DW Watches
Dw watches- Daniel Wellington watches
First, this brand cannot be ignored on social media. If you are even a little bit interested in fashion. You have seen a lot of Daniel Wellington advertisements.
Before discussing the watches themselves. Let me discuss this brand
History and Mystery of Daniel Wellington
A Swedish man by the name of Filip Tysander established Daniel Wellington in 2011. I believe that his alleged explanation for naming this brand is fictitious. But along with that, it’s also hilarious.
It appears that Filip travelled throughout the world before meeting a man. An “intriguing British gentleman” in Australia who had a passion for vintage watches.
Daniel Wellington was the one. He decided to establish his watch brand. He followed this “inspirational” moment. In my view, his response from a recent interview gives a more complete picture of what transpired in 2011.
“I realized there was a market for preppy watches,” she said.
If you compare a Daniel Wellington to a Rolex Submariner. They are very different in appearance. In my view, this story shows Daniel Wellington’s marketing strategy.
As has this company’s approach over the past ten years. They have used social media to get their brand in front of millennial customers.
As a result, they have dominated the watch industry. All you need to know is what you can see on their Instagram.
The reality is that all this marketing has a price. For Daniel Wellington, this is covered by the enormous markup on each watch.
Manufacturing
The fact that Daniel Wellington watches are mass-produced in China. They likely cost only a few pounds each is a well-known fact.
To be sold at a recommended retail price of more than £150 after that. They used to only sell to customers directly, but now they sell in regular retail stores.
In a goal way, Daniel Wellington’s marketing is effective. Many Individuals are purchasing these watches. In 2017, this company was named the private company with the fastest growth rate in Europe.
But, putting aside the business model. What do customers get for their money when they buy a Daniel Wellington watch?
Today’s watch is their first and most popular men’s watch, the “Sheffield”. Even though all their identical watches are covered here.
Specifications of DW Watches
Daniel Wellington Sheffield 40mm’s spec sheet is a great illustration of how fashion watch manufacturers skimp on quality. Daniel Wellington watches are generally made of materials of the lowest possible quality.
Considering that the watches are marketed as “affordable luxury.” This, on the one hand, is surprising. Despite the very low manufacturing costs of each piece, this is not surprising.
Yet, I would like to begin with their design; which the specification does not take into account.
Design
Products that are sold and promoted a lot on social media must look good. If you are selling ugly watches, very few people will likely buy them.
This design is appealing in terms of its aesthetic appeal. Filip Tysander knew exactly what would appeal to millennials when he chose it.
Except for the branding and the time markers, the dial is very minimal. Even the second hand is absent from this Daniel Wellington model.
Although this could be regarded as basic. It does contribute to the design’s versatility and sleekness. This can be worn with a wide range of straps and outfits and still look good.
Despite its lack of character, it is popular. In reality, I doubt that this dial design was created with a lot of time or effort.
One of the main reasons people like these watches are also their very slim design. These are some of the thinnest watches available, measuring just under 7 mm. Sitting flush with the wearer’s wrist.
While this helps the watch slide under the sleeves. It also looks good enough to appeal to a younger audience in style. These days, millennials prefer clothing that fits them tighter, like skinny jeans.
Which enjoys tremendous popularity in the UK. I can see how these watches would appeal to the same crowd as they get closer to the wrist.
Our Suggestions
From personal experience, I know this design works. I was tempted by a Daniel Wellington Sheffield. About five years ago when I was a young, broke guy looking for a stylish watch.
I loved the minimalist design of my local H. Samuel when I looked through the window. I had no prior experience with watches and there was nothing else in that store that resembled it.
Additionally, this watch is available in a few different diameter options. This makes it easy to suit various wrist sizes. Despite this, for me, the Daniel Wellington is a good fit for most men’s wrists at 40 millimeters.
I love the Design But..
Despite the watch’s chic appearance, I have one major issue with the design. It lacks exclusiveness. I’m not only referring to other watches that look like these.
I’m also referring to the many other watches that look the same. Daniel Wellington watches are made in China, as I mentioned earlier. But the sad part is they use a design that is also offered by many other fashion watch brands. It is generic.
This problem is made worse by the fact that Daniel Wellington charges a lot more for their watches. But they don’t have more features than other brands.
Leather Strap for Daniel Wellington
Watches from Daniel Wellington come with genuine leather straps. Most people think that genuine leather is the most basic type of leather.
This is not one of the most impressive genuine leather straps that I have seen before. This strap has barely been used. The watch still has its tags, and the cheap leather is already folding.
Even though it isn’t the worst strap I’ve seen. It won’t hold up well over time and is disappointing when you consider that it retails for well over £100.
If the brand invests in other parts of the watch. I can sometimes forgive them for skimping on the strap; this is not the case.
Case
The case is made of stainless steel of grade 316L. As the current watch industry standard, this is to be expected. Despite this, I discovered that the rear of the case was easily scratched.
It is a must to note that the quality of the material does not always correspond to its grade. As may be the case here. Daniel Wellington has a case that has no brushing. It is very polished throughout. This makes it shine, but also means that it attracts fingerprints.
Crown
The crown is made to look good on the watch; instead of practicality. I’ve never seen a watch with a smaller crown than this one.
For people with larger fingers, turning it is difficult due to this and the lack of grip.
But, this is minimal and almost completely symmetrical. This gives the watch its appearance; which might be appealing to some.
Glass
Mineral-crystal glass is used to cover the dial. This grade of glass is the lowest, only one level above acrylic. When compared to plastic, this should provide some limited scratch protection. But it is nothing special.
Watches with Sapphire glass which is superior. They are more resistant to scratches. They can be found for very less money elsewhere.
Movement
The Daniel Wellington collection is powered by a low-cost quartz movement, the Miyota GL20. This is referred to as a Japanese quartz movement on their website.
If you do a quick search on Google, you’ll find that these retail for around £3 each. This is when buying individually, and much less when purchased in bulk.
I’ve heard that the Miyota 1L22 movement, which costs about the same, is available in some areas.
Again, they are available in watches at a fraction of the cost. Even though they are accurate, dependable, and should function for a very long time.
If automatic watches are more your style, you can also get a few for the same amount of money. It is proved that this brand has also reduced costs in this area.
Quality
In general, In my view, the strategies used by this brand are clear and plain. They choose components of the lowest possible quality. You might end up believing it will meet the brand’s target market.
Then increase the price as much as possible. So to take advantage of the buyers’ lack of knowledge about watches.
I can see how that might be fine with some people. If the watch looks good to you and works, that might be enough to make you want to buy one.
That’s great; you can use the money if you want. It’s alright if you want to appear like your favorite social media star and one of these has been endorsed by them.
DW’s Watches Advantages and Disadvantages
PROS:
1) The case has a good diameter and depth
2) It appeals to millennials and has a stylish appearance.
3) It is comfortable and simple to wear
CONS:
1)Poor materials for the price
2)better alternatives elsewhere;
3) misleading marketing; advertised as “elegant,” “high quality,” and “luxury.” When they are not;
Should I buy a Daniel Wellington Watch?
You are free to buy anything, as I earlier stated. Having said that, you can buy it if you so choose. In my view, working with Daniel Wellington costs a lot of money for little return.
They might become a better option if, at some point, they decide to upgrade their watches. But also while maintaining the same price. But, as with MVMT watches, I would recommend avoiding this brand in its current state.
I believe that the two alternatives I mentioned earlier. They are not only less expensive but also of higher quality.
Conclusion For DW Watches
When it comes to their approach. Daniel Wellington’s marketing strategy as a whole deserves praise. They use influencer marketing and social media much more effectively. They do it better than the majority of traditional watch brands.
Also, at least this brand is introducing people to watches. In an age when smartphones can more accurately tell the time. Companies like these encourage young people to wear watches.
At least they deserve praise. As it is very clear that other traditional watch brands are failing in this regard.