> They have some of the finest scientists and engineers in the world, as well as a gigantic portfolio of patents. They aren't going away.
Kodak would like to have a word.
Kodak would like to have a word.
Nikon sees this happening and choose which side of the divide to service. It's probably the safer bet, too, as some of the top-tier manufacturers are going to have to either coalesce or dissolve in the next decade or two regardless of strategy. At least in the consumer market strategy, such as partnering with a cellphone manufacturer, could open new opportunities.
Kodak pioneered digital photography (they literally invented the first digital still camera). All through the 80s and 90s they had the best digital camera sensors on the market and where first to release a commercially available DSLR. In the mid 90s they owned the pro DSLR space.
But they didn't want to cannibalize their film market, and after much infighting between senior managers they ended up not investing in the digital lead they had. And the rest, as they say, is history.
That's a philosophy that I have followed, myself, and I find it is quite effective.
They will have to join the queue behind a lot of Swiss watchmakers.
Incidentally, recent sales have apparently been massively affected by COVID, as many of them are sold in bricks-and-mortar boutiques that customers are no longer visiting.
[Edit] - this is the queue of companies who failed to consider a rival disruptive technology.
Lots of AirPods, too.
But that is anecdotal, from a limited geographic perspective.
For a time, a fair number of people didn't wear watches at all, and used their phones.
Those are the people that I'm seeing with Apple Watches (and other devices, like FitBits).
Apple watches are updated every few years. Swiss watches last a lot longer. Price might not be that different over 10 to 20 years.
They are good enough looking, and I need to close my rings, damnit! They just do so much more...
That's a bug, not a feature! My Gshock is indestructible and tells the time, and that's about it. Perfect for me.
I'd argue not having to go into an office and "dress up" has impacted the watch market as well. If I'm at home all day, I don't really need a clock on my wrist.
There has been massive consolidation in that market and most of those brands you see are all owned by one of maybe three conglomerates.
The people who make movements are a much smaller bunch.
No amount of valuable patents and top-notch engineers can help a failed strategic bet like this.
I also have a couple of Japan-only Casio/Oceanus watches.
I haven't worn any of them in quite some time.