The high cost
Is apparently due to "previous metals" according to Reuters...
Private equity firm EQT appears to be back in the running as a potential buyer of Vertu, Nokia's wholly owned maker of bling-phones for the extremely well-heeled. Newsagency Reuters today said sources familiar with the sale negotiations had claimed Nokia wants €200m ($251m/£161m) for Vertu and its currently trying to persuade …
I've been in one of their shops in HK.
When I asked about why such a shit phone cost so much, I was told about some concierge 24/7 service or other and what its make from.
I then replied "if I had a enough money to buy a £10k phone I be rich enough to employ a personal assistant 24/7 and gold or platinum plate an Iphone or Galaxy S3"
Maybe it's akin to the (legendary?) custom of some Pacific Island chiefs of destroying valuable pots simply to demonstrate their wealth - carry a terribly overpriced S40 or S60 phone to show that you have so much money you can burn it in public without wincing
I lost my wallet last week, a perfectly seviceable Kiki James model KJ039-0085, £49.00. I was about to re order when my attention strayed to the functionally similar Mulberry 8 Card Coin Wallet at £200.00 - four times the price. I'm not a deluxe kind of guy but have to say this eye watering price has bought extended and possibly lasting satisfaction.
Just saying.