Future of Seiko 6L35?

[Doninvt]

Last year Seiko came out with a limited edition watch in their Presage line with a new 6L35 movement that is about a third thinner and more accurate than the 6R15 that has been the usual movement for their higher end (but not Grand Seiko) models.

What I haven't seen is any mention of more models with this movement.  It makes no sense to develop a whole new movement, and then only crank out a couple thousand copies!  At least not at mortal price points.  

 

 

[TexasDon]

Seiko isn't always the most forthcoming regarding their future plans. I, for one, wouldn't be surprised to see some curtailment in their mechanical movement lineup as the buying pace of the last decade can't be logically maintained. Also, many of their higher end watches are intended for distribution to the JDM only. Seiko is on record as having expressed the sentiment that the US won't pay the price for an upscale Japanese movement when consumers can opt for a Swiss movement in the same price range or even a little higher. 

Be that as it may, nobody expects Seiko to shelve this movement. I look for limited distribution, primarily in the JDM but as the Philippines are considered JDM, it's only a short hop to the US from a dealer in that area. Plus, the US Navy's Pacific Fleet makes regular excursions to the western Pacific and that's a lot of sailors buying watches to bring home as gifts, personal use or for resale. It's a rather silly distribution scheme. Seiko is committed to shedding their lower priced reputation, even if it means squeezing distribution channels. 

[yankeedog]

I haven't been to the Philippines in a while, But I would not consider it a market for high end products.As I remember the ALBA ,Seiko's low price line was pretty popular as were Orient automatics.Having Filipino in laws, I can tell you that out in the country automatics are preferred.Because the average person may or may not even be able to get a watch battery when one is needed.My brother in law is a fisherman, we sent him a vostok amphibia. He wears it out on the ocean every day , and that watch sees no mercy. So yes I can see a continued market for mechanical watches. There are plenty of remote regions in the world, where people are just better served by something that does not need a battery.

[Doninvt]

It seems like the interesting models are often already JDM.  I haven't figured out why all the text on such watches is in English.

 

[yankeedog]

As discussed JDM includes outlying countries in east Asia.English is a language persons in multiple countries might speak.