A few notes on Aquanautic watches

[jskelton]

Hi all,

After seeing some questions and other comments about Aquanautic, I thought I should share some information.

No, they are not made by Lior & SWI. They may not be a household name yet, but they do have a distinguished reputation in the industry, and they are a higher end brand than many know. They have an impeccable record for quality (Google them and you'll not find any issues anywhere). Their average price is usually above $2,000 going anywhere up to around $20,000 (far more if you're looking ad gem-encrusted models).

They are entirely hand assembled in Switzerland.

Some have said that in their price range, they have a lot of steep competition (using the $5,000 Superking as an example), and to some degree this is true. But to do an apples to apples comparison, you'll find that they do stand alone.

One comment was comparing Rolex Subs and Breitling to them. Well, we have to knock out the Sub simply because a 3 hand auto, 40mm diver does not compare to an automatic chronograph sizing up at 52mm w/o crown/pushers (about 56mm with). And here are the things that keep them separated from everyone else....

Each Aquanautic is made as a 'system'. What I mean is, they are totally customizable to what YOU want. Some come in basic form (watch-only) some come in kits. Regardless of the initial purchase choice, you are able to customize your own watch with a dizzying variety of interchangeable bezels, straps, bracelets and so on. You can buy one single Aquanatic and with the purchase of accessories have as many as probably a hundred different variations of that one watch. This is what sets them apart mostly.

When I bought my 1st King Cuda, I had 3 different bezels, a bracelet and 2 straps for it. The included tools make it easy to change all of this out within minutes and completely change the personality of the watch... genius and well executed IMO.

Add to that their unique crown lock and slide-lock pushers and you have two more ways that Aquanautic makes their mark apart from the rest of the crowd.

Going back a few years, I was visiting them in Basel each year and pining for their product on the shows. It took 3 trips to Basel and a lot of convincing on my part to our buyers that we NEEDED to bring this brand in. Everything worked out, and we set-up an order and a show. I was more than excited.

About 2 days before the show was to air (a Sunday afternoon), the items were released onto our website and all but 8 single watches sold out completely. At this time (about 2.5 years ago) most had never heard of the brand, and the prices were mostly above $3500, yet without any presentation, without any in-depth descriptions... they all sold out. I was left with a couple of the ladies' versions that sold out within 3 minutes. We scrambled to pull in product to fill that hour.

So the popularity was there. None ever got returned, and I got a few emails from those that snagged them begging for more. Unfortunately, their limited production status limits how many they produce. Judging by performance with other brands, I can tell you that I would be able to sell out their entire year's production in about 2 hours on-air... so of course we were not able to do anything further with them.

Luckily, Lior knows everyone, and everyone loves working with him, so he was able to wrangle a very limited deal on a couple of models, and we will be bringing them in through SWI. I do not believe it will happen often, but I'm happy for any that we can get.

I believe we'll be discounting this particular model down enough where more people will be able to access it and see the difference for themselves. Unique execution, a beastly watch on the wrist, an incredible movement... and going from the $5k range to the $3k range might make for a few happy faces around here when it airs.

I hope this helps a little!

[jskelton]

Here is the standard King Cuda that I bought a few years back:

[Furtado]

Oh My God!!!! I think I'm in love........

[JDinNOLA]

Thank you Jim for the information. This is a brand that I had some questions about. I look forward to seeing what Lior brings out.

Yours is beautiful, by the way.

[fullautoarmalite]

I love those watches, Thanks.

[Chief68]

Now I am very interested in that watch , I love the look and yours is real nice Jim .
I hope that airs soon !!!

[soberdave09]

thanks for the info,those are some sick beautiful watches

[jim]

now thats off the hook now i see how you roll big dog

[Chrono]

Will there be any other models airing other than this one Jim ? (Since we all don't necessarily want their biggest watch and may look for something a little smaller in size 44-48 and a little smaller in $$$ too).


As an aside to this thread.... the "kit" with changeable bezels, straps, etc., is a great idea.

Eyal... ahem...

(I know that there's a kit coming for the SAN III... it would be nice if these kits were more than simply straps... fingers crossed).

[Winan]

I'm drooling...

[jskelton]

I only know of the steel Superking and possibly the 18k rosegold Superking... I am unaware of any othe rmodels at this time.

If they prove as popular as they did before, I believe Lior will work on getting more. The challenge is getting the price down enough to make them a stupendous bargain for our viewers.

As a side note, we will not have any of the standard King Cudas like the one I pictured in my second post... that was a reference for their interchangeability, and to show that yes... I personally love them.

[Sidereal Geek]

Look like great timepieces! That said, at $3K, I'm out of the running!

[OmegaMeister]

Those are cool. Thanks for the info Jim.

[FreeTime]

This is a Fantastic Timepiece No Doubt and I'll be Gunning for one of these Big Time.

I Hope they are Locked before they are on Air so I can have a Shot at getting one.

Thanks for the info Jim.

[Wired1]

Thanks for the info Jim. I assume it was my post you were referring to () re: other brands (including Rolly) that could be had for this kind of scratch.

Just to qualify the Rolex "comparison"... I was't making one. File it under "Things I would personally rather have" rather than "comparison"

I am very familiar with this brand, and other lesser known yet equally awesome watches like Edox that offer amazing quality and value for the $$.

I was simply stating, and I think many will feel the same despite the potential insanity of it, that I want a NAME for my $3k. Something special in the eyes of both Geeks and Non-Geeks alike.

OF COURSE I want quality, and when spending thousands on a watch you can have both: Recognition AND quality. I offer up Breitling as an example.

I have first hand knowledge of how wonderful the Cuda's are. I just would prefer a Super Avenger from Breitling... or a similar timepiece. Or if physical comparison is out, and we are justifying only the spend, then an Omega, Rolly, or Panny base.

The reality is that in these tough economic times, we as consumers are able to get ridiculous deals on watches, many times from AD's with full warranty. So when I can get 20-40% off at Bailey Banks and Biddle on Breitling, I have a hard time reconciling this type of purchase.

PLEASE do not think I am trying to argue subjective points, or cause any dismay, I was just sharing in the original thread, as I am here, that it is a tough purchase for me (And I assume others) to make given the competition and DEALS currently avilable.

Your argument is fair, valid, and informative, yet it will never beat out intangible feelings of value that are seeded in all of us.

So I reiterate my original sentiment; For $3k, there is too much to choose from, and I for one prefer a little "brand" for that kind of money )

Afterall, if we are talking about a WOW piece for a great price, I can get a SAS 52mm 7750 for around $1500... isn't that every bit as awesome as the Cuda? Or at least darn close and 1/2 the price? So my point is it's all about perception.

My perception is as stated above, and I appreciate yours. I am also sure this will be a sell out.

Anyway, that's my 2 cents. Hope it doesn't come off as me being a jack-*****

*I'm just mad at you because you aren't coming to the PA GGT *

[Gregg]

As always Jim, very informative so thanks for sharing your information.

[kelek]

Jim when you see Lior ask him to bring in the new Burett Neo Icon diamond dial too.

[Nickvegas]

thanks for the info Jim I don't care for what anyone said besides being a great looking machine I have never seen one on someone's wrist and i see hundreds of watches daily where I work which are the usual common hi end that everyone wares. that's one more reason for me to want one even more.

[MontaukSam]

Interested in seeing it aired.

[Furtado]

Originally Posted by MontaukSam

Interested in seeing it aired.

Me too, anyone know when they'll be aired?

[cali kid]

Looks like a great piece but for my hard earned money would go with the Breitling or the Rolex sub! No disrespect but if Lior happened to score a few Breitlings or Rolex subs i would love to read your sales pitch on them! shopnbc has some great bands but there are a couple other brands out that arent from the shop and are real nice timepieces too!!

[jskelton]

Originally Posted by Wired1

Thanks for the info Jim. I assume it was my post you were referring to () re: other brands (including Rolly) that could be had for this kind of scratch.

Just to qualify the Rolex "comparison"... I was't making one. File it under "Things I would personally rather have" rather than "comparison"

I am very familiar with this brand, and other lesser known yet equally awesome watches like Edox that offer amazing quality and value for the $$.

I was simply stating, and I think many will feel the same despite the potential insanity of it, that I want a NAME for my $3k. Something special in the eyes of both Geeks and Non-Geeks alike.

OF COURSE I want quality, and when spending thousands on a watch you can have both: Recognition AND quality. I offer up Breitling as an example.

I have first hand knowledge of how wonderful the Cuda's are. I just would prefer a Super Avenger from Breitling... or a similar timepiece. Or if physical comparison is out, and we are justifying only the spend, then an Omega, Rolly, or Panny base.

The reality is that in these tough economic times, we as consumers are able to get ridiculous deals on watches, many times from AD's with full warranty. So when I can get 20-40% off at Bailey Banks and Biddle on Breitling, I have a hard time reconciling this type of purchase.

PLEASE do not think I am trying to argue subjective points, or cause any dismay, I was just sharing in the original thread, as I am here, that it is a tough purchase for me (And I assume others) to make given the competition and DEALS currently avilable.

Your argument is fair, valid, and informative, yet it will never beat out intangible feelings of value that are seeded in all of us.

So I reiterate my original sentiment; For $3k, there is too much to choose from, and I for one prefer a little "brand" for that kind of money )

Afterall, if we are talking about a WOW piece for a great price, I can get a SAS 52mm 7750 for around $1500... isn't that every bit as awesome as the Cuda? Or at least darn close and 1/2 the price? So my point is it's all about perception.

My perception is as stated above, and I appreciate yours. I am also sure this will be a sell out.

Anyway, that's my 2 cents. Hope it doesn't come off as me being a jack-*****

*I'm just mad at you because you aren't coming to the PA GGT *

No worries, I do see what you're saying. We all have our preferences, and they may not always be 'logical' to others whom we try to explain them too.

The $2500 I spent on my King Cuda, or $2000 on the Formex DS2000 auto GMT, or even my recent Ritmo Persepolis twin auto... could have been spent on some other brand that more people recognize. It's not that I don't like "brand x", but at the moment, I could be in any strange mood and buy based off of my wants at that given time. My next purchase (planned one anyway) will be the new Perrelet Turbine. I don't care that 99% of people I run into while wearing it won't know the brand name, I care that I own a unique watch made to the highest quality standards.

Do Rolex and Breitling make excellent quality? Absolutely. Will I see many others wearing the same watch in my lifetime if I buy a Sub or Bentley? Probably, yes.

For me (most of the time) I like to buy exclusivity. I want to be wearing that watch that others may not have seen before in the real world, it makes for wonderful conversation. IMO it beats "Oh, a Submariner? I have one/used to own one/see that watch every day".

As far as talking about Breitling specifically... right now there are exactly two models that 'excite' me. The rest are kind of run of the mill as far as design goes. Bear in mind I'm referring to styling right now, nothing else. There are plenty of watches out there too similar at lower prices, and I crave more detail. IMO the brand new Chronomat B01 is EXCITING in design and of course the new movement. This watch MOVES ME and I will be looking at some in person hoping they are as nice in person to consider buying one. I also dig the Flying B. I know many do not, but that's fine by me... that is an exciting departure for Breitling.

So it all comes down to personal preference really. Why I like Aquanautic is the same reason many like so many other brands... they offer something that sets them apart from all the rest out there. I like the idea of reconfiguring the watch to my mood on any given day by turning a few screws and changing my bezel, strap/bracelet to make it into whatever I want. Does that make them better than any other brand? Dunno, but it certainly makes them different.

Originally Posted by cali kid

Looks like a great piece but for my hard earned money would go with the Breitling or the Rolex sub! No disrespect but if Lior happened to score a few Breitlings or Rolex subs i would love to read your sales pitch on them! shopnbc has some great bands but there are a couple other brands out that arent from the shop and are real nice timepieces too!!

Well, it's not exactly a pitch.. but I have sold Breitling on air thanks to Lior during one of my Anniversary shows. Again though, it was a special, unique piece (Limited Edition) and it was a beauty. I have tremendous respect for Breitling & Rolex.


There are so many wonderful brands out there, and that IMO is what makes watch collecting so much fun... your hobby can be as unique as you are. I know people who absolutely dream of owning an Alain Silberstein watch... go for it! I find them wretched, but there is something out there for every kind of taste. I have a particular love for HD3 and most aside from hardcore watch geeks like us would have no clue what that is. I think URWERK watches are probably the most exciting watches on Earth... others are repulsed and confused by them. To each their own.

[RenatoDiamond]

Very nice Jim, thanks for sharing

[PJ]

Jim S bought this one on honeymoon I think! I got one from a jeweller based in London--it ALWAYS stops people and they have to comment on it--very cool. Bullhead crown config and handy GMT for my Euro trips!

PJ

[BIGNOIZE]

coly how! <--thats holy cow for the slower riders) what a time piece