Quote:
Originally Posted by PJ S
The EU and US ‘distributors’ are subsidiaries of Seiko Japan – the price is inflated to cover currency fluctuations as well as market positioning, and probably the higher associated costs of commerce in the West.
I’ve said it before, probably elsewhere, that if a regular buyer walks into the store with a budget in mind and knowing of the main players (Omega/Rolex, if you showed him a Grand Seiko for nearer to what it costs in Japan, he’ll dismiss it because we’re all conditioned to perceive cost with quality.
Ergo, if something costs less, it can’t be as good (never mind better) than that which costs more – it’s Veblen marketing 101.
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Which is kind of funny since the equivalent Rolex used to cost similar to Seikos/Grand Seikos.
But the fact Seiko weren't able to raise their prices year after year like their Swiss counterparts actually lowered their perceived brand value.