Once it was out, discussion focused on its projected sales. Now, everybody wants to understand how the Apple Watches will influence sales of mechanical watches as well as the big Swiss brands. Apple’s fairly tight-lipped concerning the Apple Watch’s sales amounts, but we do know it dominates the market for smart watches, even though it hasn’t really caught up to other wearables. But as far as Swiss luxury watches are concerned, reports of its impending demise may be somewhat premature. There are lots of armchair skeptics out there who discount mechanical watches:”Why do I need a watch when my phone let the time just fine?” It is a fair question. And we urge you to think about this one: Why do you need to take your phone around when the Apple Watch includes a great deal of the exact same performance in your wrist? It all depends on what you appreciate. Of course, at this time, the Apple Watches remains determined by a Bluetooth connection to get its info, and it is a count from it. That and the fact that you have to charge it. It has the advantage, in that respect. The capacity to monitor exercise performance is not within the domain of mechanical watches–unless you count the chronograph or the pulsometer or the inclusion of a device like the Chronos. And if a mechanical watch may not be able to send a text or track your everyday activity, it may do some pretty awesome things–all with no battery. A mechanical watch is built with hundreds of small parts working together, powered by simply moving your wrist or the twisting the crown. That is pretty impressive in its own right.

That the Apple Watch is more a threat to mid market watch manufacturers, but we could see a”trickle up” effect, since this is where prospective luxury watch buyers receive their start. A brand-new luxury watch starts depreciating in value the moment it sells. However, after a couple of years, its cost and depreciation rate level out and the watch’s value stays fairly consistent. Since Apple introduces new tech, it eventually makes its current offerings obsolete. Apple Watches will be no different. Progress is the whole point of technologies, and those Apple Watch early adopters will gradually see their Series 1 become redundant since Apple presents newer iterations and updates its OS. One of the biggest drawbacks to this Apple Watch must be its relatively short life cycle. We all know that Apple’s product cycle cannibalizes its old product lines (such as the recently-axed iPod). Should you buy an Apple Watch, you buy it knowing this– eventually, it is going to quit holding a fee, it is going to run slower, and Apple will stop supporting it with OS upgrades. Compare this to a luxury mechanical watch, which could operate for decades (and centuries) with appropriate care. We’ve got anecdotes of 50-year-old watches working just fine without support, so that tells you the caliber of this build of fine timepieces. Obviously, luxury watch brands do innovate, but at a much slower pace, rather than to a degree which supersedes older versions. Similarly, the introduction of new versions from luxury brands doesn’t destine old watches for the trash heap. It’s hard to compare aesthetics of the Apple Watch together with the diverse looks of luxury watches. They couldn’t be more different. The Apple Watch’s modern layout, square and seamless and all clean lines, is equally attractive for certain. You have the option to personalize your view face with both digital and analog choices, and the watchOS is easy to navigate. However, if the watch is inactive, it is just a black screen. Nothing of interest there, but that’s purely a personal opinion. An OMEGA isn’t like a Rolex isn’t just like a Patek Philippe is not like a Hublot. You personalize a luxury watches by picking a brand or style you like. To make sure, the luxury watch industry has its own issues to manage. And certainly, it could use a dose of humble pie. But we do not buy the claim that the Apple Watch and its popularity signifies the conclusion of luxury watches. They appeal to different people. And, wearables and intelligent watches represent an opportunity for wristwear to achieve a newer, younger market. Our conclusion? There’s room enough for the Apple Watch and mechanical watches.