I am not sure when it happened, but both J.Crew's Timex Military Watch (Item 10884) and Timex Vintage Field Army Watch (item 27460) dropped in price from $150 to $98. I should add, they are not on sale. It looks like this is the new set point for price.This is a pretty significant price drop that I was surprised to see. After all, J.Crew tends to increase prices, not reduce them. I immediately checked out the straps, like the Solid Watch Strap (Item 19474). They are still priced at $20, but I do remember when customers could buy two regular-priced straps and save.
This all got me wondering, why did J.Crew reduce the price on these watches? Especially since so many retailers were imitating the style. (Fossil offers a similar style. Target offers a similar Timex version for a lot, lot, lot less.)
Since J.Crew has a lot of Timex-watch competition out there, they probably decided to be a little more price-reasonable. (Although, let's face it, the watch is still expensively priced. This coming from a consumer who purchased the watch at $150.) Plus, it could create a loss-leader type situation. (Kind of like video game consoles, where the real money is made on the games and not the console.) Make the watch itself, cost a little less, and keep the regular price straps at a high price point. I mean, how can you buy this watch and not get an additional strap or two? ;)
Of course, this has got me hoping that J.Crew will reduce the starting price point for other pieces that are set a bit too high.
What are your thoughts on J.Crew's Timex watches? Did you notice the price reduction? Do you think they are worth the value?
I didn't notice that, good observation. I think watches overall are not worn that much any more. If someone wants to know the time, they pull out their cell phone. I think there might always be a market for high end watches, but mid- and low- price watches not as much.
ReplyDeleteCate, I think you are right. I am in the minority that still uses watches to tell time. However, I notice everyone else around me uses their mobile.
DeleteI don't like having anything tight on my wrist any more. It never bothered me before, but now I hate it. Elastic bracelets are my favorites, I like a quick escape hatch :)
DeleteI love this watch....a great timeless piece that can be dressed up or down.
ReplyDeleteI agree- it is a nice watch and I am glad I own this and the smaller Woman's version. I love the interchangeable straps! :)
DeleteInteresting...I don't think I have seen them drop the price on anything before (that I have noticed). I wonder if it is because you can buy something similar from timex for significantly less so you are paying more to get it from jcrew. Similar to the ray bans...why spend more to buy ray bans from jcrew...you can buy them from ray ban and spend less.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good point...a lot of these "in good company" pieces can be found elsewhere. Like the Nike Air Pegasus (Pegasii? ha!) were at Zappos, Nordstrom, Foot Locker, pretty much everywhere if you couldn't find them at JC.
DeleteAfter my 20 year old Swatch died, I was lucky to buy a JC Timex traveler from a JCA (shout-out to caw!) and absolutely love it. The smaller face works well for me and I'd love for JC to reissue it in another color.
I think that is why they probably dropped the price too. Although, I am still surprised to see that they did it. It's not too often we see that at J.Crew! :)
DeleteSilver lining...I rarely wear a watch anymore but if I really need to I wear one of my many Swatch watches. LOVE them. I either get a new strap, piece or battery or whatever to keep them going.
DeleteHi Genny - I may eventually get my Swatch "serviced" if I can. Even with a fresh battery it still loses time and eventually stops, but I hope it may still be able to be saved.
DeleteOT--the Nov issue of vanity fair lists Jenna as one of the stylemakers and says she has singlehandely made Jcrew a brand to watch and a fashion week must have...but sales are still low. Does anyone think the tables will ever turn on Jenna and she will be blamed for low sales, etc? I am starting to wonder if the latest strategy is to make factory the place to go for staples ("old jcrew") and the funky new stuff will be jcrew or collection (with a possible collection spin off store)
DeleteI didn't notice either, but then again I don't buy my watches from J.Crew.
ReplyDeleteLOL! ;)
DeleteSad but true: I'm addicted to Fossil. It's horrible for my wallet, just like J.Crew. :)
DeleteFriendlyFemme, that is so funny! I too am addicted to Fossil!!! I have more than a handful of watches from Fossil. I think the price point to quality is just right with them. :)
DeleteEver since I carry a cell phone I have stopped wearing my watches. I see watches eventually becoming obsolete someday....
ReplyDeleteI think I saw the other day a commercial for a watch that had a built-in cell phone capabilities. I think that is probably the future of watches.
DeleteI think you are right- less people are wearing watches. Although, like a clock, the watch serves a very functional purpose for a few of us, including me. :)
I put my old iPod nano on a watch strap and just wear that now. I leave the Nike+ pedometer function on permanently so I can track my steps but it also has a bunch of "watch faces" so I use it for both purposes.
DeleteInteresting comments on folks not wearing watches anymore. I can't leave the house without a watch on and consider them a key component to any outfit and an important accessory. Personally, I have about 15 watches - from a few cheapo's to a Cartier Tank watch - and love them all.
ReplyDeleteThat said, not sure I would ever buy a watch from J.Crew.
Yes, I have a very fancy watch of my grandmothers as well as one my husband gave me as a wedding gift. They go unused for the most part. I might wear them once or twice a year. Also he gave me a beautiful Mickey Mouse watch with 4 different bezels and straps including a link one that was from Disney. I won't get rid of them but just don't wear them anymore. Just use my cell phone.
DeleteI use my watch all the time. It's handier than pulling out a cell phone. I'm always glancing at my wrist, even if I forget to wear my watch that day (and then I feel naked without it).
DeleteI always have my cell phone on my person so don't have to pull it out and/or it is laying on the desk or table right in front of me; clear window lets me check the time easily. Everyone loves my cover. Samsung Galaxy S4
DeleteNot sure if it's been mentioned (and sorry for off-topic) but Bank of America is offering 10% cash back if you use your debit card at J.Crew, after opting in to the deal online. This deal ends 10/31.
ReplyDeleteFrugalprepster -- I'm not seeing the deal listed under BankAmeriDeals. Is that where you found it on the site? Maybe opportunity to claim it has expired : ( Thanks for the heads up, though.
DeleteLike Sinead, I can't leave the house without a watch, call me old-fashioned :). I too have the Timex Traveller from J Crew and LOVE it. I have over 20 straps and match/contrast with my outfit, it makes me very happy, crazy maybe. I am always on the hunt for colors I don't have and replace older ones.
ReplyDeleteSigh. I bought mine from J Crew when it was still $150. Granted, it was 3.5 years ago and I've worn it many, many times, but I'm sad that I could have bought it for much less $$$$.
ReplyDeleteLove the Timex watches at J Crew. But I couldn't help noticing at Target this past weekend that they carry a great array of Timex watchbands for much less $.
ReplyDeleteI am a watch wearer & invest in higher and high end watches. That said, the Target Timex version of these are so similar & 1/5 of the original J Crew price, that it would be hard to drop $150 on these...
DeleteHowever, you do have to change the battery every few years, which will incur additional cost and inconvenience. Mechanical watches are less accurate. Montre Timex
ReplyDelete