This could be a good sign that our modern "gilded age" is over.
@SECRET_ASIAN_MAN Another good argument for a strong middle class. Luxury items and pieces of art are something someone in the middle class might strive for, keeping artisans in business. But in our current scenario we've got the wealthy who've already got one and everyone else who can't afford it. Who's left to sell to?
@SECRET_ASIAN_MAN
A third of my (1997-2010) Swiss neighbors were in the horlogerie profession; Nina was the "Stonesetter" selected, some year around 2002, to do the emplacement of diamonds on the "most expensive watch created in Year X".
I've lost touch, but can imagine this hitting some of them harshly.