“The numbers are in and it’s not great news for the Swiss watch industry. The Q3 figures, published by the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry, reveal an 9.9% drop in watch exports for September, leading to an 8.5% slide for the quarter overall,” Hugh Langley writes for TechRadar. “It’s a big slide – the biggest quarterly drop since 2009 – so it’s understandable why flags are being raised. But what’s most interesting is that the original report suggests the Apple Watch ‘could finally be taking a bite out of the Swiss industry’s stake.'”
“According to the data, watches residing in the low to mid-segment, the domain where the Apple Watch Sport currently competes, were hit the hardest. It’s reasonable to speculate that smartwatches are eating into the cheaper end of the market,” Langley writes. “A September 2014 New York Times column claimed that Apple Chief Design Officer Jony Ive had said Switzerland was in trouble thanks to the Apple Watch – “though he chose a much bolder term for ‘trouble.'”
“‘Traditional watch makers are coming under pressure,’ Ben Woods, Chief of Research at CCS Insights, told us. ‘It would be naive to think the Apple Watch has not impacted the traditional market in some form. Watchmakers are reticent to acknowledge that’s happening because it’s not in their interest,'” Langley reports. “The reason the higher end of the market isn’t feeling the burn right now, claims Woods, is obsolescence. Where premium makers market their watchers as an heirloom to be passed down to the next generation, the technology inside the most expensive Apple Watch will probably be obsolete in a couple of years time. ‘Those high end companies can’t ignore smartwatches completely, but they are more likely to go down a path where we see intelligent bands,’ said Woods.”
MacDailyNews Take: As we’ve suggested previously (see below), Swiss watch makers, especially high-end Swiss makers, need to make wearing “two watches” into vogue: The heirloom traditional watch armed (pun intended) with a smartwatch band. Your jewelry is displayed in it’s traditional spot and all of the real work is done by turning your palm up to see the “smartband.”
Apple would do well to produce an Apple Watch smartband (Apple Watch Band, available in a wide range of colors, styles, and materials) that can be affixed to traditional wristwatches. It’s basically an Apple Watch that sits in the inside of your wrist where the traditional buckle is now (ergonomically easier to use and atop better veins from which to gather biometric readings, by the way) while allowing for your traditional watch to sit where it’s always been.
Apple Watch Band. Shots of California and Apple Watch uses interspersed with images of Switzerland and a traditional watch being glanced at and slipping under a suit cuff. Tag: “The best of both worlds.”
The watches do not need to communicate; that’s not the point.
In fact, it’s already been done: Nico Gerard’s Pinnacle timepiece (US$9,300, Apple Watch included in purchase) includes a special attachment that allows users to affix an Apple Watch to its strap, creating a two-faced wearable. Obviously, Apple could offer Apple Watch Bands starting at much more affordable prices. Users add their own traditonal wristwatch.
Nico Gerard PINNACLE. This classic timepiece shows the world you have an affinity for discerning tastes, and provides you with the technology that respects you to the core of your being. The 41mm case exudes style personified. Inside the case lays the mechanical wonder of the NG2824A movement, certified by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres, the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute, and is rated to 100-meter depths for pressure. The bracelet mechanics meld fine, Swiss-watchmaking traditions with the support of the 38mm Apple Watch.
—
We do not foresee anyone wanting to take off their Apple Watch in order to wear a “jewelry watch.” Apple Watch is not just a watch to be replaced with another regular watch. Maybe wearing two watches in come into vogue for special occasions? – MacDailyNews Take, April 16, 2015
Here’s what makers of Swiss or any other watches should do: Push the idea of wearing of two watches, one on each wrist or two on one wrist, into vogue. Because once people start using Apple Watch, they aren’t going to want to leave it at home. Ever. They won’t want to go to dinner parties without their Apple Watch. And that’s bad, bad news for watchmakers not named Apple. Watch and see. – MacDailyNews Take, April 16, 2015
Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. I’ve bookmarked this page so that I have your comment for the future. It will be funny to refer to when Apple does exactly as MacDailyNews suggests.
That’s some shortsighted, in-the-box thinking you’ve got there, squiggles. What do you do for a living? Let me guess, you’re not on Jony Ive’s design team at Apple. Government worker, perhaps?
Agreed. As I’ve said before, trends don’t happen like that. People were already listening to music in their ears, computers were already around, and cars…we already drive. Apple isn’t a a trend setter in that way. Stupid…two watches. On the same band?—now, that’s much better. I think that is catchy–always have an analog mechanism. Have it face out for jewelry purposes.
I agree. Sounds and looks like a terrible idea. Some people will continue to prefer a standard watch, while others will make use of additional features a “smart” watch can/will/might provide. Then again, obviously from article and comment above, there are some that like wearing two watches.
I’d rather wear something on both wrists than a strap with a watch unit on either side. People wear a watch and bracelet(s), why not a watch as a jewellery piece then a smartwatch?
what flavor is kool-aid you drink? … everyday i see the smile at the blatanty blind devotion to apple in this article and finally had to comment.
i have a “iwatch” but still doesnt compare to my IWC? i only got it so i could get email notifications and look at my mtgs for the whole day while im in a mtg with my phone back at my desk.
Apple watch is “ok”. i dont know that i’d buy it again if i had a chance – unlike my iphone (that i gladly replace every year) or my tower version of the mac pro or my ipad… wellim seriously looking at SP4… so tired of no folders.
Jonny Ive delusions of grandeur are peeking through. starting with the ui changes and software (over) complexity that’s showing up in every new release. The watch shows hes really over-reached. The gold version goes away from Jobs original statement of getting apple devices in everyones hand.
An apple watch will ever replace a patek phillipe.
and no apple car will ever replace a ferrari or a rolls royce … maybe a tesla .. but judging by CR latest review not a high bar.
Anyone who is clueless enough to post “kool-aid” drivel on this forum and expect a true Apple enthusiast to take you seriously should go elsewhere. As soon as you use that language, we know what type of person you are, and it isn’t the type of person with a useful opinion.
I think we all need to step back and put the Apple Watch into perspective. I’ll start by saying I haven’t taken mine off since May 24th, the 1st day I got it…, except to charge it every 36 – 48hrs. It has embedded itself very tightly into my daily routine, so much so that I can’t imagine life before or after Apple Watch. That being said, AW is not intended to replace the stalwart, artisan timepieces, of which I own a few, and admire them for a few moments daily, but they are just that, works of art. The practical usefulness of AW far outweigh that of these timepieces. But, just as moving pictures did not relegate still photos to the trash bin, AW will not relegate those artisan timepieces to antiquity. They will coexist in the same manner that color photos coexist with black & white photos, each bringing it’s own space and beauty at the users or owners behest.
the “point” is the article simply shows correlation but can’t prove causation and so makes conclusions that don’t hold up … unless you drunk a lot of kool aid.
Watch sensors are meant to work when the back of the watch is next to the outside of the wrist. So the PINNACLE is meant to be worn showing the Watch and hide the Nico Gerard? Yeah, that’ll work.
This is kind of what I don’t understand about the top end Apple Watches. For people where spending that much money on a watch is an extravagance you want something that you would almost wear regardless of function, that will last you for years and that you could pass on. A smartwatch of any kind just isn’t that, the technology is going to be outdated, it will stop being updated, the battery will die. Eventually it will become essentially useless, and as good as it looks, it’s not something you would wear as jewellery in its own right.
For the few who have money to burn and can easily drop thousands on an Apple Watch you would think they would want something more unique, more bling, more expensive. If there is a genuine market for solid gold watches why don’t Apple make iPhones the same? They’re going to last about as long.
Obviously there is a lot of research Apple have done, maybe it’s not about actually selling lots, but being seen to be able to make them, to be targeting a higher end customer. I don’t know. It’s interesting.
Maybe it is just like when digital watches came out. After a while everyone was wearing them. Then analog faces came back into fashion.
So this is a transition in the industry and the high to mid-end manufacturers may want to consider that the LCD display with multiple functions is what the general population will want.
People are trending away from watches. Plus the vast majority of people can’t afford both an iPhone and apple watch, never mind upgrading both on a regular basis.
Until the apple watch can become independent and not need an iPhone the sales will become stagnate. However, when it becomes an independent device I can see it replacing the phone for a lot of people.
I stopped wearing a watch when I got my first cell phone and I don’t see myself going back to one but who knows what might happen as technology progresses.
I agree with Greg- I haven’t worn a watch since getting my first smart phone. While I see the Apple Watch as an interesting product from a technology perspective, I also see it as an awfully expensive iPhone accessory. The bottom line is that’s what it is.
It will be interesting to see how good AppleWatch sales actually are. I’d be somewhat surprised if consumers were actually buying AppleWatches in quantity. They’re nice but don’t really seem like a necessary device for the average consumer to buy. There’s so many people I see not wearing watches but carrying a smartphone. I’ve always worn watches and still do although now I mostly wear a fitness band for activity tracking.
Those who value the luxury, status, and prestige of expensive Swiss watches, timepieces, and Certified Chronometers are a dying breed; literally. Those that grew-up with mechanical watches are those that value them most.
When it comes time to pass on a heritage timepiece to someone accustomed to the daily usefulness of an watch, what will happen?
I expect the timepiece will be looked upon with a certain awe given to antiques of superb craftsmanship that still function. I also expect, that except on rare occasions it will go unworn and unused. Like an antique Model T Ford driven only in parades.
I expect the heritage watch will end up in a jewelry box or drawer, or perhaps a special display place on a mantle or shelf.
watches were designed, styled, and fashioned such that people want to wear them. Technology on your wrist that won’t embarrass and brand you as a tech nerd. Watch Sport for everyday wear, Watch for business, or as dress watch, Watch Edition worn for status and prestige. watches, useful fashion beyond timekeeping.
The watch is in a class by itself. The watch is a computer, communications device, and an iPhone complimentary device. “Watch” gives people a familiar frame of reference. Maybe in the future Apple will rename it.
Presently iPhones are being passed down to family members as newer models are purchased. I see no reason why this trend will not continue with the watch. Doing this extends the effective useful life of the watch. I don’t see the watch being passed on to others as a “heritage” watch, however, the expected life of solid state circuitry is about 1,000,000 hours. 🖖😀⌚️
Nobody seems to know, that the swiss Frank (swiss curremcy) gained about ~15% Value against the Dollar in the past months, due to financial specilations of the wallstreet and others. This is the true problem of all swiss exports, not only the apple watch.
I am Swiss and a longtime Apple customer. I will get an Apple watch, as soon it will get thinner…
Not replacing my mechanical watch with an AW. I want my personal time to remain personal. Not have a tracking device on my arm. Sorry.
We are trading our privacy for bling. How sad.
Waiting for that Tag Heuer smart watch that’s supposed to mop up the floor with Apple Watch I suppose the same way the Android phone mops up the floor with iPhone in profits. D’Oh!
Those traditional Swiss watch makers are not going to just walk in with their own smart watch and take over after the years of R&D Apple put into the Apple Watch. (Oh wait. I guess they’re not.)
Funny since I started off doing Pillsbury Doughboy commercials amidst Nestle Swiss Miss sets and models for anyone who can remember it. Well at further risk of showing my age, as Jimmy Durante said once “Everybody is tryin’ to get in-tah the act!”
It still makes little sense to me that someone who is in the market for a fine Swiss watch would consider the Apple Watch a viable alternative. If I have 5000 – 10000 burning a hole in my afflutent pocket and I’m looking at an Omega or Rolex, The Apple just doesn’t fit in. I don’t care if Jony Ive goes on Dancing with the Stars or hosts and episode of The Kardassians, the Apple Watch does not have the emotional appeal of a luxury watch.
The biggest reason luxury watches have been hit is probably China. The weak yuan and weak market hurt the Swiss more than Apple’s gadget, if the Apple Watch made a dent at all.
I also still respectfully submit that there is no real “wearables” market. It’s like talking about the “tablet market.” There is only the iPad market for now. Just ask Microsoft how bad Surface sales have been.
Not to mention most people no longer even wear watches.
Most of us still have no real need for a steady stream of postage stamp sized notifications. The watch is primarily a 2nd screen for the iPhone. For now.
With my Watch, I miss fewer notifications (phone calls, texts, driving directions) with it tapping me on the wrist than I did with my phone buzzing in my pocket. I will agree, however, that really is about it for right now. I suspect a “killer app” will come along in about another year or two.
Swiss watches simply remain a puzzle to me: why does anybody spend that much to impress others with his ability to waste money? Obviously, it is not about keeping time; the $10 Walmart watch does that. It isn’t about features because a Swiss watch has none but time. “Heirloom” makes no sense because, believe me, the descendants don’t care; money or true functionality would appeal more to the new generation. It can only be bought for pure vanity, and I, personally, have no use for that.
The allure of an automatic watch is that can maintain amazing levels of accuracy regardless of temps,lateral g, magnetic fields (even some in zero-gravity) in-spite of having no quartz or other electronic mechanism to regulate accuracy.
They all have movements that are assembled painstakingly by hand. In a time of industrialization, computerization, etc – automatic watches are pure mechanical engineering marvels.
Its also really the only form of jewelry accepted almost anywhere for a man to wear except for a wedding ring.
Still don’t get he iWatch. I have to take it off every day to charge it so I can wear it the next day. Ain’t gonna happen! I’ll just keep plugging along with my Omega, thank you very much.
I never take off my automatic watches wore a seatmaster from 1998 till 2008 without an issue. Only stopped when I got another watch in 2008 which i wore everyday shower, sleep, biking, snorkelling, etc till a few months ago when I got my AW :(… and since then I’m constantly very tempted to go back everyday.
People are arguing that Apple Watch cannot impact the Swiss Watch industry as high end watches are way more expensive and heirlooms and they throw out example’s like top Rolex’s, Patek Phillipe’s etc.
But the fact is (like I’ve pointed out before ) is that the highest end Swiss Watches only make a small part of the Swiss Watch industry. Most fall within Apple’s Watch’s range.
W The Journal (high end watch journal)
” It should also be noted that, in 2012, Swiss watches cost on average 739 dollars (688 dollars in 2011),”
739 Dollars Dudes!
Also the number of NUMBER of watches sold are not large.
“Switzerland exported 29.2 million finished watches in 2012”
So even a few million Apple Watches sold a quarter (say 10-20 m a year) can have an impact on them.
Perhaps high end watch manufacturers should focus on creating smart bands that can be used with their products. This would reduce or eliminate any need for putting all the tech in the actual timepiece.
wearing two watches or an apple smart band attached to a conventional watch sounds like either an Onion parody or a terrible idea
Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. I’ve bookmarked this page so that I have your comment for the future. It will be funny to refer to when Apple does exactly as MacDailyNews suggests.
Except the Apple watch band will have electronics in it too, so it outclasses the Gerard.
That’s some shortsighted, in-the-box thinking you’ve got there, squiggles. What do you do for a living? Let me guess, you’re not on Jony Ive’s design team at Apple. Government worker, perhaps?
Jony Ive would never suggest a person wears two watches instead of one.
that’s the very type of clutter Jony Ive and Apple have spent the past several decades doing away with.
Agreed. As I’ve said before, trends don’t happen like that. People were already listening to music in their ears, computers were already around, and cars…we already drive. Apple isn’t a a trend setter in that way. Stupid…two watches. On the same band?—now, that’s much better. I think that is catchy–always have an analog mechanism. Have it face out for jewelry purposes.
I agree. Sounds and looks like a terrible idea. Some people will continue to prefer a standard watch, while others will make use of additional features a “smart” watch can/will/might provide. Then again, obviously from article and comment above, there are some that like wearing two watches.
Apple will release bands with extra sensors as soon as they are ready. They’ll probably link in to the so called ‘diagnostic’ port.
I’d rather wear something on both wrists than a strap with a watch unit on either side. People wear a watch and bracelet(s), why not a watch as a jewellery piece then a smartwatch?
what flavor is kool-aid you drink? … everyday i see the smile at the blatanty blind devotion to apple in this article and finally had to comment.
i have a “iwatch” but still doesnt compare to my IWC? i only got it so i could get email notifications and look at my mtgs for the whole day while im in a mtg with my phone back at my desk.
Apple watch is “ok”. i dont know that i’d buy it again if i had a chance – unlike my iphone (that i gladly replace every year) or my tower version of the mac pro or my ipad… wellim seriously looking at SP4… so tired of no folders.
Jonny Ive delusions of grandeur are peeking through. starting with the ui changes and software (over) complexity that’s showing up in every new release. The watch shows hes really over-reached. The gold version goes away from Jobs original statement of getting apple devices in everyones hand.
An apple watch will ever replace a patek phillipe.
and no apple car will ever replace a ferrari or a rolls royce … maybe a tesla .. but judging by CR latest review not a high bar.
Anyone who is clueless enough to post “kool-aid” drivel on this forum and expect a true Apple enthusiast to take you seriously should go elsewhere. As soon as you use that language, we know what type of person you are, and it isn’t the type of person with a useful opinion.
Love that second sentence, KingMel! Nicely put.
I think we all need to step back and put the Apple Watch into perspective. I’ll start by saying I haven’t taken mine off since May 24th, the 1st day I got it…, except to charge it every 36 – 48hrs. It has embedded itself very tightly into my daily routine, so much so that I can’t imagine life before or after Apple Watch. That being said, AW is not intended to replace the stalwart, artisan timepieces, of which I own a few, and admire them for a few moments daily, but they are just that, works of art. The practical usefulness of AW far outweigh that of these timepieces. But, just as moving pictures did not relegate still photos to the trash bin, AW will not relegate those artisan timepieces to antiquity. They will coexist in the same manner that color photos coexist with black & white photos, each bringing it’s own space and beauty at the users or owners behest.
A blowhard post full of bombast, condescension, and saccharin.
Lose all that… do you have an actual point to make?
the “point” is the article simply shows correlation but can’t prove causation and so makes conclusions that don’t hold up … unless you drunk a lot of kool aid.
Watch sensors are meant to work when the back of the watch is next to the outside of the wrist. So the PINNACLE is meant to be worn showing the Watch and hide the Nico Gerard? Yeah, that’ll work.
This is kind of what I don’t understand about the top end Apple Watches. For people where spending that much money on a watch is an extravagance you want something that you would almost wear regardless of function, that will last you for years and that you could pass on. A smartwatch of any kind just isn’t that, the technology is going to be outdated, it will stop being updated, the battery will die. Eventually it will become essentially useless, and as good as it looks, it’s not something you would wear as jewellery in its own right.
For the few who have money to burn and can easily drop thousands on an Apple Watch you would think they would want something more unique, more bling, more expensive. If there is a genuine market for solid gold watches why don’t Apple make iPhones the same? They’re going to last about as long.
Obviously there is a lot of research Apple have done, maybe it’s not about actually selling lots, but being seen to be able to make them, to be targeting a higher end customer. I don’t know. It’s interesting.
Maybe it is just like when digital watches came out. After a while everyone was wearing them. Then analog faces came back into fashion.
So this is a transition in the industry and the high to mid-end manufacturers may want to consider that the LCD display with multiple functions is what the general population will want.
People are trending away from watches. Plus the vast majority of people can’t afford both an iPhone and apple watch, never mind upgrading both on a regular basis.
Until the apple watch can become independent and not need an iPhone the sales will become stagnate. However, when it becomes an independent device I can see it replacing the phone for a lot of people.
I stopped wearing a watch when I got my first cell phone and I don’t see myself going back to one but who knows what might happen as technology progresses.
I agree with Greg- I haven’t worn a watch since getting my first smart phone. While I see the Apple Watch as an interesting product from a technology perspective, I also see it as an awfully expensive iPhone accessory. The bottom line is that’s what it is.
It will be interesting to see how good AppleWatch sales actually are. I’d be somewhat surprised if consumers were actually buying AppleWatches in quantity. They’re nice but don’t really seem like a necessary device for the average consumer to buy. There’s so many people I see not wearing watches but carrying a smartphone. I’ve always worn watches and still do although now I mostly wear a fitness band for activity tracking.
The Fate of Swiss Luxury Watches-Becoming Antique
Those who value the luxury, status, and prestige of expensive Swiss watches, timepieces, and Certified Chronometers are a dying breed; literally. Those that grew-up with mechanical watches are those that value them most.
When it comes time to pass on a heritage timepiece to someone accustomed to the daily usefulness of an watch, what will happen?
I expect the timepiece will be looked upon with a certain awe given to antiques of superb craftsmanship that still function. I also expect, that except on rare occasions it will go unworn and unused. Like an antique Model T Ford driven only in parades.
I expect the heritage watch will end up in a jewelry box or drawer, or perhaps a special display place on a mantle or shelf.
watches were designed, styled, and fashioned such that people want to wear them. Technology on your wrist that won’t embarrass and brand you as a tech nerd. Watch Sport for everyday wear, Watch for business, or as dress watch, Watch Edition worn for status and prestige. watches, useful fashion beyond timekeeping.
The watch is in a class by itself. The watch is a computer, communications device, and an iPhone complimentary device. “Watch” gives people a familiar frame of reference. Maybe in the future Apple will rename it.
Presently iPhones are being passed down to family members as newer models are purchased. I see no reason why this trend will not continue with the watch. Doing this extends the effective useful life of the watch. I don’t see the watch being passed on to others as a “heritage” watch, however, the expected life of solid state circuitry is about 1,000,000 hours. 🖖😀⌚️
Nobody seems to know, that the swiss Frank (swiss curremcy) gained about ~15% Value against the Dollar in the past months, due to financial specilations of the wallstreet and others. This is the true problem of all swiss exports, not only the apple watch.
I am Swiss and a longtime Apple customer. I will get an Apple watch, as soon it will get thinner…
And their biggest customer, the Chinese have seen currency devaluations and a weak market for most of 2015.
Not replacing my mechanical watch with an AW. I want my personal time to remain personal. Not have a tracking device on my arm. Sorry.
We are trading our privacy for bling. How sad.
Don’t worry; they already got what they wanted from your phone.
Waiting for that Tag Heuer smart watch that’s supposed to mop up the floor with Apple Watch I suppose the same way the Android phone mops up the floor with iPhone in profits. D’Oh!
Those traditional Swiss watch makers are not going to just walk in with their own smart watch and take over after the years of R&D Apple put into the Apple Watch. (Oh wait. I guess they’re not.)
That’s what I call a Swiss Miss….;-)
Looks like they are not the only ones in the game, though.
Apparently, since Apple decided to get into the car making bidness, Tesla has decided to get into watch making…
http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/imnl/?cpg=82862636&msg_id=82862636&et_rid=1234243229&linkid=82862636_feature1_imnl
Funny since I started off doing Pillsbury Doughboy commercials amidst Nestle Swiss Miss sets and models for anyone who can remember it. Well at further risk of showing my age, as Jimmy Durante said once “Everybody is tryin’ to get in-tah the act!”
…and soon they will be saying
“Goodnight Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are.”
🙂 Oops someone else just gave away their age….
More likely it has to do with this than the Apple Watch. http://www.cnbc.com/2015/03/18/excuses-excuses-luxury-prices-at-a-tipping-point.html
It still makes little sense to me that someone who is in the market for a fine Swiss watch would consider the Apple Watch a viable alternative. If I have 5000 – 10000 burning a hole in my afflutent pocket and I’m looking at an Omega or Rolex, The Apple just doesn’t fit in. I don’t care if Jony Ive goes on Dancing with the Stars or hosts and episode of The Kardassians, the Apple Watch does not have the emotional appeal of a luxury watch.
The biggest reason luxury watches have been hit is probably China. The weak yuan and weak market hurt the Swiss more than Apple’s gadget, if the Apple Watch made a dent at all.
I also still respectfully submit that there is no real “wearables” market. It’s like talking about the “tablet market.” There is only the iPad market for now. Just ask Microsoft how bad Surface sales have been.
Not to mention most people no longer even wear watches.
Most of us still have no real need for a steady stream of postage stamp sized notifications. The watch is primarily a 2nd screen for the iPhone. For now.
With my Watch, I miss fewer notifications (phone calls, texts, driving directions) with it tapping me on the wrist than I did with my phone buzzing in my pocket. I will agree, however, that really is about it for right now. I suspect a “killer app” will come along in about another year or two.
Swiss watches simply remain a puzzle to me: why does anybody spend that much to impress others with his ability to waste money? Obviously, it is not about keeping time; the $10 Walmart watch does that. It isn’t about features because a Swiss watch has none but time. “Heirloom” makes no sense because, believe me, the descendants don’t care; money or true functionality would appeal more to the new generation. It can only be bought for pure vanity, and I, personally, have no use for that.
The allure of an automatic watch is that can maintain amazing levels of accuracy regardless of temps,lateral g, magnetic fields (even some in zero-gravity) in-spite of having no quartz or other electronic mechanism to regulate accuracy.
They all have movements that are assembled painstakingly by hand. In a time of industrialization, computerization, etc – automatic watches are pure mechanical engineering marvels.
Its also really the only form of jewelry accepted almost anywhere for a man to wear except for a wedding ring.
“…only form of jewelry…”
So, vanity.
Still don’t get he iWatch. I have to take it off every day to charge it so I can wear it the next day. Ain’t gonna happen! I’ll just keep plugging along with my Omega, thank you very much.
Do you sleep wearing your Omega? Seems like that would be uncomfortable: pretty heavy, face lying on it, etc.
I never take off my automatic watches wore a seatmaster from 1998 till 2008 without an issue. Only stopped when I got another watch in 2008 which i wore everyday shower, sleep, biking, snorkelling, etc till a few months ago when I got my AW :(… and since then I’m constantly very tempted to go back everyday.
People are arguing that Apple Watch cannot impact the Swiss Watch industry as high end watches are way more expensive and heirlooms and they throw out example’s like top Rolex’s, Patek Phillipe’s etc.
But the fact is (like I’ve pointed out before ) is that the highest end Swiss Watches only make a small part of the Swiss Watch industry. Most fall within Apple’s Watch’s range.
W The Journal (high end watch journal)
” It should also be noted that, in 2012, Swiss watches cost on average 739 dollars (688 dollars in 2011),”
739 Dollars Dudes!
Also the number of NUMBER of watches sold are not large.
“Switzerland exported 29.2 million finished watches in 2012”
So even a few million Apple Watches sold a quarter (say 10-20 m a year) can have an impact on them.
Perhaps high end watch manufacturers should focus on creating smart bands that can be used with their products. This would reduce or eliminate any need for putting all the tech in the actual timepiece.