Words: Charlie Thomas
The unveiling of the Apple Watch has, perhaps quite rightly so, got many traditional watch brands shaking in their boots. If Apple’s previous success is anything to go by, their latest creation will fly off the shelves, meaning that less people will be investing in a good old fashioned analogue watch. Furthermore, once people invest in the watch’s eco-system, then they’ll find it hard to part with it and, when new models are released in the future people’ll simply continue to pour money into the Cupertino well.
However, there is and never will be a replacement for the classic, mechanical wristwatch. Similar to modern, high-tech automobiles, with the smart watch the magic is, quite simply, lost. The Apple Watch may be able to take calls, remind you about your dentist appointment and count how many steps you take, but for us, it just doesn’t have it. And it seems you agree with us:
We can appreciate the technology, and the time and effort that has gone into the design. However, the precise engineering of the construction, the history and prestige behind the brand and, above all, the pride that comes from owning a mechanical watch, simply cannot be replicated.
Ten years from now the original Apple Watch will be an ancient piece of technology, that has been replaced by something with a faster processor, a more vibrant display and who knows what else. A classic dress watch however, made by the likes of Patek or Vacheron will never date, and will never go out of style. Here’s to hoping that future generations will aspire to owning the latter, rather than becoming a slave to the former.
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