“As TechCrunch’s resident watch nerd people have been asked many times if I’m swapping my Omegas and Seikos and JLCs for the Apple Watch,” John Biggs writes for TechCrunch.
“And I have. I honestly have. I’ve worn the Apple Watch every day since I got it and I don’t know when I’m going to strap on a mechanical next,” Biggs writes. “It’s the saddest thing in the world for me to say but, after years of calling each and every smartwatch nice but not necessary, I’ve finally succumbed to this shiny bauble for a number of reasons.”
• It gets notifications right.
• It’s beautiful.
• It replaces my other wearables – and my phone.
• It is new.
“The Apple Watch… engenders love through a weird melding of design and desire, of technology and fashion, of unity and connectedness,” Biggs writes. “And those meldings are exactly why Switzerland needs to watch out.”
Much more in the full article – highly recommended – here.
MacDailyNews Take: As we wrote on April 16th:
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.
I’m still wearing mine ’cause I paid $483 for it👀💥😱😜
The psychology of why people are wearing Apple Watches is very interesting to me.
Let’s face the facts, nobody consciously want to admit that they’re an idiot, a douchebag, or even an overly indulgent, Apple Fanbois for having bought one.
Yet that’s exactly what they would be doing now if they suddenly rejected the watch after having purchased it; especially after spending so much time waiting for it and anticipating some form of magical experience.
Instead, what you actually get is a poorly made device that’s half-baked with slow software and horrible apps. It’s a regrettable gadget that really doesn’t have a distinct purpose, other than to let everyone know how ostentatious one can be, in respect that many who purchased had several hundred to several thousand dollars to essentially piss away.
I think reality is finally starting to set in, at least as far as initial Apple Watch expectations go. In essence, the Apple Watch is proving to be an expensive but extremely UNNECESSARY accessory.
You tried to hard. Troll
orandy’s post is well articulated. You Apple fanboys just crowd around. Nothing better to do. Go play with your watches and be home for dinner at 6…
At least we crowd around a Mac site, what’s your excuse troll boy? You should try Playboy for getting your jolly’s.
So basically what you are saying is that you are as clueless as orandy. He said nothing that wasn’t misinformation and an uninformed opinion.
Or maybe people are wearing them because they’re actually very good.
Randy or not, your rambling bullshit about the Apple Watch is like a movie critic giving a thumbs down after seeing the movie advertisement in the newspaper.
I take it you don’t have one or have used one. Not sure you even have an iPhone. As for reality, the only reality is that Apple can’t produce enough.
Absolute BS – go get yourself a good education as you obviously are clueless. Functionality, design, power, and many more attributes in the smallest most advanced computing device make the Apple Watch incredibly useful, but an engineering and technological marvel. Do take your pseudo-intellectual comments and remove your head from your posterior.
How much did you get paid for this post ?
Apparently not enough to get an Apple Watch.
Lol.. 😉
So you mean to tell me that people need smartphones?
@UsingAndroid
These days, I would say “yes”, I believe that most people do need a smartphone. Six to eight years ago, my sentiments might have been different.
However, having access to the Internet in a large enough mobile form factor that makes it useful, having access to thousands of applications at your fingertips (both at home and on the go), having desktop computing power that’s mobile, 24/7, right in the palm of your hand, and having the ability to communicate in various ways with individuals throughout the world make a smartphone just about indispensable for most in 2015.
Now let’s talk about the Apple Watch… you need a smartphone to even use it. If that doesn’t tell you the whole story then nothing can!
I really don’t know exactly what the Apple Watch is or is SUPPOSED to be, I can just tell you what it isn’t, and that’s a useful device. It’s a luxury indulgence for those who have more means than sense.
And yes, I can afford an Apple Watch. I’m also a long term Apple user, but fortunately I’m neither ignorant nor naive enough to desire one.
Yes you are ignorant and naive if you come to a Mac site to troll. You really, really need to get a life.
Why do you extrapolate your views to mean they’re applicable to anyone but yourself.
I remained neutral on the AppleWatch until I went into an Apple store on unrelated business, but decided to make an appointment while there (only had to wait a couple of minutes), to see what the watch was like and whether I thought I’d like it. After really trying it out, and seeing what it was like, I decided to buy one. Don’t have it yet, but the demonstration was convincing for me. That said, I don’t think it’s going to be for everyone, but what is?
@orandy
“I really don’t know exactly what the Apple Watch is or is SUPPOSED to be, I can just tell you what it isn’t, and that’s a useful device.”
If you really don’t know what it is or what it’s for, go watch the Apple Watch commercials. It shows it in action with people using it and how they’re using it.
What it is, is an extension of the iPhone. If you’re running, traveling, or doing anything really, and want to track fitness, get a notification, check the time, or even send someone a silly emoji, you don’t have to pull a phone out of your pocket, you can just glance at your wrist and interact. It can be seen as ostentatious, just like the iPhone was when if first came out (Look at me! It’s 2007 and I’m watching a YouTube video on my super expensive phone!), but down the line, and as it becomes more powerful, it will become ubiquitous (and you will probably end up with one, and probably be making statements about how a computer watch is indispensable).
But, if you really can’t wrap your head around what it is and what it’s for or why anyone would want one, just ask, “What is a wrist watch?”. It’s a device that lets you quickly get information (the time) from a glance at your wrist. And that’s what the Apple Watch is, a device that let’s you quickly glance at (and interact with) information on your wrist. It’s that simple. Who it’s for are people who like and want this convenience. If you don’t care about this convenience and are perfectly happy pulling your vibrating phone out of your pocket or purse every twenty minutes, then it’s not for you.
I think it’s a brilliant device, however, it’s not for me (yet) since my job is sitting in front a computer all day, and my notifications and interactions happen on the screen right in front of me, but if I was in a business where I was always on the go and traveling, I’d definitely want one. In the future, I’m sure I will eventually get one since it will only get more powerful and more useful.
Also, the epitome of ignorance is making summarizations like, “I don’t understand it, therefore I don’t like it and it sucks.”
I think I know at least what Apple thinks the Apple Watch is for, and it isn’t one solitary thing that an iPhone and an app can’t do today… enough said.
Frankly I’m surprised that my posts garnered so much attention, from which I suppose I should be both disgusted and flattered from, but mostly disgusted, lol.
In summation, the average person needs an Apple Watch like they need a bullet in their brainpan. Personally speaking, I’m going to pass on the bullet.
Apple failed product marketing 101 with the Apple Watch by failing to answer the simplest, fundamental marketing question: “Why do I need an Apple Watch?”
I suppose it’s because they already knew the answer… you absolutely, unequivocally do not, if you already have a smartphone. Even if you didn’t have an Apple smartphone the device would be as useless as the poor souls who are on this site defending this piece of garbage.
I am fascinated, and a bit surprised, that on a Monday morning, so many MDN readers ended up biting the troll bait… Perhaps it being articulated fairly eloquently nudged them even more.
Well, since others seem unable to resist, let me pile on…
Says the troll: …”Apple failed product marketing 101 with the Apple Watch”…. There is a colossal disconnect from reality in this statement. Apple watch seems to have been by far the most successful watch ever produced; it is one of the most successful Apple launches ever, with millions of devices sold over the first weekend. If that is the case, I cannot imagine how could Apple marketing have possibly succeeded any better than that.
I don’t have the watch, am not planning on getting it yet, but I am quite certain that the overwhelming majority of unbiased, professional and experienced tech reviewers who can’t heap enough superlatives on the phone is quite correct in their assessments that this device is actually useful and good.
I am struggling very much to accept a subjective assessment of a random person whose post seem to appear very much like carefully worded troll bait on a site frequented by fans of a certain company.
If it weren’t a bit annoying, it would be amusing.
Yeah – well part of that might be true if all apple did was build a smart watch. It is NOT just a smart watch – it is a platform. Apple built the entire ecosystem that will grow and change over time to become useful in an organic way – as people WANT it to be useful. In fact all these fanboys you mention (who, like me are actually apple shareholders, and that’s why they can afford this stuff) are writing code and developing products that will help make the platform even more compelling. I mean come on – don’t you even remember when the iPhone came out (without apps!) – and was promptly dismissed – and then it just kept selling, and selling, and selling. By the way NONE of this stuff is necessary, life was just dandy when all phones had cords . . . well except maybe picking somebody up from the airport.
Very articulate and well put together… but incorrect.
One of the biggest complaints from people is how disconnected you are on your phone. “Stop looking at your phone at the table” is not uncommon to hear while dining.
I purchased an Android Wear watch (LG R) because I saw the possibility of ending that or at least curtailing it somewhat. After a month I took it off and stopped carrying an Android phone (first the OnePlus One and then most recently and S6 Edge). Because it, and not the Apple Watch) are everything you said. Slow, poorly constructed, horrible UI, etc. If you want to see a comparison of the construction take a look at the respective tear-downs. Android wear is horribly put together.
The Apple Watch on the other hand does everything extremely well. Its fast (with the exception of certain third party apps) and the notifications are unobtrusive and easily dismissed and don’t linger. On my LG R I would swipe the notifications to dismiss them and they would come back later when another notification came in. Often I would get a long list of old notifications that would have to be dismissed or my watch face was covered.
With my Apple Watch I just wear it and it does what it needs to do. I don’t flash it around like (admittedly) some hipster douchebags do. But I care more about the function than the flash and it just happens to look better than any Android Wear device (subjectively speaking of course).
Also, I purchased a second one for my wife (our anniversary was imminent) who immediately lit in to all the tired tropes we are hearing here but after a week of using it she realized it is a lot more useful than she wanted to admit.
Maybe mechanical pocket watches will come back into vogue.
iPhones are the new pocketwatches.
Except there is neither a practical or fashion advantage to having an expensive pocket watch when your Apple Watch already tells you the time.
If watches remain a fashion item then Apple will need to keep making fashion innovations with regard to the watch. I see more materials, band choices, and maybe more sizes down the road.
I don’t see any way the watch market can escape the annual Apple disruption unscathed.
Good article!
I would add that the whole Apple Watch phenomenon brings into sharp focus the epic cultural change that we’ve witnessed in our lifetimes: the shift from *time* and thus synchronization as the unifying principle of industry and social interaction, to *connectivity*
“At your desk by 8” has been supplanted by “got your message” and “meet me at the cafe at 5” is now “where U at?” The colleague or friend who annoyed all by always being late is now the friend or colleague who always seems to miss their messages and calls. Being *connected* is the new being *on time.* “My ringer was off” is no longer a good excuse for being unreachable just as “there was a lot of traffic” was not a great excuse for tardiness (“you should have left earlier”). Into this new zone of angst steps the Apple Watch to solve all….for a while.
Can’t wait until I get mine. Just ordered yesterday, so looks like July. It should be worth the wait.
I wear mine all day, every day. After a workout, I rinse it off with water to keep it from getting dirty. The sport band feels great. I barely even notice it on my arm. I’ve got a really nice stainless steel Fossil watch that hasn’t been on my wrist since the day I received my Apple Watch. I had to take the Fossil watch off when I used my MacBook Pro for fear of scratching the palm rest, but I don’t have to do that with the Apple Watch.
MacBook Pro + Milanese Loop = scratched watchband clasp. Stainless steel. My only disappointment thus far with my watch- which was $699 as I was looking to supplant/replace my Rolex (and succeeded in that).
can I have your omegas?
Apple Watch continues Apple’s tradition.
The interesting thing to me, after following the iPod to iPhone/iPad development is that Apple’s competitors have not seen the train coming down the tracks.
Once you saw the iPhone, you knew an iPad would follow. Yet no high quality competitor to Apple emerged.
Once you realized that iPhone/Android notifications were interrupting meetings and driving, it didn’t take ultra-creative minds to see we need a head or wrist or neck mounted device for notifications.
But none of the major players picked up on this. Why? They appear to be scared stiff of innovation as I see it.
Now the Apple Watch is here, the Apple EarPod can’t be far behind. Why? Because it offers people who drive multiple opportunities for safety including drowse alerts when head movement indicates drowsiness or inattention to the road in some way that sensors pick up.
I have thought of the ear as well; since great minds think alike, I would have to say you are quite insightful. Power is the problem; however, that will be solved as head motion is used to recharge as well as picking up electricity from skin.
Maybe the “EarPod” could run on ear wax…
We already have BT earpieces and their batteries seem to last well enough even with lots of phone calls.
With optimized low power chips and micro sized sensors, I would think a modernized EarPod is doable now.
I agree that the Apple Watch matches Apple’s standards. I really like mine. The pulse monitor is now giving me a better idea of my fitness and the activity tracker is helping me be more consistent with my exercise.
I don’t agree that other manufacturers haven’t tried to make these types of devices. It just that they lack the ability to make a good product. Look at the google glass, android phones and watches. Weak design, minimal OS support and poor construction.
Apple just got another $150 from me since I have now ordered the Milanese loop band. Of course it won’t be here until July. However my watch arrive on the day of release and that was slated for delivery around now.
My black stainless was ordered at 2:03 am CDT. I’m in that May 13-27 window and the watch is still processing. Argh!!
I think it depends on the model. I ordered the silver sport with white band. Initially it was set to be delivered in mid may but actually turned up on the day of release.
I think you picked the more popular model and probably with less stock on hand.
I can feel for you. I ordered the space grey sport model though and my receipt shows that I finally got through at 12:16 to complete the order. My delivery date was May 20 to Jun 1 but I got it May 14. Here’s hoping you get it soon.
Why do so many people try so hard to dislike Apple and its products? Most have never even owned one to be able to qualify their hatred. I have come to know many late adopters of iPhones and iMacs that wondered, after using them, why they waited so long. The apple watch isn’t for everyone but for those who have them, it’s a great device that serves a need most wouldn’t have expected.
I have tons of Apple products and I think they are the best. However, that doesn’t mean that I haven’t noticed that quality and choice are in recession at Apple. Apple keeps eliminating or not delivering on features, products and functionality while pushing new items that, I believe, do not add to the value of their products.
Yes there is some of that. I’ve run into far more problems with Mavericks and Yosemite upgrades than at any other time since ’85.
George, you are so right. The Apple watch has many more bugs and design issues than my SUNDIAL clock. No battery, always on time, nothing to wear out.
Only problem is it is not mobile! Course I have never LOST it. Lol
I played with the demo Apple Watch at a retail store. Several surprises for me. 1. It is much thinner looking than the images on Apple’s site. 2. It just plain looks like a beautiful watch, not a multi-faceted device. 3. I thought the 38mm was the right size for me, but now I am considering the 42mm.
It takes a few minutes to learn your way around…Glances is cooler than I imagined and super quick and useful if set up correctly.
Sure, there is some room for improvement, but your money is not wasted for the sport for $1 a day, financed for one year. I personally believe version 1 users will be jealous of version 2, but version 1 is a very nice and very useful device.
I own version 1 and won’t be jealous of version 2 owners ’cause I’ll be buying version 2 on day one.😜😱👀💥🎉⌚️
14nm awesome💥⌚️