As I hope you’ve seen on our landing page, we’re approaching the 3k mark in watches uploaded to the Watchbase database. We won’t be popping the champagne any time soon though: although Alwin suggested it at 1k, I think 10K is a much better goal.. So there are still heaps of work to be done!
I’m running a bit low on time as I’m leaving for a family party in some 25 minutes, but there are a few things I wanted to share before I head out. Please don’t blame me for any spelling mistakes and thoughts that seem somewhat random 😉 :
As far as progress and what’s been done is concerned, the story is still very much the same. In addition to the bulk uploads which need minor tweeks, I’ve also been working on what I’d call side-projects – fun brands and otherwise notable groups of watches. Some highlights include:
– The Frederique Constant Horological Smartwatch. It is the first smart watch to be added to our collection, which alone makes it worth mentioning. We’re looking forward to handling it in person at BaselWorld in a few weeks.
– The Aeternitas Mega 4 by Franck Muller. Have you seen it? To be honest this was just a test to see how well our system holds up when it comes to extremely complicated watches, but it seems to be working pretty well.
Are our readers allowed to comment yet Alwin? In any case, here are some thoughts with regard to WatchBase in general. A quick Google search will easily get you in touch with me, so please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts!
– A brainstorming session is due soon, and we’ll be looking in particular to how WatchBase can create more added value. Easier navigation with filter options is also something that we’ll be working on.
– I’m thinking, but at the moment the only option we added to our system with regard to certification is COSC – I’ll probably add things like the Geneva Seal, Patek Seal et cetera soon. I’m just hoping that not every brand will be adding their own 500 hours, 1000 hours or whatever certfication soon, so we can keep our system somewhat clean.
Now, as I’ve once again been crawling the watch brands websites, here are some loose thoughts:
– In general, my feeling is Richemont is doing better than the Swatch Group. Some SG websites are not bad. However, have you been to the Breguet website lately? Some throwback action going on there.. Blancpain too isn’t the easiest to navigate. Longines – with their huge collection, I get that they can’t display all.. But I’m sure they could do better than what it is at the moment!
– I like Nomos. I like Dornblueth. I like Sinn as well. Besides being German, these brands have one more thing in common: a very strong focus. Not too much weird stuff that’s either out of their price range or different from their usual design language, but just a clear image of what the brand is about. I like this a lot. With other brands, collections can get messy very soon and prices can be all over the place. I am not sure whether this is such a good thing.
Excuse me – have to go out now. More to follow!
ps. yes, the pic is somewhat random 😉