Watches International X: Omega missing again . . .
I always look forward to the latest annual editions of both Watches International (May publication date) and Wristwatch Annual (Nov/Dec publication date). Last week I purchased the latest edition Watches International X and was very disappointed to note that Omega was again missing from their very colorful pages. Omega's last appearance in this publication was #VI (2005). In fact, another of my favorite brands, Breitling, was missing this year, too. Perhaps they (Breitling) were upset over the poor reproduction of their watch photos in last year's edition, #IV. Also sadly this year, all but one of the Swatch Group brands was missing from this year's edition. Only Longines was represented. No Breuget or Blancpain this year (or Rado, Tissot, etc.). So my question is, why are important brands disappearing from Watches International each year? Since the publication is large in dimensions and pages (over 575 pages), glossy and colorful and just $25, do they perhaps require represented brands to purchase a full page ad in order to be included? Or maybe they charge an insertion fee for inclusion? Just very curious because I will be less inclined to buy this book next year if important/popular Swiss brands continue to be dropped from their pages. Conversely, the current edition (published Dec 2009) of Wristwatch Annual 2009 does contain many more brands although their pictures aren't quite as beautiful as those in their competitor's book, Watches International X. Any ideas or comments?
Thanks,
Steve
