Why Smart Watch and not traditional?

[jasonklee]

I grew up using typewriters. I have a small collection. I've typed probably hundreds of thousands of words on an Olivetti Lettera 32. It's a gorgeous design. But the functionality of a typing machine is starkly limited to the word processing power of even TextEdit. I don't actually enjoy the act of typing on a MacBook (or any computer for that matter) as it's never as satisfying as stamping letters with that significant click-clack sound and being able to see the words right on the page as you type, but the editing/correcting/styling features afforded by a user interface is a worthy tradeoff.

Mechanical watches are cool, especially ones with a fluid sweeping second hand, just as there's something very cool about a typewriter. Mechanical designs seem so much more artisanal and those who create them seem to be true craftsmen. However, neglecting the various built-in apps of the Apple Watch, even the timekeeping functionality is better than any of the mechanical watches I've owned. There's something thematically cool about having your watch also be your alarm clock. (Interestingly, one of the complications I use the most is sunrise/sunset—helps me plan my day out better for some reason.)

As for aesthetics: first of all, it's ridiculous and naive to dismiss the Apple Watch as ugly for just being rectangular and that it'd be more beautiful if it were circular. Sorry, but I think it'd be disorienting and claustrophobic scrolling through lists on a circular window. And that argument is a bit like saying: I don't like reading books in first person, I like books written in third person omniscient. I certainly have a preference in what voice a book is written in, but I know I'd rather read a well-written first person POV book (The Brothers Karamazov) than some low-rent narrative in third person POV (Da Vinci Code). Apple Watch isn't the most beautiful watch I've seen but I'd rather wear the tech toy with its 4:5 display than a lot of circular watches. I like how the Apple Watch isn't skeuomorphic but does have that sense of familiarity (like the Apple Pencil). Most mechanical watches are either overtly masculine or overtly feminine—and gaudily so. But the Apple Watch's rounded edges and corners makes something that is hi-tech look and feel soft and organic but also gender neutral. And any notions of masculine or feminine or whatever fashion style is delineated mostly through the interchangeable bands. So in terms of aesthetics, it's not only way above other smartwatches, but also a lot of mechanical watches.

 

[44267547]

Does any body comment on the double watch style?

I haven't seen anyone wearing a mechanical Watch and Apple Watch at the same time, but it seems quite a few forum members appear wear both. Personally for me, that's a bit much.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

As for aesthetics: first of all, it's ridiculous and naive to dismiss the Apple Watch as ugly for just being rectangular and that it'd be more beautiful if it were circular. Sorry, but I think it'd be disorienting and claustrophobic scrolling through lists on a circular window. And that argument is a bit like saying: I don't like reading books in first person, I like books written in third person omniscient. I certainly have a preference in what voice a book is written in, but I know I'd rather read a well-written first person POV book (The Brothers Karamazov) than some low-rent narrative in third person POV (Da Vinci Code). Apple Watch isn't the most beautiful watch I've seen but I'd rather wear the tech toy with its 4:5 display than a lot of circular watches. I like how the Apple Watch isn't skeuomorphic but does have that sense of familiarity (like the Apple Pencil). Most mechanical watches are either overtly masculine or overtly feminine—and gaudily so. But the Apple Watch's rounded edges and corners makes something that is hi-tech look and feel soft and organic but also gender neutral. And any notions of masculine or feminine or whatever fashion style is delineated mostly through the interchangeable bands. So in terms of aesthetics, it's not only way above other smartwatches, but also a lot of mechanical watches.

I wouldn't say the Apple Watch is ugly either. I agree it has to be rectangular for it to work well at a functional level. Circular watches are nicer in terms of a watch but this isn't just a watch, it's a remote control for your phone, a watch, and a device that delivers content. It's a gadget that offers much more in terms of usefulness. A watch is a nice piece of jewellery and I love that aspect. They offer enjoyment that maybe an electronic watch can never compete with, whereas a mechanical lacks in many areas by comparison. I still think they are very different products where there is a market for both.

Although I said it's not ugly, it's also not as nice looking as any of the mechanical watches I own. I wouldn't pair it with a suit for a formal occasion for example because it just doesn't look right. It would be like wearing a pair of Oakley sports glasses with a blue pinstripe to Royal Ascott lol. Watches come in many forms and suit certain attire better than others. I know some here would disagree and say that an Apple Watch can go with anything if the band is changed but I would say go for it if you feel comfortable.

 

[BarracksSi]

Nobody complains about these watches (among many) not being round:

 

[BarracksSi]

The Watch doesn't look too bad with a tux, either (wore it for driving directions to a concert):

 

[OllyW]

Nobody complains about these watches (among many) not being round:

I do.

 

[throAU]

I'm looking to buy an Apple Watch anywhere between now and the next few weeks (resisting).

For me, it comes down to this: I can see the time everywhere. In my car, on the dash. On my motorcycle, on the dash. When walking, on my phone. At my desk, on my computer. A watch for telling time, for me, is kinda... "meh". Not required. I haven't worn a watch in about 25 years. I've never really missed it.

What i CAN'T do on the motorcycle, is look at a GPS. Yes, sure you can mount a phone, but looking at your GPS instead of looking out for people trying to murder you is only going to end in tears. I also wear earplugs, so listening to voice nav is out too.

I want haptic feedback navigation. THAT for me, is a killer app. I can then drive/ride without needing to look at something, i can focus on riding my motorcycle.


As far as watch fashion goes, i care not. Space grey/black is fine. I like grey/black. Don't care what others think of it really, for me its a tool for a job.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I do.

Me too. The AW is my first watch that isn't round apart from a cheap Casio I own.

I disagree on the AW with a tux above. I'd wear a slim classy dress watch for that. Even celebs with a history of wearing the AW wear more suited watches for special occasions.

 

[throAU]

^ I'd take "what celebrities wear" with a pinch of salt.

Remember, they may well be getting monetary kick-backs for wearing the stuff.

But hey, fashion is fashion. If you need to be fashionable in whatever particular way, do what you gotta do. IMHO the Apple Watch, if you pick an appropriate colour scheme looks classy enough.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

^ I'd take "what celebrities wear" with a pinch of salt.

Remember, they may well be getting monetary kick-backs for wearing the stuff.

But hey, fashion is fashion. If you need to be fashionable in whatever particular way, do what you gotta do. IMHO the Apple Watch, if you pick an appropriate colour scheme looks classy enough.

That's true especially when they are wearing the latest models but I'm not entirely sure when it comes to vintage stuff. Rolex don't really make money from vintage models if they are acquired on the secondhand market. Gosling may well be a Rolex ambassador I don't know? But my example was just to show that celebrities and even their stylists pair certain attire to fit a look. I think an Apple Watch looks rather bulky and perhaps modern for a smart look. That could just be a minority opinion though, and to be honest it's all personal preference anyway. If people want to wear an AW with a tax, do it, it's nobody's business.

 

[hallidc]

Bought an apple watch when they were first released because i was interested in the ability to use fitness tracking/get notifications at a glance. Since then, my apple watch was stolen while meeting someone to sell it. Wanted to sell it as I wanted to go back to my traditional watches (also the deprecation on Apple Watches are horrific, another reason I wanted to sell mine)

 

[Septembersrain]

I've never used a traditional watch for long. Actually, it's turning into me rarely using my Apple watch too.

For me, it's just that I forget or it's uncomfortable on my wrist.

 

[44267547]

Bought an apple watch when they were first released because i was interested in the ability to use fitness tracking/get notifications at a glance. Since then, my apple watch was stolen while meeting someone to sell it. Wanted to sell it as I wanted to go back to my traditional watches (also the deprecation on Apple Watches are horrific, another reason I wanted to sell mine)

Anything technology rated has a deappreciation and won't hold value. It's how it is and it's not just the Apple Watch. Once you purchase something technology rated, the next newest device is already in development.

 

[hallidc]

Anything technology rated has a deappreciation and won't hold value. It's how it is and it's not just the Apple Watch. Once you purchase something technology rated, the next newest device is already in development.

Thats true, however I found with the AW the depreciation was higher in comparison to other devices I've owned in the past.

 

[BeefCake 15]

^ I'd take "what celebrities wear" with a pinch of salt.

Remember, they may well be getting monetary kick-backs for wearing the stuff.

It reminds me of a story on how watch companies were begging (throwing money at him) Tom Cruise to wear their stuff and he refused because he doesn't like watches

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

It reminds me of a story on how watch companies were begging (throwing money at him) Tom Cruise to wear their stuff and he refused because he doesn't like watches

If ever you are interested read up on Rolex and their appearance in film. Robert Redford, Steve McQueen, Marlon Brando, Paul Newman were all ambassadors for the brand and they often wore watches on the big screen. Newman's watch was obviously the Daytona and it is still sold today. Brando refused to wear a Seiko in Apocalypse Now because he worked for Rolex so had his GMT modified to remove the bezel so it looked beaten up. Sheen and co all wore a Seiko diver which demonstrated the type of watches marines could afford at the time and wore in Vietnam.

There's so many examples and not just from Rolex. I doubt it was them in contact with Cruise though. They don't need to beg actors to wear their pieces. It was most like Tag Heuer lol.

 

[BarracksSi]

It reminds me of a story on how watch companies were begging (throwing money at him) Tom Cruise to wear their stuff and he refused because he doesn't like watches

He hates watches because they mess with his thetan levels.

True story.

 

[Huliodude]

I'm looking to buy an Apple Watch anywhere between now and the next few weeks (resisting).

I want haptic feedback navigation. THAT for me, is a killer app. I can then drive/ride without needing to look at something, i can focus on riding my motorcycle.

.

While haptic feedback is a killer feature, it's not really usable on a motorbike, or even a bicycle. The vibrations coming up your arms from the bike will prevent you from feeling it. However, you can check your wrist periodically to see when you have to turn next, which is still way better than trying to pull your phone out.

 

[44267547]

While haptic feedback is a killer feature, it's not really usable on a motorbike, or even a bicycle. The vibrations coming up your arms from the bike will prevent you from feeling it. However, you can check your wrist periodically to see when you have to turn next, which is still way better than trying to pull your phone out.

Interesting. I remember when the Apple Watch first debuted, they had a demo where a male was on a bike and looking on his Apple Watch to see when the next turn was. I haven't tested your theory on a bike. But perhaps with the haptic turned all the way up, maybe you would feel it slightly.

 

[BarracksSi]

Interesting. I remember when the Apple Watch first debuted, they had a demo where a male was on a bike and looking on his Apple Watch to see when the next turn was. I haven't tested your theory on a bike. But perhaps with the haptic turned all the way up, maybe you would feel it slightly.

I don't remember noticing any taps for anything while I wore my AW on my last bicycle ride.

To be fair, it's been a few months since I last rode (maybe I should go out later today), and I've got a stiff road bike, not a dual-suspension cruiser. But I don't think the Watch's subtle taps are strong enough to overcome road buzz.

I'll have to try again. I'll try to remember to start a navigation route to guarantee that it'll tap me.

 

[BeefCake 15]

If ever you are interested read up on Rolex and their appearance in film. Robert Redford, Steve McQueen, Marlon Brando, Paul Newman were all ambassadors for the brand and they often wore watches on the big screen. Newman's watch was obviously the Daytona and it is still sold today. Brando refused to wear a Seiko in Apocalypse Now because he worked for Rolex so had his GMT modified to remove the bezel so it looked beaten up. Sheen and co all wore a Seiko diver which demonstrated the type of watches marines could afford at the time and wore in Vietnam.

There's so many examples and not just from Rolex. I doubt it was them in contact with Cruise though. They don't need to beg actors to wear their pieces. It was most like Tag Heuer lol.

Yeah, Rolex's marketing department is a massive beast. Sadly Seiko gets a lot of flack but their watches are very impressive for their price range let alone the Grand Seiko and Credor line.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Yeah, Rolex's marketing department is a massive beast. Sadly Seiko gets a lot of flack but their watches are very impressive for their price range let alone the Grand Seiko and Credor line.

Indeed, I own quite a few Seiko's and love them. I can't think of many brands that deliver value for money and quality in one package. My Sarb033 is one of my favourite watches.

 

[macdragonfl]

Anything technology rated has a deappreciation and won't hold value. It's how it is and it's not just the Apple Watch. Once you purchase something technology rated, the next newest device is already in development.

Very true and watches also for the most part have horrible resale value except in rare circumstances.

 

[44267547]

Very true and watches also for the most part have horrible resale value except in rare circumstances.

I wish my Apple Watch was of more value, if I were to sell them when I upgrade to the new models in the future. But I understand it's not likely and you have to find the right buyer that would want to spend a specific dollar you're asking, assuming your watch is in pristine condition.

 

[danniexi]

It seems you lost the appreciation of the jewelry aspect of a traditional watch for functionality of the AW.

This is the exact reason for me.

I have a cheaper Tag watch as well as an IWC Portuguese that I haven't worn in over a year and a half. I've lost most interest in traditional watches. Apple Watch fits my needs and I appreciate the little things that it provides in my daily life. I love their bands too (namely the Milanese and Link bracelet). Different strokes for different folks I guess. And I come from a family that loves their watches (ALS, PP, VC.. you name it).