Where are clocks headed now? — Global market trends and the appeal of Hermle

クロックは今、どこへ向かうのか？ — 世界市場の動向とHermleの魅力について

Hello.
My name is Oda and I run The Clock Works.

As I follow the trends of watch brands around the world every day, I feel that
This means that the act of "marking time" continues to touch people's hearts, just as it did before .

The other day, when I was browsing the website of the Swiss luxury watch brand "Ulysse Nardin",
Suddenly, my eye was caught by the "Astrolabium," and I was captivated by its beautiful mechanism, which was based on an astronomy motif.
But when I saw the price, I was shocked: 26,015,000 yen . That's enough money to build a house.

However, if you look at luxury brands like Jacob & Co. and Cartier,
You'll also notice that this isn't a special price.

The value of "watches = fine works of art" is accepted quite naturally around the world.

2. Global Clock Market Trends

■ The luxury clock market is now attracting attention again

Now that smartphones and smartwatches are widespread,
The ability to tell time is in everyone's pocket.

Despite this, the global luxury clock market is experiencing strong growth .
The global luxury watch market is expected to reach US$51.1 billion by 2024.
Among these, mechanical clocks and analog models are quietly making a comeback (according to Statista).

This is not just nostalgia,
This is proof that the value of craftsmanship and spatial design is being reevaluated.

■ Analog return and a "smartphone-free" lifestyle

According to a survey by Deloitte, more than 35% of people, mainly in Europe and the United States, are experiencing "digital fatigue."
Young people in particular are increasingly yearning for an "analog lifestyle."

"A clock that tells the time with a beautiful sound" "A clock that exists quietly in space"
There is once again a demand for a concept of "time" that appeals to such sensibilities .

■ What the wealthy want is not "specs" but "story"

BCG report: The world's wealthiest
It has been shown that people tend to place more importance on "Emotional Luxury" than "Functional Luxury."

In other words,
Why did you choose that watch?
"By what craftsmanship and from what story was it born?"

We are now entering an era where such "watches that you can talk about" have true value.

■ Hermle's role in this

Hermle, which we carry, is one of the brands that is being reevaluated in this trend.
With the solidity and sophisticated design typical of Germany, and the reliable technical capabilities that have been continued for over 100 years ,
Compared to ultra-luxury brands like Jacob and Cartier, the price range is relatively low .
I feel that this is honest luxury that is accessible to those who want to incorporate the real thing into their daily lives .

Personally, I think Hermle is like the "Porsche of watches."
Efficient design, functional beauty, and craftsmanship
All of these pieces quietly tick away the time and become a part of the lives of those who own them.

3. Differences between clock culture in Japan and around the world

Now, let's return our focus to Japan.

Overseas, there is a well-established perception that "watches are symbols of assets, works of art, and self-expression."
In contrast, in Japan, watches are still strongly seen as "tools for telling time" and "items that prioritize practicality."

Furthermore, cultural values such as "luxury goods = luxury" and "things that stand out are embarrassing" are deeply rooted.
The reality is that the idea of displaying clocks as interior décor is still limited to a certain segment of the population.

The background to this is

・Compact living space

・Minimalist lifestyle

- There are also unique Japanese circumstances involved, such as a cautious attitude towards consumption.

However, it is also true that the value of "choosing what is good for yourself" is gradually beginning to spread.
As interest in items that enrich daily life, such as coffee, furniture, and lighting, grows,
I believe that watches are an extension of this.

4. Why choose Hermle?

In this context, I feel that clocks like Hermle are a perfect fit for Japanese life .

・A design that combines a sense of solidity and elegance

-High-precision, long-life mechanical design

・Available in a variety of sizes to suit any installation location

・The price range is relatively low (= easy to introduce)

It is truly an authentic product that is part of everyday life.

As I mentioned earlier, I think of Hermle as the "Porsche of the clock world."
No unnecessary decorations, just the essentials, carefully and beautifully presented.
Its sophisticated appearance and genuine functional beauty will gently accompany you in your daily life and give you a sense of satisfaction .

5. Conclusion

The global luxury clock market is now steadily moving towards a new stage.
This is a trend that seeks not just functionality, but the value of "time" that resonates with sensibilities and outlook on life .

The Clock Works is facing this change head-on.
We will continue to deliver the value of "genuine" products in an easy-to-understand and careful manner.

A watch does more than just tell the time.
**It is a "quiet art" that adds depth to the space and creates space in the mind.**

Please bring Hermle into your life.