A beautiful watch in my opinion, note it is 34mm with a 16mm band.
Melbourne Watch Co Collins 34mm 50% off $225 Shipped
150
jjjia on 08/09/2018 - 10:21 melbournewatch.com.au (1682 clicks)
Last edited 11/09/2018 - 16:20 by 1 other user
Last edited 11/09/2018 - 16:20 by 1 other user
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CRAFTED IN MELBOURNE
Our watches are designed, built and tested in the heart of Melbourne.Great to see anything 'Made in Australia'
That just means they assembled all the Chinese parts in Melbourne.
Packed in Australia with imported ingredients.
And you think Swiss Made watches are made from Swiss parts?
My point isn't that anyway, it's that someone here in Australia is employed by the product you're buying.
Most people would be aware that an Aus based business employs Australians.
Read up on what a Swiss made watch has to contain in actual Swiss made content.
Be that as it may, I have no issue with MWC since there isnt any indigenous manufacturing here anyway.
Counterpoint is that the Commodore and Falcon were full of China parts but no one really knew…
50% of the value has to come from Switzerland to get that label, so overseas components are imported into Switzerland, "finished" and "assembled" there and voila! "Swiss Made".
Some Swiss companies have local manufacturing for most of the watch components. They also usually come with 4+ digit price tags.
@Tycn: correct, so curious why someone with a watchnerd username would get a bee in his bonnett about my original comment.
i think rolex make their own in-house movement , 916 stainless steel , even have their own gold foundry
@Tycn: 60%. A watch is considered Swiss if its movement is Swiss, if the movement has been assembled in the Swiss region, its final inspection occurred in Switzerland, and at least 60% of manufacturing costs are domestic. Swiss Made explained.
Here's how the argument developed… this company claims to be an Australian watch maker.
Someone goes how Swiss is a Swiss watch (largely in ignorance IMO).
Well there are specific rules about content - you may disagree with the effacy of the rules but that wasnt the gist of the argument put forward.
There are no rules for a company like MWC. Again I'm not against MWC. There's a mark for every score.
That is a beautiful time piece.
Pretty watch. But still quartz movement only. Automatics are the best!
True but quartz watches need less maintenance over the time. I know this fact that they also need battery but yeh different categories.
Bought several timepieces from Melbourne Watch Co. Sujain’s customer service is first rate and I’ve never been disappointed in the product. Highly recommend to anyone who’s on the fence about buying from them.
Did he tell you what movements are inside them?
Indeed he did. One of the ones I’ve bought is powered by a Miyota 9015. Current versions of the same watch are now powered by a Ronda Calibre 1014. Another one I’ve bought from them is powered by a Miyota 9120.
For those who are unaware, Miyota = Citizen.
For reference -:
Fair enough. These watches are just as Chinese inside as Citizen watches.
@PJC: Everything is chinese…whats your point?
If you know anywhere manufacturing all the watch parts in Australia let us know…
Why is this watch worth $450?
Good looking (subjective) original design
Good build quality and case finishing
Moonphase complication
Sapphire crystal
Australian company with local assembly and quality control
Good customer serviceI don't think it's worth $450 mind you, but quite appropriately priced at 50% off.
You cannot value a watch based on the sum of its specs only. Don't know about this watch ( not my style), but MWC does have a good reputation internationally.
But compared to Seiko? You can get a grey import grand seiko for about $600
Please show me where you can get a GS for $600 AU new.
@ilikeit: Sorry, you're right, I was thinking of the Seiko sarb065 (now discontinued) cocktail time. But a similar model is currently available in an incredible deal which seems to be more attractive than this deal.
@josho9: Sure, the original Cocktail is a nice watch, I've posted it in a deal before.
But still, Grand Seikos are in a totally different league.
Most of the ladies Citizen Eco-Drives are still available in this deal & some have sapphire for less than $200.
Use code TAKE15 for 15% off or if that doesn't work - PENNY5 5% offThey also cheap looking and kitschy as hell compared to this.
I mean seriously?
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-Citizen-Ladies-Gold-Stainles…Melbourne Watch Co is known for having good build quality too and it is likely that the case and dial are finished to a higher level compared to those Citizens.
Citizen watches have a good build quality too, they are a reputable watch making brand with a lot more history than the Melbourne Watch Company. They are great value and we are on a bargain site, so it's worthy to mention it here as a comparison to what else you can buy for less. Citizen Eco-Drives are known to last for well over 10 years, some have reported around 20 years on the one cell (battery).
Absolutely agree they’re great watches with a rock solid reputation. You cannot go wrong with an Eco-Drive.
Ultimately a question of personal preference.
Not disputing that they're good value, just explaining why this might still be a bargain by way of comparison :)
Many ladies like watches like that.
Anyone know why the Collins line seems to be discontinued?
I don’t think it’s discontinued. Rather, the stock levels are almost depleted. MWC is a micro brand and as such, they produce watches in batches rather than having a continuous production run. I’d expect to see the Collins returning sooner or later.
Ah I see, thanks for the explanation.
Problem is i feeel that Wearing Melbourne watches whilst living in melbourne makes me feel like some tourist with a cheap melbourne tourist watch…
It's like wearing some Melbourne hat or tshirt…or just those random Australia gear you get from tourist shops
Oh dear, i wear a $5 Melbourne bike helmet…
I live in Syd so I fit right in with the I heart NY tshirt crew when I'm wearing my Flinders.
gotta love a good watch discussion, where my opinion is always better than yours on something that only have 1 practical purpose
MWC make good quality watches. Yeah, it's quartz, but it's not exactly priced in quality automatic territory at this price. 34mm is definitely for the small wristed.
I think the Portsea is a real looker.
I think the Portsea is a real looker.
I second that opinion.
I was pretty keen especially given the size… until I saw its a quarts.
At this price there are a lot of options for a decent automatic.
Whilst I personally prefer automatics, the reality is there will always be those people who have zero appreciation for them and simply want something that is “set and forget”.
Good looking watch, however was kinda turned off by the logo - kinda would look cool with MWC lettering but then maybe might be confused for IWC.
You may be right. Apparently Winston Watches (also based in Melbourne) became W TIME due to Harry Winston's.
There's already a MWC.
Interesting. Of course, they have a good reason for not putting "Swiss Made" on their products.
Nice watch, but what's with the name? It's like you got this free at the tullamarine air port as you were walking out.
Got excited, realised it is a women's watch and no gf :(
These watches are nice. I have one (not this model) and they're very sophisticated and quite underrated.
I think full price, they are worth it tbh.They look great but putting MELBOURNE on the dial doesn't justify $450 for a quartz Chinese made watch.
Firstly, let me be clear here that I'm not arguing whether or not the RRP is justified. Personally, I'd rather an automatic or a mecha-quartz if we're talking the $450 price range. With that being said, I would respectfully suggest that your comment about this being a Chinese-made watch is a tad misleading…
All of MWC's watches are fully designed, hand-assembled and QC'd in their Melbourne workshop, using highly-regarded Japanese-made (i.e. Miyota/Citizen) movements and components sourced from their Hong Kong manufacturing partner. All of their watches are officially certified as "Australian Made" (which I of course recognise translates to exactly what WatchNerd said earlier). This wasn't always the case (i.e. their earlier collections were assembled in China / Hong Kong with final QC being done in Melbourne), however Sujain has gradually brought more of the manufacturing process into Australia as he has continued to grow his business.
Argue the merits of the RRP all you wish, but please don't confuse these watches with all of the other generic el-cheapo watches on the market. MWC is one of the most globally respected microbrands in operation and their watches are always well reviewed. At $225, the Collins Moonphase is a beautiful timepiece.
Fairfax Media ran a good feature story on the rise of Melbourne Watch Company last year
Just my 2c worth.
I would respectfully suggest that your comment about this being a Chinese-made watch is a tad misleading…
All of their watches are officially certified as "Australian Made"
I would suggest that it's Melbourne Watch Company that is being misleading, not PJC. There is nothing in these watches that is made in Australia. If there was then the Rep would have mentioned it in their comment below. I am aware that the whole watch industry is like this though, but your average shopper isn't.
Just because it uses a Miyota movement by no means justifies the price. The Miyota Cal. 6P80 Moon Phase Quartz Movement can be purchased for US$17.95
Entry level quartz Miyota movements cost around $5.00 or less if buying in bulk, so just broadly stating that a watch uses a highly-regarded Japanese-made (i.e. Miyota/Citizen) movement is a tad misleading also.As a comparison to what else you can buy, this 41.5mm Orient Moonphase is on special atm -
Orient Auto Sun And Moon Sapphire ET0P003B ~AU$207.35 - 5% PENNY5 = ~AU$197.00 + gst shippedThere is nothing in these watches that is made in Australia. If there was then the Rep would have mentioned it in their comment below.
I think we're getting into semantics now, but - as I acknowledged in my earlier comment - you are correct in your definition of "Australian Made". I also don't think that Sujain represented himself to be doing anything other than this, however he is using the "Australian Made" mark which he has every right to do. I guess it's a case of don't hate the player, hate the game. Perhaps if there was an "Australian Assembled" mark then all of this discussion would be a moot point.
Regarding my comment on the Miyota movement, the point I was attempting to make was that it's made by Citizen - which many would not have known - so I do not consider it to be the same generic junk as appears in many other cheap watches. I make no claims as to the appropriateness of the watch's RRP. I was aware the movement could be purchased cheaply, however as many people - myself included - do not have the skills or knowledge required to design and build up a watch, then I guess that leaves the relative value proposition up to the individual buyer. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and one man's trash is another's treasure etc etc.
TL:DR - I simply wanted to offer some context to PJC's comment and offer some additional info of which the average punter may not have been aware.
Hi everyone,
My name is Sujain and I'm the owner of Melbourne Watch Company.
A customer of ours just directed me to this thread in the hope that I would answer a few of the questions/points that have been raised by members regarding our business and this model.
First of all, thank you to the OP for sharing and for the kind feedback that I've read on our business. It means a lot to us here.
So, just to address a few things quickly:
1) The whole 'Australian Made' (or 'Swiss Made', etc) debate:
The 'Australian Made' mark is a trademark that is owned by the Australian Made organisation. To use it, a business must be licensed and their products must satisfy the rules for the mark. In this case, because we assemble from parts here locally and the final product is not saleable until it undergoes assembly, it qualifies. This is the same as 'German Made' and several other countries who have governance for these kind of labels. 'Swiss Made' is different as it is specific to watches. Most (if not all) sub $1k 'Swiss' brands use majority Chinese components as well in order to be profitable.
Our goal has always been to slowly move more of the manufacturing side of the business locally, however it is very expensive to do so. We've already invested in a workshop and now have 3 fulltime watchmakers employed here in Melbourne. We'll move onto parts manufacturing once it is financially viable for us to do so. In the meantime, know that you are still supporting local employment when you buy from us.
2) Why are these Collins watches at 50% off?
To be honest, we originally designed these as an attempt at a women's watch that was a little bit different from the usual models found in department stores (re: moonphase). We also did a 38mm men's version which did much better and sold out. This 34mm version has not been as successful and at this stage we are making room for new models, therefore they are on clearance until we run out. There's not that many left now and the blue is sold out.
3) Quartz vs. Auto.
Yes, it's quartz. We know that everyone has their own opinions on this, however I'd urge people to look at what is being offered in terms of the complications when considering this (not just for us, but in general). Are you going to get an automatic moonphase (that isn't a Chinese movement) at this price point? No. (likewise for chronographs). In the end, value is subjective and a lot of people also love quartz watches because of their 'grab and go' convenience.
As for comments regarding our business name, fair enough. We're not for everyone and we get that! We've been around for 5 years now, so it's also a bit late for a change.
Happy to answer any questions regarding the brand and/or collections.
If anyone is in Melbourne, feel free to drop by our showroom and workshop sometime and meet the team.
Cheers,
Sujain Krishnan
Managing Director - Melbourne Watch CompanyWelcome aboard Sujain and keep up the great work! Very pleased with my Flinders and Portsea. Any chance of the Hawthorn making a return?
Thank you! I really appreciate your support - glad to hear you are happy with your watches.
Yes, there's a good chance of the Hawthorn auto returning next year. Likely with an NH36 movement rather than the Miyota 8205 that we used previously. We also have a mecha-quartz chrono version scheduled, which may actually release first around January.
Sounds good. Cheers!
I bought this for my wife and it is a great looking watch! Portsea is a real looker however I need to save up more because I don't think it will ever have a 50% off sale or will it? I don't have any issue with the name though, just a name I would rather spend time appreciating the watch!
Thanks for your purchase!
No, we will never offer the Portsea at that kind of discount, sorry, as it is our best selling model. We normally just offer 25% off for pre-orders only. Our next release will be end of November.
Err.. You've just linked to the picture….