New models and ongoing projects

[tako_watch]

I would just wait until the announcement is made and let me know what you think of the pricing.

The business model of balancing two strings of watches 1. the pre ordered special editions and 2. non LE "regular" stock on hand makes good business sense. Thanks for Bill on opening up to us on his decision. Not an easy one, but something that one could have guessed if you have been keeping track on this forum. Bill has always tried to keep some models "on hand" to sell...Balancing these two layers of the business is going to be key going forward.

The GO Kingstons seem to be moving right along...I have gotten my notice.


Pricing is Pricing and we as customers have to deal with that....I look forward to pricing that would be in line with the obvious competititors of this style of watch, like the Raven vintage. (Which I was so temped to try out)

what will be the name of the non LE Kingston btw? ( posted just before my post...Nassau)

[rclark0809]

I honestly don't feel like you should have to make any apologies whatsoever. Us WIS can get a little overly sensitive about these things, and you aren't breaking any promises so more power to you. You have a business to run and you want to run it well.

+ 1. I could not have said it any better.

[Dragoon]

Bill,

Any chance for some type of discount on the new Nassau (as a show of thanks) for the Kingston owners who helped to create the Kingston and who have shown a great deal of patience and support in the design and build process of the Kingston. It would be a nice gesture for Kingston owners who have not received their watches yet and a nice thank you to those who have.

Perhaps something along the lines of free shipping or a slight discount on the price?

I mean, lets face it, there are going to be a great deal of Kingston owners who will want the Nassau to complement their Kingston. Might be a nice way to connect the two issues and reward those who have staid the course, walked the plank, and have surfaced in Nassau for one more chance to live the life!

[Yao]

Bill,

Any chance for some type of discount on the new Nassau (as a show of thanks) for the Kingston owners who helped to create the Kingston and who have shown a great deal of patience and support in the design and build process of the Kingston. It would be a nice gesture for Kingston owners who have not received their watches yet and a nice thank you to those who have.

Perhaps something along the lines of free shipping or a slight discount on the price?

I mean, lets face it, there are going to be a great deal of Kingston owners who will want the Nassau to complement their Kingston. Might be a nice way to connect the two issues and reward those who have staid the course, walked the plank, and have surfaced in Nassau for one more chance to live the life!

To be honest it had never occurred to me that you guys would want another Kingston style watch but yes we could do that if there is interest. There are a few things we should make clear though:

* I don't have the mailing list any more for the Kingston Plank and 2nd stage customers. When I say we delete the project or product specific mailing lists we actually do and we don't add them to any other mailing lists. We will likely just have to make the offer on the forum and then do a manual partial refund on purchases after we receive the orders.
* The most important thing is that I am going to be quite a bit disappointed and annoyed if these Nassaus end up with Kingston dial and hand sets from the parts kits. I also think that the GO customers are going to be agitated if that happens. So let me just say if these Nassaus are modified into Kingstons the warranty will be void and we won't even touch them if they ever need to come back. (I really don't mean to sound like a hard ass...I don't begrudge those customers that sold their Kingstons for a profit but modifying the Nassau would be crossing the line in mind.)

Let me know if any one is interested. We would, for the sake of fairness offer a discount to all of the Kingston customers if we do this.

P.S. If the demand is strong I can do a soft launch to give the Kingston customers first crack but seriously if the schedule fills up please note there will be a wait involved just not nearly as long as the first time.

[kkmark]

I'm a Kingston plankowner and I'd seriously consider adding a Nassau, so do let me know.

Bill, I understand your concern about the Nassau being modded into a Kingston. I guess the caseback - since there is only one with each plank kit - becomes the key identifying feature of the watch!

I don't chime in often but my view is that you have to do what's best for your business. Personally, waiting an extra few months did not really bother me as I was more interested in the quality of the product once it was in my hands. The Kingston is a beautiful watch, better than I expected.

I don't think any customers will be lost over the wait and these changes. There are other things I buy for which I'm waiting months or years. In my opinion, it is only the quality of the product, in the end, that matters. If any customers happen to leave over wait times or scheduling choices...well, then they'd eventually have left over some other minor issue any way.

[Whoknewi]

Hey Bill, I was just wondering one thing. In a previous thread there was discussion about the NON-LE Kingstons (the nassau) having the pencil hands ( or at least buyers having the option to opt for pencil hands) from the 1953 unmarked submariner. Is that still something that you are considering?

[Cleans Up]

Just to chime in from a different prospective, but as I see it there are 2 groups that are off put by this.

1. Kingston owners who haven't received their watches. However, as Bill has clearly stated he has a business need to put out something and has chosen the watch that will least disrupt this process. As his business in in transition this is difficult, but we can all hope that it's a one time process and that the very long wait times for original Kingston owners will be a thing of the past. As such he seems to have minimized the impact on this group, and others in the future.

2. Kingston owners looking to flip for a profit. Why would anyone think Bill needs to protect the interest/profitability of those in this group? And given that he will certainly stick to the LE specifics of the Kingston vs Gen2 Nassau? (not to mention growing recognition of the brand) I suspect Kingstons will still command better than "fair" prices....Should anyone want to prove otherwise I'll happily buy your plank version for it's original price!

It may be simplistic but that's my 2cents

[Yao]

Hey Bill, I was just wondering one thing. In a previous thread there was discussion about the NON-LE Kingstons (the nassau) having the pencil hands ( or at least buyers having the option to opt for pencil hands) from the 1953 unmarked submariner. Is that still something that you are considering?

Sorry but not at this time. That would require new tooling and would have to be a separate project.

[ljb187]

The MKll forum is like taking an introductory course in the business of watchmaking. Pretty interesting stuff much of the time. If I were Bill Gates...heck, if I was Bill Gates second cousin MKll would have a silent partner if they wanted one.

[Dragoon]

I think this is a very gracious gesture on your part. All things Kingston related such as new releases in different configurations, such as the Nassau, I believe will have a wide appeal to Kingston owners (new and the remaining GO future recipients).

I think the general reception for the Nassau will be quite strong, especially if the big crown is an option or standard. I was not sure if this was "verboten" or not but do think the large crown component is somewhat becoming a standard feature on the no crownguard models which are in homage to the 6538's and such. The crown stem system you have employed in the Kingstons is a thing of beauty and I, for one, would be delighted if you employed the exact same crown, crown stem, crown stem gaskets and seals in the Nassau. I dont know if this is the same system as the 'triplock" which Rolex employs but it is a very nice crown stem design.

Also, I think everyone can agree that using a Nassua t ocreate a Kingston violates the nature of the offering. I for one have no problem with your terms on violation of warranty, ect. any conditions you would like to place on it.

I am in for a Nassau ( contingent on price somewhat).

To be honest it had never occurred to me that you guys would want another Kingston style watch but yes we could do that if there is interest. There are a few things we should make clear though:

* I don't have the mailing list any more for the Kingston Plank and 2nd stage customers. When I say we delete the project or product specific mailing lists we actually do and we don't add them to any other mailing lists. We will likely just have to make the offer on the forum and then do a manual partial refund on purchases after we receive the orders.
* The most important thing is that I am going to be quite a bit disappointed and annoyed if these Nassaus end up with Kingston dial and hand sets from the parts kits. I also think that the GO customers are going to be agitated if that happens. So let me just say if these Nassaus are modified into Kingstons the warranty will be void and we won't even touch them if they ever need to come back. (I really don't mean to sound like a hard ass...I don't begrudge those customers that sold their Kingstons for a profit but modifying the Nassau would be crossing the line in mind.)

Let me know if any one is interested. We would, for the sake of fairness offer a discount to all of the Kingston customers if we do this.

P.S. If the demand is strong I can do a soft launch to give the Kingston customers first crack but seriously if the schedule fills up please note there will be a wait involved just not nearly as long as the first time.