jmpTT
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Tethered to the iPhone
I don't see the Watch as the product that will crowd out Swatch and Tissot, but it will eat into their market share. It isn't a set-and-forget accessory like a typical $500 wristwatch. For high end watch enthusiasts, the Watch doesn't have the same appeal or brand cache. Still, I would expect to see some collectors strap this type of device on the other wrist, if the apps are good enough.
First, I think Apple got the design right. It looks like a premium product and I'm sure it feels that way too. Second, Apple can sell luxury goods, so I'm sure they can convince consumers that this watch is a practical symbol of status.
To me, however, the great thing about the Watch is that it is a fitness watch that works as an expression of good taste too. Except I need to carry an iPhone with me if I want to use it as a fitness watch. Of course I am an Android user, so I'm out of the game. Eventually, these devices won't need to be tethered to a phone, but until the technology can be stuffed into a real standalone, this watch will only appeal to techies and Apple fanatics. That's a huge market, the amount of overlap it shares with the watch enthusiast crowd is unknown (to me).
As for the rest of great features...well...the PR team doesn't think much of them:
Walkie-Talkie. For a fun alternative to a phone call, use the built-in speaker and microphone to trade spur-of-the-moment sound bites with friends.
A multi-channel walkie-talkie with a digital interface - that would be a great feature in a high end smart watch (for a subset of users). But that's not what you're really getting with the Watch. The tech demos help differentiate it from inferior smart watches, but they don't answer a need or even create a need and answer it.
The WATCH - confessions of an analogueiste...
Well, there it finally is - Apple's WATCH , the highly anticipated and - since its launch last Tuesday - likewise highly discussed, dismissed, cherished smart watch: So there we are! As a watch community we cannot go past this without noting, appreciatin...
Magnificent and thorough survey dear Magnus
My only hope (and fear) is that we are not judging beginning of second quartz crisis which in 30 or so years maybe known as touch crisis Yours D
The quartz crisis gave us the haute horlogerie we enjoy now, ...
thus I won't fear a 'touch-crisis'. Best, Magnus
Apple Watch
I will buy this watch, will it become my daily beater? I doubt it. But it will definately be in the rotation.
Apple Watch
Didn't buy one, but a friend let me use one for a week, I think I'll pass
Outstanding article ...
Magnus, Your crystal clear logic and your flawless approach is something to be read and read again, by all that are on this hobby and, more, for the ones that are on the watch manufacture. I don't dare to foresee if the Apple Watch will be a game change o...
The devil is in the details, ...
and this is exactly where Apple always made a difference - and often created entirely new markets. I did not touch the life cycle issue but of course I think your are spot on. This is another aspect where traditional watchmaking always will have an edge. ...
About the life cycle ..
.. as opposed to what Nilo states about the 2-3 year life span ... i think a lot of people use their Macs more than 5 years .. i have a 6 year old perfect working iMac, an 11 year old for fun and a 10 year old MacPro ... an iPhone might 'last' 4 years max...
Tethered to the iPhone
I don't see the Watch as the product that will crowd out Swatch and Tissot, but it will eat into their market share. It isn't a set-and-forget accessory like a typical $500 wristwatch. For high end watch enthusiasts, the W atch doesn't have the same a...
Maintenance and autonomy are indeed crucial aspect (and unknown territory yet)...
but we have no final information as to the battery life as well as the autonomy vis-à-vis an iPhone. Sure you'll need one (good business case for Apple, but Samsung is the same here), but the question is whether you need it tethered permanently. We'll see...
To make it short: superb report Magnus and me could imagine ...
to get one, but on top to my wrist watches - never ever instead of :-) But I must confess I have also a weakness for the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse and even more the Kari Voutilainen Chronometre 27. I like that comparison and maybe that´s why I need on...
Golden triangle - Apple, Patek and Kari - who wold have thought?
Yes, I am tempted but would need to know more. Having a phone as necessary companion all time is a no-go for me. Otherwise, it would make a nice and stylish sports and activity watch. See you soon ;-) Magnus
You have pointed out a very under-exposed fact
why do we pay so much (way too much) for our mechanical watches. Indeed the case & strap (connection) of the Apple watch look very high end for a rather, compared to mechanical watches, low price. As you point out correctly; the entire watch costs les...
Yes, I also think that the Apple Watch will require the high end brands...
to better justify themselves. Let's see! Magnus
Fantastic article Magnus!
Lots of fresh insights and your write-up actually helps me reduce my WIS biased view of the iWatch! Agree that it does not compete with haute horology and even interesting mechanical watches that are more accessible. It does not have to be a "this or that...
Excellent article!
You have raised so many good points. I don't think the entire Swiss watch industry is in danger, far from it. The watch is cool but it will just be an additional watch/toy that people get to in addition to the mechanical ones. Especially at that price poi...
The smart watch will never replace the Swiss mechanical luxury timepiece...
... however, I can totally see it DISPLACING luxury watches from the wrist.
disruptive to all segments of watch industry, incl. vintage
First, let me clarify that I am not a deep user of Apple products or tech geek. To the contrary. But I am a business person observing closely what's happening to industries and their dynamics - and a vintage watch collector (have no modern watches). I am ...
I will be more than happy to trade a Apple watch for a Patek 3417 or a Longines
Chronometer Cal 30. If you are true, that is some excellent news for us! Best, Nicolas
and maybe
...the next generation who don't appreciate 'old watches' anymore then will then engage in such a deal? I like your glass-half full view of this scenario - and I agree, if it does happen the true lovers of the inner values of watches will have more supply...
I think we have to work on the definition of a watch.
What is a Watch? Somerthing which just gives you the Time? Then, no need to get a Watch, your cell phone gives it for free. If you want more than the time, the Tissot T Touch is cool. If you really want to have the time, only, then a normal Swatch is ok, ...
+1
I think the advent or the passing of the apple watch will be as insignificant to the vintage watch market as is the developing of new cars, as futuristic they might be, to the demand of high quality vintage cars. One does not collect vintage watches nor v...
I don't think you have to worry..
The need to get information by glancing at your wrist will also be antiquated in a few years. In the near future, if you need information, if will simply be projected in your field of view with minimal distraction. Google Glass can do this now, but not di...
You wrote more eloquently and rapidly than me
RDL I agree. ALL my nephews and nieces have no idea what a cassette tape or Walkman is, let alone a vinyl record. Some don't even know what VHS or CD-ROM is because they only know mp4 or mp3... ALL of them have never driven manual transmission cars becaus...
Wrist Real Estate
Fascinating discussion. A few of my own thoughts. First I'm a die-hard Apple user, started using the Macintosh around 1990 and would never ever, ever, consider using any other computer. Didn't get the Ipad and then I bought one, now I can't think of life ...
The Apple Watch review of thoughts
Dear Magnus, Thank you for your essay about the Apple Watch. My immediate admiration is for your ability to insert the Apple logo on our page. I think that this device is for a different but emerging group of customer; one that requires permanent tetherin...
Why would we take this watch seriously?
First of all, thanks for a thought provoking piece of writing.... But I have to say, although you are very articulate, I was not thought-provoked myself.... For myself, who cares what level of battery operated features this watch has? Who cares how well f...
I think you meant this reply for original poster
Mostel Thank you for your counterpoints but maybe you could place your response on the main thread? That way, it is a rebuttal to Magnus's original post. I could re-post it but then, it would have my name on it. Actually, Magnus is a scientist and his ess...
Just my thoughts, Mostel! Perfectly put. Admirable.
I also cannot stand it's 80's design. Fair enough with the iPhone… This so-called watch is full of gimmicks that already tire me to bits and will soon be replaced by its next thing to come. Your example of the "image of a cloisonné dial" instead of the re...
I think we are indeed very close, Mostel...
in our appreciation of the Apple watch. Don't forget, us watch aficionados are the minority, even among watch buyers. This is the key here: younger people grew up with all kinds of electronics around them, being integral part of their lives. My godchild's...
2 thumbs up Magnus..........
For your analysis and reply. I unashamedly confess I will buy one even though it will never replace or usurp my passion for mechanical watches. IMHO, Apple did a fantastic job with this " watch " for a first time . A lot of attractive attributes. IMHO, a ...
Excellent article!
Analogueiste. Great article. Lots of information. Lots of interesting comparisons. Jony said what? I didn't notice he said what he said.
