cost-benefit analysis
Not exactly 'a rose by any other name' sort of proposition, is it?
But we do pay an inordinate amount of attention to brand names and designer labels. And no, Brand R is most assuredly NOT '130 times better' than Brand T. Indeed, if the prime function of the watch is to keep accurate time, Brand T might even do a better job of it. A new top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz is not going to get me to my destination any more effectively than my humble VW Jetta (for that matter, a 20-year-old Pontiac could probably accomplish the same objective). And if I could replace the VW logo in my car's grille with a 3-pointed star, would it really accomplish anything? Those with the means are willing to pay a lot to stand out from the common herd-----everybody knows that. Still, what kind of neurotic schlepp is going to notice-----much less care about-----the timepiece on somebody else's wrist? Unfortunately, however, this happens-----and it's what drives the 'value' of these high-end brands. If nobody noticed or cared (and ideally nobody SHOULD notice or care; why feed this self-important jerk's already outsized ego) then these status symbols would lose all their perceived value immediately. If I see an antique car coming along the road I'll turn my head to look at it. I categorically refuse to do the same for any ostentatious vehicle, the driver of which is constantly scanning the sidewalks for pedestrians displaying signs of envy.
cost-benefit analysis
Not exactly 'a rose by any other name' sort of proposition, is it?
But we do pay an inordinate amount of attention to brand names and designer labels. And no, Brand R is most assuredly NOT '130 times better' than Brand T. Indeed, if the prime function of the watch is to keep accurate time, Brand T might even do a better job of it. A new top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz is not going to get me to my destination any more effectively than my humble VW Jetta (for that matter, a 20-year-old Pontiac could probably accomplish the same objective). And if I could replace the VW logo in my car's grille with a 3-pointed star, would it really accomplish anything? Those with the means are willing to pay a lot to stand out from the common herd-----everybody knows that. Still, what kind of neurotic schlepp is going to notice-----much less care about-----the timepiece on somebody else's wrist? Unfortunately, however, this happens-----and it's what drives the 'value' of these high-end brands. If nobody noticed or cared (and ideally nobody SHOULD notice or care; why feed this self-important jerk's already outsized ego) then these status symbols would lose all their perceived value immediately. If I see an antique car coming along the road I'll turn my head to look at it. I categorically refuse to do the same for any ostentatious vehicle, the driver of which is constantly scanning the sidewalks for pedestrians displaying signs of envy.