When it debuted back in 2015, the Apple Watch was promoted to become the leading force in wearable watches. Five years later and the Apple Watch failed to live up to the expectations. The Swiss watch market is still on top.
Apple added more features in every new version of the Apple Watch, more fitness features, the ability to measure blood oxygen level, sleep tracking, and much more — Still, it fails to attract mechanical watch lovers. In my opinion:
The Apple Watch fails to meet up with classic timepieces in almost every aspect.
The buying experience
Buying your first timepiece is a great experience and one of the “important” firsts in one’s life. Picking a timepiece, even if an entry-level watch, is a great occurrence. An entry-level timepiece will set you back around $4–5K; the decision is not easy.
Unless you have more money than you know what to do with, picking the right shape, size, color, material, and brand requires extensive study and consideration.
You will visit your jeweler of choice multiple times, try many watches on your wrist, snap the obligatory wrist picture with your smartphone, and you will eventually play in your head the different occasions in which you will look snappy with your timepiece.
The process is unique and one of a kind — It is a story you will be telling for years to come.
On the other hand, buying a smartwatch comes with no emotional experience. Let’s face it; you will change the watch in 3–4 years anyway. Tech companies are fighting for your money, and that is why they made the buying process very seamless and quick — it can be done over the internet.
The emotional connection
A watch is the only wearable you will have on you all the time. A timepiece represents a story and an emotional connection. People always remember their first luxury timepiece, and the majority still owns that watch. In 10 to 20 years, no one will remember their first smartwatch.
