An On Going Conversation Of Social Media and Watches.

Would the watch industry be all but dead without social media? Would this new form of marketing that takes away the job from big ad agencies and puts the ability of a brands growth into the hands of everyday citizens the reason we still have large and small watch brands today? I would argue yes, and the main platform that can be seen on is Instagram. But some would argue the negatives of the platform out weigh all the positives. Well in this ongoing conversation, we will explain both ends of that argument and tell you why I agree with both.  

Instagram has brought more consumers to the online market and to vintage watch buying, in an article written by Alex Williams of The New York Times titled Instagram Turbocharges The Watch Market. He talks about just that, how Instagram is the sole reason for vintage and used watch sellers having an increase in sales when they appropriately use the platform. Companies like Analog/Shift, Hodinkee, and Bob’s Watches. “Instagram is absolutely driving the enthusiasm for watches,” said Paul Altieri, who runs Bob’s Watches, an online retailer of vintage Rolexes, in Huntington Beach, Calif.” The “word of mouth” technique no longer worked for watch enthusiasts with the number of people actually interested in them dwindling. With over 700 million active users Instagram gave them the opportunity to reach a community that would normally only be found on forums, as well as reaching new members, consumers, and businesses to the niche market.

It’s no wonder you see fashion brands like Daniel Wellington and MVMT living on the site and thriving in no longer analog world. Or Micro brands purley using social media marketing as a way to drive business their way. Even the large multi-conglomerate that is Richemont is taking strides in this new world. They have recently purchased companies like WatchFinder to grow a (third line of retail as they say) online. It is now wonder the more business seems to be happening on our phones than ever before, it seems that is were the consumer is.

What do you think of the growing business online? Are you happy about this? Or do you think the cons outweigh the pros?