Ever since the early start of 2019, smartwatches have been giving traditional watchmakers a drastic run for their money. In fact, the Apple Watch alone outsold the entire Swiss watch industry (in terms of units sold) in 2019, with other powerhouse retailers like Samsung and Fitbit closely following.
The demand for smartwatches is poised to increase year after year, and it’s not that difficult to see why. They’re sleek, convenient, and do so much more than just tell time. Some critics have even gone as far as to say that the rise of the smartwatch will be the death of the quartz/mechanical watches.
But while we do celebrate the technology and functionality of the smartwatch, we’re still inclined to go for a simple yet stylish mechanical watch to don on our wrists. And it’s not just about tradition. Our love for a traditional timepiece is for a million timeless reasons.
Craftsmanship
While it cannot take calls or measure your heart rate like a smartwatch, a traditional watch is a technological marvel in its own right. The clockwork behind your mechanical watches is so intricate and precise, and watchmaking is an old, storied trade that remains in high regard because of its meticulousness.
Especially when we’re talking about luxury watches, countless hours are spent by master tradesmen perfecting every detail of a glorious timepiece. Purchasing one means celebrating the difficult art of watchmaking and supporting the old traditions of a historic trade.
Durability
Traditional watches are made to last. High-quality watches are made with high-quality materials like titanium and surgical-grade stainless steel, and they are designed to last for tens, even hundreds, of years. That’s why mechanical watches are popular family heirlooms, passed down from generation to generation in pristine condition.
The smartwatch is all about the technology, not about sturdiness. They are made with materials that can accommodate smart technology, and these materials tend to be weaker in comparison.
Furthermore, the turnaround time of technology is incredibly fast. After a few years and multiple software updates, your smartwatch may already be rendered obsolete, and you’ll need to buy an entirely new model just to experience the latest features. For premium traditional watches, you truly get your money’s worth with the purchase, with the model retaining its value throughout the years.
Unparalleled style
If only in terms of style and fashionability, traditional watches have a classic and versatile appeal that modern smartwatches are yet to emulate. Smartwatches are often called “wearable technology”, and they’re exactly that. They are modern, sleek, and attractive pieces of technology that you can sport on your wrist, but they aren’t accessories that you can wear to complete or elevate an outfit.
A mechanical watch carries a classic sensibility that brings your fashion game to another level. There’s a variety of styles of mechanical watches that you can choose from to fit your style and outfit. No matter the place or the occasion, there’s a mechanical watch that you can rely on to bring your A-game no matter where you go.
Timelessness
Look at how the classic style and charm of the wristwatch have persisted and remained unchanged through time. The first wristwatch was made in 1904, and more than a century since, its style continues to be emulated by more modern models.
Traditional watches can be passed down through generations, and the new owner can still appreciate and enjoy the timepiece just as much as its previous owners. The chicness of the mechanical watch doesn’t seem to go out of style, no matter how many times our tastes have transformed through the years.
Will smartwatches completely overtake traditional watches?
We already know how newer technologies have the power to devastatingly put older ones down the sidelines. We’ve seen it with smartphones killing the telephone, and music streaming services with compact discs. That’s what technological advancement is all about: bringing newer, more convenient ways to enjoy the pleasures of life.
But it’s difficult to imagine smartwatches fully replacing traditional watches in the near future, simply because of the timeless appeal that a sharp quartz/mechanical timepiece possesses over its smart counterpart. While smartwatches look towards the future, traditional watches remain in style.
There is no doubt that smartwatches are here to stay, and their demand will only continue soaring from here on out. But they will satisfy a completely different market from that of our analog timekeepers. No matter how digital our world becomes, traditional watches won’t be going away any time soon.