Ecomdigest Watches Newsletter - 10.31.2024

PLUS: No more battery swaps—just sunlight!

Author

Sophie Bruxner-Randall
October 31, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes

Insight of the Week 📖

Couldn’t make it to Chicago for Shoptalk Fall? In this post, Jamie Bolton gives us a rundown of the key trends and strategies brands are betting on in Fall 2024: 

🔑 Invest in Brand: Investing in brand has never been more important. Full-funnel strategies on Paid Social are now crucial, allowing brands to both build awareness and drive conversions in-platform. As Kyle Leahy from Glossier puts it, “People want to be part of something bigger.”

🛍️ Go Omni for Growth: As D2C growth hits limits, embracing an omni-channel sales approach is key to staying resilient. Brands like Solo Stove and Chinese Laundry are leading with strategies that don’t replicate D2C on third-party retail, finding unique advantages in each.

✈️ Go Global: With lower CPMs and wide-open markets, the EU offers significant growth opportunities. Effective localization strategies are essential for US brands looking to expand abroad.

For a deeper dive, check out the full post here!

Niche Nuggets 🔎

HUBLOT and Takashi Murakami have released a limited edition MP-15 watch, featuring Murakami's "smiling flower" and a central flying tourbillon. This art-watch, adorned with 444 gemstones, is limited to 20 pieces and priced at $374,000, showcasing the blend of high horology and art.

Solar watches are an innovative step in timekeeping, eliminating the need for regular battery changes by harnessing solar energy. They use solar cells to convert light into electrical energy, storing it in rechargeable batteries. This allows them to function even in low-light conditions, making them practical and eco-friendly.

Modern solar watches, like Citizen's Eco-Drive, cleverly integrate solar panels into their design, often hiding them behind the dial. These watches require minimal sunlight exposure to charge, with some models running for years on a single charge. While they eventually need battery replacements, their longevity and reduced environmental impact make them a sustainable choice compared to traditional quartz watches.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Date introduces a new blue-gray sunburst dial, enhancing its classic design. This elegant watch features a 39mm stainless steel case, automatic movement, and a 38-hour power reserve. The sophisticated color update modernizes the iconic piece, maintaining its status as a dress watch masterpiece.

The Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) showcases 32 extraordinary watches, yet some top brands like Cartier and Rolex opt-out, fearing loss. This limits the competition's scope. Participation could elevate the event to the "Oscars of Watchmaking," celebrating innovation and industry representation.

Gatemore Capital Management has invested in Watches of Switzerland, urging a share buyback and US listing to enhance growth. This strategy aims to capitalize on the Rolex market and expand US acquisitions. Despite a share value drop, the company remains optimistic, recently acquiring Hodinkee to boost its US presence.

Timex's new Deepwater Reef 200 GMT dive watch, priced at $249, feels like a missed opportunity. While it retains some features of the acclaimed titanium automatic model, it opts for a stainless steel case and quartz movement, lacking the premium feel. A titanium automatic version is anticipated.

Performance Pulse 📈

Google Performance Max enhances eCommerce campaigns by utilizing multiple Google platforms, offering increased reach and automation. It provides an 18% conversion boost, real-time insights, and efficient ad targeting. Businesses should leverage audience segmentation and automated asset creation to optimize results, maximizing return on ad spend and campaign effectiveness.

Amazon Marketing Cloud (AMC) offers a suite of tools to enhance your campaigns. Use Amazon Ads for product visibility and create cost-per-click ads. AMC centralizes campaign management, providing near real-time metrics. For assistance, contact Amazon Ads; budget minimums apply. Cookies are used to improve services.

Every performance marketing campaign can incorporate brand elements to reinforce brand identity, while brand marketing efforts can successfully leverage performance metrics to refine messaging and engagement strategies - but getting the balance right is where the magic happens.

Ecomdigest is a Contentive publication in the DTC Ecommerce division