Grinding Gears: Swiss Brands to Diversify from Watches into Other Consumer Good

We have received word that a number of prestigious Swiss watch brands are looking to expand their product portfolios. While the scope of this diversification is unclear, it is an unprecedented move that some industry insiders speculate is only the first step in transitioning these specialised makers into fully-fledged lifestyle and fashion brands.

It isn't clear how many watchmakers are planning on pivoting to non-timekeeping products, but we have a clear statement from one exceptionally technical manufacture, known for high price tags and low production, has developed an exceptional new Toaster which actually weighs less than a slice of bread. A spokesperson for the brand indicated that this engineering marvel was "the best thing since sliced bread, and has provided Grinding Gears with an extract from the forthcoming press release.

"The hardened outer housing of T-01 has been machined from Carbon TOAST, a proprietary material consisting of densely packed granular carbon particles, with a maximum thickness of 5 microns. This material is a significant feat of mechanical engineering, and each housing takes no less than 72 8 days to craft. Sandwiched inside the Carbon TOAST housing is the revolutionary LOAF system, a complex, free-floating array of nano-wires, secured with resin and grade 5 titanium spline screws optimised for maximum torque, which ensures an even distribution of heat transfer for optimised close proximity convection."

We are told that T-01 will be limited to 24 pieces globally and will have an approximate price of $700,000. The manufacture advises that this piece is an application-only piece.

One other blue-chip heritage brand we have confirmed is also taking steps to diversify is taking a different approach with their prestigious new product offering. This manufacturer is applying its unique brand identity to that most elegant of writing instruments; the pencil.

"Here at the Maison, we have been perfecting the art of writing — one of humanity's truly greatest shared experiences — since our founding in 1867. Today we celebrate this rich culture with the release of the Reference 867 writing instrument, an object that fully captures our savoir-faire and the rich patrimony of the Maison. Crafted from a rare alpine wood, grown within sight of our historic manufacture, and centred with a core of the finest graphite mined in the Jura valley, this precision writing instrument has been hand-turned on a lathe operated under the light of a full moon, lending a unique balance to this precious object. Each writing instrument is capped with a block of natural caoutchouc, lightly scented with vanilla, for the elegant removal of any typographical errors. Finished in a rich red lacquer enamel paint, this writing instrument is the perfect object to celebrate the precious moments in life."

This exquisite writing instrument is being released in a limited edition of 100,867 pieces and will be available at boutiques globally, as well as select office supply stores.

Here at Grinding Gears, we are excited to see how the luxury watch landscape expands to include electrical goods, home office supplies and other objects desperately needing a touch of Swiss precision and craft.