Reasonably priced? You must be joking.
When one considers all that goes into authorized versions of the ES670/671, the price seems fair.
Take into account iconic status and the fact that they have always been marketed as luxury items, and the going price suddenly seems like a bargain. Really, what's the price of an Ekornes set these days?
It's not fair at all, of course, but if the price is truly an obstacle, there are better alternatives than knock-offs.
That's crazy to buy a copy...
That's crazy to buy a copy from Australia when a genuine used Herman Miller one sells for 2-2500 here depending where you look.I've seen a few recently that were near new for the same.
To a newbie the copies may look the same but I can tell you that the copies sold in Australia are rubbish.Used copies sell here for a few hundred dollars online or at auction.
Same story here is that they fall apart after a while but that's with most of the copied pieces.
kin1117 -
How can you say that the leather is better than the Herman Miller version when over the past 50+ years there have been HUNDREDS of different leathers available? If you went to your local dealer today you'd have the choice of at least three different brands with dozens of grain and finish options and hundreds of colors.
I'm no expert on leather or i...
I'm no expert on leather or in fact, the 670, but I've been fortunate enough to have owned a few sets, from a straight up replica, a very close copy I mentioned above, a first series, a second series, and a 2010 production. So my comment is based on my personal experience. But again, I truly feel that the reproduction, possibly by Matrix International, has the best leather out of all of them. I think it's similar to the all-grain Edelman. Just my 2 cents.
I would definitely buy a...
I would definitely buy a used one as they should be around half to a third the new price at auction including commission.Also you won't worry so much about that first mark you may accidentally put on it.
I am not in the US but check local vintage furniture dealers as listed on this site.Also auctions,Ebay and Craigslist.
Nice early ones sell for good dollars but often have a more beautiful patina and aged look to them.
Obviously only ever genuine as copies are an embarrassment and defeat the purpose in my opinion.A vintage 70s copy and maybe touching 80s can be still cool depending on various factors like price,quality and who made it etc.
I hate to give you the useles...
I hate to give you the useless answer that it depends on you. But it does. Here are a couple of things to consider though. If buying new, you run the risk of getting a chair with wood grain that may not be to your liking because you have no control over what grain they choose. One solution is to buy a floor sample so you know what you're getting. But of course, be OK with the thought that hundreds of people have rocked in it.
Buying vintage seems to be a safe bet because it tends to hold value. But you may not have access to thoroughly inspect before buying and there maybe structural issues that need to be considered. Certainly a 50 yr old chair will require more maintenance/repair than a brand new one which you probably don't have to worry about issues like shock mount failure for many years to come.
In the end, both good vintage and new ones (walnut and standard leather) should cost around the same ($3,000-$3,500) given you buy during the HM annual sale with 15% off.
Hope it helps you make a decision.
Thanks for the info...
I appreciate your responses. I think I'm going to go new. I've been looking to see when the Herman Miller sale is... It seems like it is around Dec time? Does that sound right?
On a seperate note... I just bought a Bruno Mathsson "Maria" table locally. I think I'm hooked on "real" furniture. Every time I sit at it I can't help but touch it.
If buying new, what options...
If buying new, what options will you be looking into? Walnut? Cherry? Palisander? What about leather? Don't want to advertise here, but I came close to buying one new from an authorized online dealer with the initial: SF. Super helpful and friendly staff. You can request veneer and leather swatches ahead too. Personally, I'd recommend going for the upgraded leather, either Edelman full grain or dreamcow. There's definitely a sale at the end of the year; not too sure about the upcoming one. Please keep us posted!!! Excited for you!!!
When you are planning to get a replica. The first thing you have to make sure is the replica follows the same dimensions as the Original. I learned a lot of replicas are huge. The knock-off chair, however, just says screw it! and screws directly through the wood shell from the outside instead of into shock mounts from the inside. I did my research and found .... replica is the best
(edited by DA - no advertising to repro websites please)
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