{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Wealthyist","title":"Wealthyist E19 | Luxury Watches: An Interview with Charlie Dixon, President of Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers (PT 2)","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/8084e3d6\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":867,"description":"In this episode of Wealthyist, host Brandon Lehman, director of Annex Private Client, interviews Charlie Dixon, president of Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers in Milwaukee, to discuss the luxury watch industry, its evolution, and trends. The conversation covers the following key points:\nIntroduction to Watches:Lehman shares his personal connection to watches, mentioning his Garmin Tactics Delta, a military-inspired fitness tracker gifted by his wife. He uses it to monitor sleep, heart rate, and fitness, reflecting the growing popularity of smartwatches.\nDixon explains the historical shift of wristwatches from women’s jewelry (early 1900s “wristlets”) to masculine accessories during World War I, when soldiers strapped pocket watches to their wrists for practicality. This military connection persists in brands like Tudor (Pelagos Marine National) and IWC (Royal Air Force-inspired watches).\nImpact of Smartwatches and Military Inspiration:Lehman asks how fitness-focused smartwatches like his Garmin affect the luxury watch market. Dixon notes that smartwatches have boosted interest in watches overall, with many luxury brands drawing on military heritage to appeal to consumers.\nDefining Luxury Watches:Dixon defines luxury watches by their craftsmanship and repairability, citing a Hermes CEO quote that luxury items are worth repairing. A watch’s sentimental value—tied to milestones like promotions, births, or anniversaries—can make it luxurious, regardless of price (e.g., $500 or $200,000).\nLuxury watches are emotional purchases, often commemorating significant life events, similar to jewelry like anniversary bands.\nPost-COVID Market Trends:During COVID, demand for luxury watches surged as people, unable to spend on travel or events, invested in watches. The market peaked around 2022 but has since normalized, though demand remains strong.\nSocial media (e.g., Instagram) and shows like Emily in Paris have increased interest, especially among younger generations. The Middle East,...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/qGrVF3x5hFIhTcfRmZqwI5cWDYeStA3lwZ1z54k8q18/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS83MWRm/YWQ1NmRjOWIwNmNm/MjExZmE3MjViNTU0/Njk5NC5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}