Smartwatch Vs. Traditional Watch

Over the last few years, there has been a surge of popularity when looking at smart watches. The wearable tech and affordable price point make them sought after by many different people. This surge in popularity and the influx of different models makes people wonder if Apple watches and Samsung watch models will ever replace Rolex and Patek Philippe as grails of the watch world. Will they ever replace a traditional watch, or have they already?

In this article, we discuss the following:

> What is a traditional watch vs. a Smartwatch? 
> Will Smartwatches replace traditional timepieces? 
> The longevity of mechanical watches vs. Smartwatches
> The style of traditional watches vs. Smartwatches
> Luxury watchmakers and smart technology 

Key Takeaways 

> A traditional watch is usually defined as having an analog dial with hour and minute hands. However, a Smartwatch is considered to be a wearable piece of technology, similar to a computer.
> Smartwatches have been around since the 1980s when Seiko created the Data 2000.
> Since 2015, interest in Rolex watches has stayed constant and continues to trend higher.
> There are already seven generations of the Apple Watch since its original shipment in 2015. Traditional watches don’t need to be replaced or updated as often.

What is a Traditional Watch? What Is A Smart Watch?

A traditional watch is typically going to have an analog dial with hour and minute hands. Some quartz watches like the Breitling Professional models feature a digital dial, but this doesn’t make them a smartwatch. Read more about what makes a mechanical watch.

Pocket Calculator: Data 2000

A smartwatch is a wearable computer on the wrist. They will typically feature a touch screen for daily use, and will connect to an app on a smartphone for management and tracking. Smartwatches have been around since the 1980s when Seiko created the Data 2000 which came with an external keyboard for data entry and data could be synced by docking the watch. It wasn’t until the late 2000s – 2010s that smartwatches started taking off.

There are models from Samsung, Sony, Motorola, IBM, Microsoft and Fossil that all produced smartwatches during these years. As of today, Fossil has released 5 generations of smartwatches in addition to a hybrid model blending wearable tech and classic watches. It wasn’t until the Apple watch announcement in late 2014 and released to consumers in 2015, that smartwatches started gaining an increased momentum in popularity and people started to wonder if they would surpass traditional watches.

Will Smartwatches Replace Traditional Watches?

The short answer is no. There is always going to be a desire in the watch community for a traditional mechanical or quartz watch. Global shipments of smartwatches have surpassed the Swiss watch shipments as early as Q4 2015, however this doesn’t mean traditional watches are dead or dying. We can also track this rise in interest by taking a look at Google Trends. In the below chart, the blue line represents the search interest around “Rolex Watch.” Interest has stayed constant and continues to trend higher. Comparatively, the red line showcases the rise of the term “smart watches” and since 2015 you can see the increase in interest.

Longevity of Mechanical Watches Compared to Smartwatches

Traditional watches are able to provide something that smartwatches can’t: longevity. Every few years smartwatch manufacturers are releasing a new, updated model. In fact, there are already seven generations of the Apple watch since it’s initial shipment in 2015. Smartwatches also have to be updated regularly, similarly to cell phones, to remain secure and update the different apps to fix glitches.

Traditional watches, while new models get released yearly, don’t need to be replaced during the owner’s lifetime. A mechanical watch is designed to last generations, as long as they are well maintained and serviced. There are even stories of people finding a mechanical watch buried and full of rust and dirt, with a skilled watchmaker being able to properly restore the watch.

Style of Traditional Watches vs. Smartwatches

Not only are traditional watches designed to last longer, they also have more style. A smartwatch is designed to be functional, providing the wearer access to text messaging, heart rate, games and even phone calls. They have touch screens to make this all possible and sensors on the back to detect being worn. The cases are bulky, designed to house the technology. There are some precious metals used but this increases the retail value of the watch, similar to traditional watches.

Traditional watches, mechanical or quartz, feature a timeless style. There is an attention to detail in the polishing of the case, details in the movement and even the dial material that isn’t found in smartwatches. Traditional watchmaking is an art and skill that takes years to master.

Luxury Watchmakers Embracing Smart Technology

Similarly to the quartz crisis in the 1970s, watchmakers today are embracing the new wearable technology to stay current and attract new collectors.

Tag Heuer has designed the Connected to combine their expert watchmaking with the best of technology. These watches feature stainless steel or titanium cases with faceted lugs, ceramic bezels and crowns and pushers reminiscent of a luxury watch. The difference? Beneath the sapphire crystal is a touch screen display ready to display a variety of information, along with telling the time. Tag Heuer has also released the Golf edition, which not only acts as a smartwatch, it can display a 3D rendering of the golf course and measure the distance to hazards and ball flight distance.

While the luxury watch industry is evolving and brands have started to embrace smart technology, a traditional mechanical watch isn’t going anywhere any time soon. There are certain times where a smartwatch isn’t appropriate, such as on your wrist when you’re getting married or in other formal situations. On the other side, a smartwatch may be more appropriate when you’re working out at the gym and you want to track your exercise and heart rate.

A traditional watch is seen as a piece of jewelry and heirloom but that doesn’t mean you can’t wear a smartwatch. Collectors and connoisseurs of luxury watches are attracted to the quality, design and craftsmanship that goes into a watch. A traditional watch can also be a conversation starter, whether it’s a vintage piece with a long history or even a complicated movement.

Different watches serve different purposes and that includes accepting smartwatches alongside traditional watches; there is an occasion for everything. What are your thoughts on smartwatches compared to traditional watches?