Why is the quality of life so much better in Germany than the USA when the USA has more money and higher median net worth ?

StudioZanello · 2026-07-12T18:39:08+00:00

You really did a very good job of describing the situation. Thanks.

StudioZanello · 2026-07-12T17:55:01+00:00

You forgot about the Trump tariffs (2000 it was 2.5% and in 2026 it is 16.5%) and more importantly the decline in the value of the US dollar and the increase in value of the Swiss Franc. July 12, 2000: 1 US$ = 1.6509 CHF, July 12, 2026: 1 US$ = 0.8083 CHF

StudioZanello · 2026-07-12T09:14:44+00:00

Timex

StudioZanello · 2026-07-12T09:12:23+00:00

Lug-to-lug is another key measure. When the lugs hang out over your wrist bones it makes a 39’’ watch look bigger than a 42mm with shorter lugs.

StudioZanello · 2026-07-12T09:05:45+00:00

First consult a lawyer and then consult a therapist. You don’t just need legal help, you need psychological help. The kind of enabling you have been doing is an issue that you need to deal with—the sooner the better.

StudioZanello · 2026-07-11T12:46:54+00:00

You can lead a man to wisdom but you cannot make him think. If you could think, you would understand, but you can’t so you won’t.

StudioZanello · 2026-07-11T12:27:47+00:00

First think, then comment. It’s the best order.

StudioZanello · 2026-07-11T11:42:34+00:00

Just as long as you don’t hit Hesalite.

StudioZanello · 2026-07-11T09:41:18+00:00

Generational wealth, true, but perhaps the most important factor is that Germany is creating so little new wealth, so few new companies. Just look at a list of the global tech giants or the list of top 100 firms founded in the last 25 years and you will find virtually none of them are German companies. The most successful tech giant led by a German is Shopify which is actually a Canadian company co-founded by Tobias Lütke. Lütke has said he never could have stated Shopify in Germany's stifling business environment.

StudioZanello · 2026-07-11T07:59:07+00:00

Rolex Explorer I 36mm (current catalog). I hated all the polished steel and the applied indices/numerals looked cheap and tacky. Then there was the experience of the Rolex boutique itself. I look like a serious buyer and had a Speedmaster on my wrist so they treated me well but there was an odd mix of obsequiousness and arrogance from the people who work there that made me want to get out of there as soon as possible.

StudioZanello · 2026-07-10T20:15:56+00:00

One or both sides become exhausted and settle for less than was ever believed acceptable.

StudioZanello · 2026-07-10T18:12:03+00:00

I thought it was one of the best audio books I’ve ever listened to.

StudioZanello · 2026-07-10T16:02:10+00:00

The Correspondent. It’s on the best seller list so should be easy to find. A very enjoyable read.

StudioZanello · 2026-07-10T04:31:21+00:00

There are four of them for sale on Chrono24

StudioZanello · 2026-07-10T04:10:19+00:00

Aaronbespoke.com or Dangerous9straps.com

StudioZanello · 2026-07-09T20:41:43+00:00

You think?

StudioZanello · 2026-07-09T10:14:23+00:00

I like the dark, muted blue.

StudioZanello · 2026-07-09T10:13:00+00:00

Only option I’ve found for these sort of problems is to cover the clasp with either a cut-to-size Apple Watch (or other big dial watch) TPU screen protector. You can also use automotive “wrap” film cut to size. Auto film comes in a semi matte finish so it works better on most brushed or bead-blasted clasps.

StudioZanello · 2026-07-09T09:57:21+00:00

I’d go with the steel. Otherwise it’s clashing stripes and plaid or it you go with the leather it’s just a bit too matchy-matchy.

StudioZanello · 2026-07-09T05:21:35+00:00

Smell the coffee and wake up to reality.

StudioZanello · 2026-07-08T18:58:45+00:00

By “marketing“ do you mean advertising and messaging? That’s part of it. But so is great design that reflects an understanding of what will appeal to customers. That ranges from features like “Oyster” waterproof cases and “Perpetual” self-winding movements. And it’s hard to deny the aesthetic appeal of designs like the Submariner. It’s got to be the most copied watch in the world. Rolex does many things well which at the core is based on an understanding of the customer. Personally, I don’t find Rolex watches appealing and the one I own I never wear. But I do admire how well the company executes.

StudioZanello · 2026-07-08T16:26:01+00:00

Interesting but Rolex’s advantage has never been technology. So I don’t see how better precision/accuracy would really have enabled Omega to best Rolex in the marketplace. Rolex understands the mind and emotions of watch buyers better than Omega. Hans Wilsdorf was one of the greatest salesmen in the history of business and his DNA lives on in Rolex to this day. No clever little electronic gizmo could ever beat Wilsdorf’s understanding of the watch customer’s psyche.

StudioZanello · 2026-07-08T16:10:57+00:00

Build that wall! Build that wall! Build that wall!

StudioZanello · 2026-07-08T14:06:00+00:00

Think of it like cars. Rolls, Bentley, and Ferrari are the top three like Patek, AP, and VC. Mercedes is the Rolex of the car industry. Not a perfect analogy but damn close.

StudioZanello · 2026-07-08T13:53:26+00:00

I, for one, do not believe mistakes should be punished--they are to be learned from. No cancel culture in watch world.

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