J.Crew Timex Watches {price drop!}

I am not sure when it happened, but both J.Crew's Timex Military Watch (Item 10884) and Timex Vintage Field Army Watch (item 27460) dropped in price from $150 to $98. I should add, they are not on sale. It looks like this is the new set point for price.

This is a pretty significant price drop that I was surprised to see. After all, J.Crew tends to increase prices, not reduce them. I immediately checked out the straps, like the Solid Watch Strap (Item 19474). They are still priced at $20, but I do remember when customers could buy two regular-priced straps and save.

This all got me wondering, why did J.Crew reduce the price on these watches? Especially since so many retailers were imitating the style. (Fossil offers a similar style. Target offers a similar Timex version for a lot, lot, lot less.)

Since J.Crew has a lot of Timex-watch competition out there, they probably decided to be a little more price-reasonable. (Although, let's face it, the watch is still expensively priced. This coming from a consumer who purchased the watch at $150.) Plus, it could create a loss-leader type situation. (Kind of like video game consoles, where the real money is made on the games and not the console.) Make the watch itself, cost a little less, and keep the regular price straps at a high price point. I mean, how can you buy this watch and not get an additional strap or two? ;)

Of course, this has got me hoping that J.Crew will reduce the starting price point for other pieces that are set a bit too high.

What are your thoughts on J.Crew's Timex watches? Did you notice the price reduction? Do you think they are worth the value?