Why Smart Watch and not traditional?

[BeefCake 15]

I want to know why people made the choice of getting a smart watch IF they chose it over getting a traditional watch (Quartz, Automatic etc..). What motivated your decision and thought process?

just collecting some feedback for a topic I'm working on with other watch enthusiasts and not trying to insult your decision.

Thanks in advance!

 

[OllyW]

I wear both.

I've got an Apple Watch for the functionality and a selection of tradition watches for when I want to wear something that looks nice.

 

[Newtons Apple]

For starters the smart watch does so much more than just tell the time and date. In case you have not noticed, everyone has a smart phone now and some like the idea of a smart watch to go with it.

I wear both, not at the same time but I still wear my other watches and leave the AW at home sometimes.

 

[BeefCake 15]

Would you guys consider the advanced digital watches (i.e. G-Shocks, Casio etc.) to be within the realm of Smart Watch category?

 

[Newtons Apple]

Would you guys consider the advanced digital watches (i.e. G-Shocks, Casio etc.) to be within the realm of Smart Watch category?

They are still just watches. Smart watches have the ability to communicate with other devices.

 

[BeefCake 15]

They are still just watches. Smart watches have the ability to communicate with other devices.

Did you own an "advanced digital" watch prior to the smart watch or you mainly worse simple traditional watches before it?

Thanks for your responses.

 

[OllyW]

Did you own an "advanced digital" watch prior to the smart watch or you mainly worse simple traditional watches before it?

No, but I've got a couple of solar powered 'radio controlled' watches which sync daily with the atomic clock to ensure the time and date is always correct. I bought the first one nineteen years ago so that was fairly advanced at the time.

 

[Newtons Apple]

Did you own an "advanced digital" watch prior to the smart watch or you mainly worse simple traditional watches before it?

Thanks for your responses.

I have several military style watches and then there is this:

 

[BeefCake 15]

No, but I've got a couple of solar powered 'radio controlled' watches which sync daily with the atomic clock to ensure the time and date is always correct. I bought the first one nineteen years ago so that was fairly advanced at the time.

Safe to say that if you owned one of those or a calculator watch (back when they were cool and didn't get you beat up ) you're more likely to get an AW?

 

[OllyW]

Safe to say that if you owned one of those or a calculator watch (back when they were cool and didn't get you beat up ) you're more likely to get an AW?

I'm not sure. I was fairly reluctant at first because I'm not really a fan of how the AW looks. I only jumped on board when the price of the 1st gen plummeted after the new models were announced in September.

After using it for the last 3 months I can say I like it but I'm not sure if I would ever pay the full asking price for an updated model in the future. It's good but not great.

 

[DougFNJ]

I have always been 2 things, a watch nut, and a gadget geek, particularly Apple gadgets which made the Apple Watch a no brainer for me.

Many years ago, I had gotten a Casio Databank calculator watch that held phone numbers, calendars, notes, alarms, etc. I loved that watch. I had it until the keypad peeled off and the resin fell apart. Then I got into G-Shock watches and a Pathfinder ABC (Altimeter/Barometer/Compass). I really enjoyed watches and PDA's that could do so many things in small packages.

When I got my first "real" job, I longed for a Tag Heuer, but it was too pricey at the time, so I went with an ESQ by Movado Quartz Analog and had that for many years. I had read an article one time years ago before smart phones that it's good to have 3 watches, a beater type of watch, a casual watch for every day, and a nice dressy watch, and this is where a large rotating collection began. I had that ESQ, got a nice Seiko, and an analog G-Shock with solar and atomic timekeeping. Then Microsoft developed the SPOT watch. It received Over the air updates from Outlook, news articles, sports scores, weather, and the hardware came from Fossil, Suunto, and Tissot (I had the Suunto). The world wasn't ready for that info on the wrist at the time and Microsoft EOL'ed the line.

My collection grew and transformed over the years, I was a HUGE G-Shock collector for a long time, even did review videos on Youtube and moderated in a G-Shock section of a popular watch forum. I moved towards Automatics with Seiko watches and some Citizens because I like what technology they pulled off with analog watches and ultimately gravitated towards Swiss. There is something about thousands of tiny pieces put together perfectly in a small metal case to create a precise unit of timekeeping able to maintain accuracy within seconds per 24 hours. So at this point I have a Movado that I will pass down to my Step Son, a Tag Heuer Link, 2 Omega Seamaster Pros, 1 is automatic, the other quartz, some G-Shocks, Some Citizens and Seikos, and of course my Space Black Apple Watch Series 2 that I upgraded from Series 0. I still moderate on that website, but now on the Tag Heuer, and Apple Watch forums.

I have found that my Apple Watch kind of spoiled my collection. I primarily wear it to work and times I know pulling my phone out would be inappropriate. When I wear my other watches, I occasionally get phantom taps lol. I wear my other watches for different occasions. My G-Shocks are primarily collectibles except for 1 that I use for yard work. My Analogs get worn when I go out on dates with my wife, or when I just feel like wearing them. My Apple Watch dominates though. First of all, I really like the Space Black, and the bracelet is very comfortable. I really love the discrete tap of notifications, and simple reminders when I am deeply involved in work to either stand up for a second to stretch, or take a minute to breath which helps me refocus. I am going to be working very hard in 2017 with some weight loss and fitness goals, and I believe the Apple Watch will help me get there. I actually park further away from places I am going so I get in more steps to fill rings. I have found being able to answer the phone on my watch can be helpful when I have my briefcase over my shoulder, juggling the keys with my coffee mug, or a quick response from a text message when my phone is in the other room charging is highly convenient. Checking the weather at a quick glance, having my next appointment always showing as a reminder, so many conveniences of having this watch vs not having it. I know this post is a little long, and I hope it is helpful from a watch and gadget nerd for what you were looking to gather info on. I will always have my collection as there are more sentimental values attached to them, but the Smart Watch is another level of connection that I find convenient in so many ways I described here.

 

[BeefCake 15]

I have always been 2 things, a watch nut, and a gadget geek, particularly Apple gadgets which made the Apple Watch a no brainer for me.

Many years ago, I had gotten a Casio Databank calculator watch that held phone numbers, calendars, notes, alarms, etc. I loved that watch. I had it until the keypad peeled off and the resin fell apart. Then I got into G-Shock watches and a Pathfinder ABC (Altimeter/Barometer/Compass). I really enjoyed watches and PDA's that could do so many things in small packages.

When I got my first "real" job, I longed for a Tag Heuer, but it was too pricey at the time, so I went with an ESQ by Movado Quartz Analog and had that for many years. I had read an article one time years ago before smart phones that it's good to have 3 watches, a beater type of watch, a casual watch for every day, and a nice dressy watch, and this is where a large rotating collection began. I had that ESQ, got a nice Seiko, and an analog G-Shock with solar and atomic timekeeping. Then Microsoft developed the SPOT watch. It received Over the air updates from Outlook, news articles, sports scores, weather, and the hardware came from Fossil, Suunto, and Tissot (I had the Suunto). The world wasn't ready for that info on the wrist at the time and Microsoft EOL'ed the line.

My collection grew and transformed over the years, I was a HUGE G-Shock collector for a long time, even did review videos on Youtube and moderated in a G-Shock section of a popular watch forum. I moved towards Automatics with Seiko watches and some Citizens because I like what technology they pulled off with analog watches and ultimately gravitated towards Swiss. There is something about thousands of tiny pieces put together perfectly in a small metal case to create a precise unit of timekeeping able to maintain accuracy within seconds per 24 hours. So at this point I have a Movado that I will pass down to my Step Son, a Tag Heuer Link, 2 Omega Seamaster Pros, 1 is automatic, the other quartz, some G-Shocks, Some Citizens and Seikos, and of course my Space Black Apple Watch Series 2 that I upgraded from Series 0. I still moderate on that website, but now on the Tag Heuer, and Apple Watch forums.

I have found that my Apple Watch kind of spoiled my collection. I primarily wear it to work and times I know pulling my phone out would be inappropriate. When I wear my other watches, I occasionally get phantom taps lol. I wear my other watches for different occasions. My G-Shocks are primarily collectibles except for 1 that I use for yard work. My Analogs get worn when I go out on dates with my wife, or when I just feel like wearing them. My Apple Watch dominates though. First of all, I really like the Space Black, and the bracelet is very comfortable. I really love the discrete tap of notifications, and simple reminders when I am deeply involved in work to either stand up for a second to stretch, or take a minute to breath which helps me refocus. I am going to be working very hard in 2017 with some weight loss and fitness goals, and I believe the Apple Watch will help me get there. I actually park further away from places I am going so I get in more steps to fill rings. I have found being able to answer the phone on my watch can be helpful when I have my briefcase over my shoulder, juggling the keys with my coffee mug, or a quick response from a text message when my phone is in the other room charging is highly convenient. Checking the weather at a quick glance, having my next appointment always showing as a reminder, so many conveniences of having this watch vs not having it. I know this post is a little long, and I hope it is helpful from a watch and gadget nerd for what you were looking to gather info on. I will always have my collection as there are more sentimental values attached to them, but the Smart Watch is another level of connection that I find convenient in so many ways I described here.

This is really good info, thanks for sharing it!

I can definitely see your age/wisdom/maturity progression with the watch selection through the years, I've been through a similar path. Your description of why you like a timepiece is on point, true appreciation of the watchmaking art!

G-Shock was my first watch purchase out of my own hard earned money in elementary school, came with the phone book along with the other bells and whistles

 

[DougFNJ]

This is really good info, thanks for sharing it!

I can definitely see your age/wisdom/maturity progression with the watch selection through the years, I've been through a similar path. Your description of why you like a timepiece is on point, true appreciation of the watchmaking art!

G-Shock was my first watch purchase out of my own hard earned money in elementary school, came with the phone book along with the other bells and whistles

Your very welcome

I personally hope that Apple Watches do for younger generations what that Databank did for me in generating interest in watches. I think cell phones were putting the watch industry in worry mode for awhile, seemed like for years so many people used their phones for timekeeping.

Now you have me curious...Which G-Shock did you get? What types of watches do you wear now? And do you currently have an Apple Watch?

 

[BeefCake 15]

Your very welcome

I personally hope that Apple Watches do for younger generations what that Databank did for me in generating interest in watches. I think cell phones were putting the watch industry in worry mode for awhile, seemed like for years so many people used their phones for timekeeping.

Now you have me curious...Which G-Shock did you get? What types of watches do you wear now? And do you currently have an Apple Watch?

Oh man, I forgot the model but I remember the day going with my dad to the mall to buy it! The straps broke where the screws are but the battery refused to die for years

My grandfather left me a Rado Diastar that I hold dearly and I also have a Tissot PR100, still building up the collection from there.

I honestly didn't pull the trigger on an AW because for the price I kept thinking of what automatic watch I can get. Then I'm having problems getting automatic watches because the more I read the harder it is to decide. I got addicted to Watch forums for a while, unbelievable how much time you can spend reading reviews and information about all different watches.

I'm working on starting an watch collector club in my area to bring more like minded "connoisseurs in the making" together and have a good time.

 

[bevsb2]

Prior to acquiring an Apple Watch I had pretty much stopped wearing a watch and figured I could just check the time on my iPhone when out. I got the Apple Watch on a whim, found that I loved it and it is the only watch I wear now (all day, everyday). I like the fitness tracking, notifications and availability of not only time, but date and temperature on the face. I don't have expensive mechanical watches, but do have a few nice watches ($300-500) and they just sit in a drawer now. I've been using an Apple Watch since the launch of the first generation and currently have 2 paired with my phone (Series 0 and Series 2) so I don't think this is just a fad. It's not pretty like an expensive mechanical watch, but it has a certain style in it's simplicity that I find it pleasing to look at. At this point in my life I don't have any use for a watch that just gives the time and date, no matter how attractive and expensive it may be.

 

[44267547]

I want to know why people made the choice of getting a smart watch IF they chose it over getting a traditional watch (Quartz, Automatic etc..). What motivated your decision and thought process?

just collecting some feedback for a topic I'm working on with other watch enthusiasts and not trying to insult your decision.

Thanks in advance!

I also own both. But my Apple Watche(s) I own have really been my go to. I love the customization and overall design suits my preference. The best and highly underrated feature with the Apple Watch is how seamless it communicates with the iPhone. Every notification and glimpse of what you want is reflected without having to use your iPhone or leaving it stationed elsewhere. It's merely a convenience factor and a great one at that.

 

[BeefCake 15]

I'm seeing 3 categories of AW fans in this regard:

1. People who always loved the gadget watches and continue with the AW but they also have regular watches too.
2. People who got tired of traditional watches but may wear them on occasions but definitely prefer the AW
3. People who had no interest in traditional watches almost at all but are liking the AW for the wearable gadget aspect.

Missing any category?

 

[BarracksSi]

Would you guys consider the advanced digital watches (i.e. G-Shocks, Casio etc.) to be within the realm of Smart Watch category?

No, not at all. Not even the "connected" ones that can maybe tell you that a message came in but offer no name, no content, and no way to reply.

Count me as "still interested in traditional watches but don't wear them much anymore".

I'll answer the original question like this:

Would I buy another traditional watch now that I've had the AW?

I'm really not sure. I may only want an upmarket watch as a personal achievement thing (likely a Datejust; I'm pretty firmly in the so-called "third stage of Rolex acceptance"), but my existing collection is pretty tasty as it sits.

And "as it sits" is mostly true, too, because most of them go unworn most of the time. The only practical reason I wear my other watches now are because we can't bring personal electronics to the office. But, because I telework from home pretty often, I usually wear my AW instead.

I wrote a lot of my thoughts last year, and they're still quite true:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/comparing-my-aw-to-the-rest-of-my-collection-pic-heavy.1946056/

 

[Gav2k]

I want to know why people made the choice of getting a smart watch IF they chose it over getting a traditional watch (Quartz, Automatic etc..). What motivated your decision and thought process?

just collecting some feedback for a topic I'm working on with other watch enthusiasts and not trying to insult your decision.

Thanks in advance!

I've not worn a watch for 16-17 years after an accident at work. I just pulled my phone out of my pocket for the time.

Then along came the Apple Watch. I'll be honest I purchased with the mindset of returning it in the return window. But within 3-5 days I found it invaluable. Quick glances at notifications (mainly work emails) resulted in me being more productive and in tern more proactive.

Regardless of what a lot of people say it's a great device.

Would I now go traditional? Hell no. The added functionality is what I want and use daily!

 

[vmflapem]

I don't make a big deal out of my AW. It's just a watch and there nothing noticeably 'smart' about it. I mean it tells you the weather and all that but I can still see them on my phone anyways. That said, I wear my AW because having notifications on my wrist is very convenient. I don't have to pull out my giant 7 plus out of my pocket every time. Also, it's convenient to control the music player on my wrist. Other than that, I don't think it does anything more than my traditional watch. I am a student so I own both. I wear AW every day and wear traditional watch whenever I have exams.

 

[BeefCake 15]

No, not at all. Not even the "connected" ones that can maybe tell you that a message came in but offer no name, no content, and no way to reply.

Count me as "still interested in traditional watches but don't wear them much anymore".

I'll answer the original question like this:

Would I buy another traditional watch now that I've had the AW?

I'm really not sure. I may only want an upmarket watch as a personal achievement thing (likely a Datejust; I'm pretty firmly in the so-called "third stage of Rolex acceptance"), but my existing collection is pretty tasty as it sits.

And "as it sits" is mostly true, too, because most of them go unworn most of the time. The only practical reason I wear my other watches now are because we can't bring personal electronics to the office. But, because I telework from home pretty often, I usually wear my AW instead.

I wrote a lot of my thoughts last year, and they're still quite true:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/comparing-my-aw-to-the-rest-of-my-collection-pic-heavy.1946056/

Really nice vintage collection you have, have you considered fixing them or just holding on for sentimental value?

I don't make a big deal out of my AW. It's just a watch and there nothing noticeably 'smart' about it. I mean it tells you the weather and all that but I can still see them on my phone anyways. That said, I wear my AW because having notifications on my wrist is very convenient. I don't have to pull out my giant 7 plus out of my pocket every time. Also, it's convenient to control the music player on my wrist. Other than that, I don't think it does anything more than my traditional watch. I am a student so I own both. I wear AW every day and wear traditional watch whenever I have exams.

What traditional watches do you have, does the exam topic affect your choice of which to wear ?

 

[pika2000]

I stopped wearing wrist watch when I got my first cellphone. It's redundant imo since both can tell time.
I scoffed at smartwatches at first, until I got myself the Moto 360. Then I cannot not wearing a smartwatch. I wear it mainly for notification, so not only I won't miss notifications because I wasn't holding my phone, it saves the battery on my phone as well. The only time I wear a standard watch is for swimming (until Apple Watch S2).

I was not a fashion person, so paying thousands of dollars for fashionable watch just for status symbol is not my style. If I'm paying that much money, I rather have something with more function. A smartwatch fit that bill. To me, the Apple Watch is cheap, considering it can do much more vs regular watches that can cost in the thousands.

 

[Vlada011]

I like traditional watches, special Breitling but Apple have some real intresting models and far cheaper than Breitling... For me is nice Watch 2 Space Grey Aluminium with Black Woven Nalyon... He cost 399$ and it's really cool if someone like nice watch. He is nice and as sport watch and it's elegant for night clubs or similar... Really cool model. I even hear Aluminium is harder to scratch than SS but I can't confirm that. Apple is more practic for every day than other watches with more options.

God bless Apple with his nice stuff... really they have great idea for nice thing.
But price of lether bends are insane...

Apple Watch is great for present for Christmas, birthday or similar, later when new model show up you sell old one, keep him in good condition for that purpose and than next model. Traditional watches are more friends for whole life, you save money more for them and they are more expensive. But I would not pay over 2000-3000$ for any watch...

 

[Ffosse]

I've got three watches: an Apple Watch 2, a Swiss mechanical and a G-Shock. I haven't used the latter 2 in some time although the G-Shock is occasionally useful to look at as it displays the exact time.
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I stopped wearing wrist watch when I got my first cellphone. It's redundant imo since both can tell time.
I scoffed at smartwatches at first, until I got myself the Moto 360. Then I cannot not wearing a smartwatch. I wear it mainly for notification, so not only I won't miss notifications because I wasn't holding my phone, it saves the battery on my phone as well. The only time I wear a standard watch is for swimming (until Apple Watch S2).

I was not a fashion person, so paying thousands of dollars for fashionable watch just for status symbol is not my style. If I'm paying that much money, I rather have something with more function. A smartwatch fit that bill. To me, the Apple Watch is cheap, considering it can do much more vs regular watches that can cost in the thousands.

Yes, some people I know scoffed at my paying £399 for an Apple Watch 2 yet it does more than any traditional watch.

 

[BeefCake 15]

Traditional watches are more friends for whole life, you save money more for them and they are more expensive. But I would not pay over 2000-3000$ for any watch...

But a Rolex can go a long way in the night club and holds value extremely well