: That is correct for the base ETA movement
: before Omega's custom modifications.
: SURPRISE! The value of most watches does NOT
: come from the movement!
: That really should not be surprising--the
: engine in a $20,000 to 50,000 car costs
: $500-1,500. The paper a highly expensive
: collectible Mickey Mantle baseball card or
: first edition Superman comic costs under a
: penny.
: It is rather like the old joke about the
: repairman who comes in to fix a large
: factory machine. He studies the problem for
: a moment, then presses one button and
: suddenly everything is fine. When the
: customer complains about the $500 fee he
: charges for the service, he itemizes his
: invoice as: Pressing one
: button............. $ 1.00
: Knowing which button to press... $499.00
: Similarly, Omega and other fine watchmakers add
: a number of other qualities to the tangible
: pieces of a $50 movement, a $5 lump of
: steel, and a $10 sapphire crystal when they
: turn it into a fine watch under their name.
: While these qualities are not always
: immediately apparent, you will quickly
: realize the effort they require should you
: ever try building an identical piece and
: selling it for a comparable price.
: The uniqueness and well though out design, fine
: craftsmanship, quality control, name
: recognition, reputation, and support network
: are only part of these less obvious value
: enhancements to the seemingly simple
: combination of $65 worth of basic parts and
: materials.
