m waiting tables. It’s like a fresh shave or a new pair of shoes – it’s just one of those things that helps you feel more confident. And when you feel good about what you’re wearing, you feel good about yourself. I don’t expect to be entirely satisfied with my life once I strap one of those mens watches on my wrist, but at least it will make me feel good.

That’s a good point, I said. I guess you should get one if it makes you feel good about yourself. Because life is pretty short.

Sometimes my little brother can wind up teaching me a thing or two.

In his latest movie, The Lincoln Lawyer, Mathew McConaughey was sporting a Tag Heuer watch and the watch itself was made visible in a number of scenes. To be excact, Mr. McConaughey was wearing a Grand Carrera Chronograph, Calibre 8RS. This was reported by “Watch ID” which spots the watches that celebrities wear in their movies. The watch itself is really easy to spot since it’s diameter is relatively large (42.5mm). It’s an eye-catching watch no matter what angle you are shooting at.
This watch actually has features that are not noticeable on screen, like the ability to have a second timezone indicated with a rotating disc at the six o’clock and a date window below 12 o’clock.
Like most watches, it also comes with a variety of dial designs to choose from, along with several strap designs.

Connecting between celebrities and watch brands has been part of the movie industry for decades. But as viewers get wiser and more intolerant to over the top marketing schemes, mens watches have been able to get away with product placement since their product does not overwhelm the shot and usually makes sense for the characters to have on them. Product placement for watches seems to be the most common and un-intrusive form of marketing that is currently available.

The BaselWorld convention (held two weeks ago in Switzerland) is the spot where most wrist watch companies unveil their new designs and creations. It is known as the place that can check the pulse of the industry. Many watchmakers look at this convention as a sign of the strength of the industry. This year’s events were hailed as a triumph for the hosts. One of the more exciting announcements during the week, belonged to Tag Heuer watches. The company unveiled the world’s first mechanical chronograph that can measure (and display) 1/1000 of a second. The device, which has 12 patents pending, marks yet another achievement for the well established company. Though Tag Heuer ladies watches were taking some of the spotlight, people were not able to keep their eyes off of this exciting new watch.

The new watch has a precision that is almost unbelievable, with a speed of 3.6 million beats per hour. Now if only our brain could catch up. Remember that bus you missed last week? Well, a watch could have helped you. But this watch could have made you realize how late you really were! I’m talking 2.4 million beats late buddy!

As the weeks continue, the implications from BaselWorld will be more noticeable to the market around the world. We will be here to update.

The watch industry’s top brands are in attendance right now in Switzerland. This annual event is the showcase for new designs, ideas and decision making by executives in the industry. One of the more fascinating companies to look for this year is Technomarine watches. Technomarine have been redesigning their entire collection in recent years. They have just come out with a new piece, featured in the convention.

The UF6 Magnum Small Second is one of the more visually stunning items in this year’s festival. It has a Swiss made Rhonda 7004B quartz and displays hours, minutes and small seconds. In a press release during the convention, they have announced that this model is “the most elegant and sophisticated model in its UF6 Magnum collection. The engine-turning on the dial is reminiscent of boat rope, undulating waves grace the caseband, the luminescent blue and white hourmarkers represent lighthouses, and the hour and minute hands are shaped like a ship’s hull. A remarkable tribute to the sea, an inexhaustible source of ideas.” They are trying to catch a bigger slice of the men’s watches market, and seem to be achieving that goal.

The company is trying to make a lasting impression this year and have even sent models around the venues to hand out water bottles to expand the brand’s presence in the different areas of the convention.