Recently, there has been an avalanche of ‘smart’ watches hitting the market. These are modern devices, often linked to a mobile phone, that allows for all your texts and emails to be attached to your wrist always. It appeals largely to the interconnectivity and the technologically focused modern world.
There are some that claim this new type of watch will come to completely replace the most traditional timepiece. Of course, we here at Martins of Glasgow believe that the classic timepiece will never go out of fashion. But the rise of the smart watch is undeniable.
So, are smart watches simply a fad or are they the future of modern wristwear?
Smart Watch vs. Classic
First, we must consider what the advantages a smart watch holds and the disadvantages in comparison to a classic timepiece. Some advantages include:
- Access to several functionalities and hundreds of apps.
- The larger display means you can have much more information on the screen than just the time.
- Ability to make calls on watch.
- Voice control also means that you can reply to texts hands-free.
However, there are also a number of cons that people are becoming more aware of:
- The initial hardware cost is high, without the prestige of a watch with the same price tag from watch labels such as Gucci and Tag Heuer.
- Connectivity is an issue – the device cannot be easily connected to Wi-Fi points on the go.
- Those with network connections incur large roaming costs.
- Short battery lives are an inconvenience that a standard watch does not possess.
Overall, we are still at the beginning of the smart watch revolution despite them being around for a couple of years already. The technology is still in its infancy and as such many problems still surround it. So, although they are still somewhat inconvenient at the moment this could be a sign that they are the watches of the future.
Fitness
One of the biggest markets for smart watches is fitness. Many smart watches now automatically monitor heart rate, steps taken and calories burned throughout the day. This is to help people lead a healthier lifestyle. However, this is also a functionality shared by purpose-built fitness bands that are not watches.
As a result of this, many of those that use devices such as a Fitbit do so alongside a traditional watch or swap one for the other when the occasion calls for it. So, even the largest sector for smartwatches seems to be one that lends itself to the continued use of the traditional watch.
History Repeating Itself
This is a debate that has already played out in the not so distant past. Once, someone would have gawked at the suggestion that they replace their pocket watch with something that straps to their wrist. However, today it is a very small minority of people that carry a pocket watch on a regular basis. So, retrospectively it may be the case that there is an air of inevitability surrounding the smart watch dominating the timepiece market.
Yet, for many smart watches will never dim the shine that a traditional timepiece possesses. They are an essential part of many people’s routine, adding a level of comfort and security that cannot be replaced with a mere gadget. Though time may evolve the technology, time itself does not change and a good watch is always needed to decipher it. For now, the tradition will continue to be the most popular choice.
Here at Martins of Glasgow, we are dedicated to the excellence and beauty of the classic watch, providing excellent repair services to meet your needs, so you won’t have to replace your piece. Contact us today for more details on our collection of luxury, sports, and casual watches, and take a look at some of the most iconic watches in the world!