Final answer:
The factors that typically shift the supply of watches to the right include an advance in technology and a decrease in the wages of workers, as both lead to reduced costs and increased supply. An increase in the price of watches does not cause a shift in the supply curve but rather a movement along the existing curve. The correct answer to the student's question is a. an increase in the price of watches.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question posed addresses the concept of supply shifts in an economic context, referring to factors that affect the supply of watches. From the provided options, we can analyze which one does not shift the supply of watches to the right, meaning it does not increase supply.
- An advance in technology used to manufacture watches typically reduces costs and increases supply, shifting the supply curve to the right.
- A decrease in the wage of workers has a similar effect by lowering production costs and increasing supply, shifting the curve to the right.
- Manufacturers' expectations of lower prices in the future can also lead to an increase in current supply as they might ramp up production in anticipation of future price reductions, thus shifting the supply curve to the right.
However, an increase in the price of watches does not cause a shift of the supply curve itself, but rather it reflects a movement along the supply curve to a higher quantity supplied. This is because suppliers are willing to offer more watches for sale at higher prices, but the factors that establish the supply relationship remain unchanged. Therefore, option a. an increase in the price of watches, does not shift the supply curve to the right.