With the release of the Apple Watch and many other smartwatches hitting the market, traditional watch retailers were understandably apprehensive. Not only are these new watches incredibly beautiful to look at, but they do a lot more than tell the time.
It seems that the Apple Watch will be the item most sought after in the coming years, yet there’s something to be said about the durability and craftsmanship that goes into a luxury watch, from Swiss makers like Rolex or Omega, for example. Even with the big push of smartwatches that can check your heartbeat, give you weather updates, and even be used to play games, the idea that a traditional analogue watch will still be around is a comforting thought.
Should you take a visit to watch traders like Chrono24, you’ll find hundreds upon hundreds of luxury watches, proof that there is still a market for watches that are simple, yet elegant in design. Watches can be more than a tool to tell time, as they also serve as a symbol of style, prestige, and wealth. Regardless of how advanced smartwatches become, traditional luxury watches shouldn’t feel threatened by on the onset of competitors. Watches like Rolex and Omega should simply look stunning and tell the time – factors that will likely still be sought after by consumers in years to come.
Although Apple’s products are generally great, keep in mind that not everyone loves the Apple Watch, despite what you hear about the good things it does. Some reviewers on Business Insider tell of what they hate about the smartwatch:
"I’m in a meeting with 14 people, in mid-sentence, when I feel a tap-tap-tap on my wrist… A version of this happens dozens of times throughout the day. Isn’t the promise of the Apple Watch to help me stay in the moment, focused on the people around me so why do I suddenly feel so distracted?"
"There’s a good chance it will not work perfectly for most consumers right out of the box, because it is best after you fiddle with various software settings to personalize use."
"I grew used to calling on Siri to set kitchen timers or reminders while I was cooking, or to look up the weather while I was driving. And I also grew used to her getting these requests wrong almost as often as she got them right."
Given the sentimental value that watches often carry, which can see them passed down from generation to generation, it’s hard to envision the same being said for the smartwatch in 20 years. As the iPhone as shown, the disposable nature of ever-evolving technology means that watches will be rendered outdated shortly after being bought. And the traditional timepiece? Timeless.
