Ad Analysis
Tyler Thomas
Dr. ThomasEnglish 105
8 October 2014
Time truly does come at a cost
It is said “time is on your side”, but at what cost? Watches are something that everyone needs, but how does one justify spending a great deal on a watch? Are watches just time timepieces, or are they a status symbol? People may have differing opinions on what defines a watch, but what is not disputable is the fact that companies are willing to do anything to sell someone a product they may or may not need. Advertising is a science. This science is about what is seen yet not seen at the same time. It is about triggering feelings and emotions without the realization that said feelings were ever taken advantage of. In the scope of things, it is truly about trying to connect the viewer with the product at all costs and with no consideration to the state or ideas it may place on people.
In a Baume & Mercier ad found in the September 2014 edition of Forbes Magazine, it is a timepiece up for sale. The ad is simple yet elegant. A quality suited to match the beauty of this watch. The watch takes center stage in this ad, but it is what surrounds it that truly sells it. A well-kept, happy man stands with a birthday cake in front of him. He surrounded by friends who are equally happy. It is made out to be a perfect moment. In a bold yet simple font lies the words, “Life is About Moments”. The words seem so perfectly placed. Underneath in a smaller font read the words, “celebrating ELEGANCE since 1830”. This is a statement that establishes credibility and shows lasting happiness. On the pages before and after this ad are stories of success and accomplishment. Stories that are moments one would never forget. The joy of completion. The ad also states the ability for the watch to be “engraved for your moment” and “ready to share the memories”. The ad focuses on how simplicity with a touch of class is the best way to go. The Baume & Mercier ad explicitly sells watches but it implicitly
Dr. ThomasEnglish 105
8 October 2014
Time truly does come at a cost
It is said “time is on your side”, but at what cost? Watches are something that everyone needs, but how does one justify spending a great deal on a watch? Are watches just time timepieces, or are they a status symbol? People may have differing opinions on what defines a watch, but what is not disputable is the fact that companies are willing to do anything to sell someone a product they may or may not need. Advertising is a science. This science is about what is seen yet not seen at the same time. It is about triggering feelings and emotions without the realization that said feelings were ever taken advantage of. In the scope of things, it is truly about trying to connect the viewer with the product at all costs and with no consideration to the state or ideas it may place on people.
In a Baume & Mercier ad found in the September 2014 edition of Forbes Magazine, it is a timepiece up for sale. The ad is simple yet elegant. A quality suited to match the beauty of this watch. The watch takes center stage in this ad, but it is what surrounds it that truly sells it. A well-kept, happy man stands with a birthday cake in front of him. He surrounded by friends who are equally happy. It is made out to be a perfect moment. In a bold yet simple font lies the words, “Life is About Moments”. The words seem so perfectly placed. Underneath in a smaller font read the words, “celebrating ELEGANCE since 1830”. This is a statement that establishes credibility and shows lasting happiness. On the pages before and after this ad are stories of success and accomplishment. Stories that are moments one would never forget. The joy of completion. The ad also states the ability for the watch to be “engraved for your moment” and “ready to share the memories”. The ad focuses on how simplicity with a touch of class is the best way to go. The Baume & Mercier ad explicitly sells watches but it implicitly
Cited: Baume & Mercier. Forbes 29 Sept. 2014: 51. Print.