Anyone besides me appreciating a good mechanical now that AW is released?

[Salinger]

Despite the Apple Watch being called a "watch", I look at it as a entirely different category from traditional watches. Sure, it tells me the time, but so does my phone. I'll never give up my traditional watches, but that in no way takes away from my excitement over the Apple Watch.

I have to say, it really seems to me people are just sitting around trying come up with just about anything at all over which they can create a thread. With all due respect, this topic adds little, if anything, to the AW discussion.

 

[mplex]

I've enjoyed mechanical watches my whole life and own an IWC, a Sinn and a Omega among other cheaper watches. I honestly think they're all going up for sale, despite how cool having a mechanical engine on my wrist has been all these years. I've always been a watch person, but I just can't see myself wearing mechanical watches anymore. I might save one for the beach/boat, but that's about it. I figure I need to sell before the used watch market takes a hit. Once I get used to the functionality, I don't see how I can go back to just the time. I don't care if someone gave me perpetual calendar at this point, I want the AW.

This is coming from a watch person by the way. Having the weather alone on my watch makes it worth more to me than any other watch in the world, and for some reason I don't care about the craftsmanship anymore. I want the functionality...

 

[matrix07]

well I'm keeping my order in since ill have 2 weeks to decide that for myself. Really wasn't what I was getting at, just wondering if the screen being off most of the time is making others appreciate mechanicals more.

I don't have problem with screen being off when I don't look at it if it mean I can use the watch the whole day. I appreciate mechanical watch less as time goes on since I don't want to have watch for a sole purpose of telling time anymore. THAT feels really old.

 

[Theydonboi]

I continue to be surprised that people are under some illusions about what the Apple Watch is...and, more importantly, what it isnt.

It's a digital watch with technology to mirror your iPhone and health tracking. That's it. If you want to admire the inner workings of a chronograph, this is obviously not for you. Conversely, I think Rolex watches belong on the wrists of second-hand car dealers and are almost all ugly. Tell me my opinion is wrong, and I'll shrug my shoulders.

The overriding atmosphere at the moment seems to be for the watch to "justify itself" to the doubters and the naysayers. I have no interest in justifying my purchase to them, or demonstrating its neat features - especially since these people have already made up their mind. The watch is not faultless, but it does what it needs to well, and with style.

If that's not what you want, don't buy one. Quite why you need to broadcast this to anyone else (newsflash : No one cares), is beyond me.

 

[AS90]

I have been into mechanical watches for years and have had some expensive automatics. I currently have a couple of brilliant Seikos.

However, after getting into watches and learning how to service and repair them I realised what a ripoff they are. Omega and Rolex use the same 316L stainless steel that Timex or Rotary use in £99 watches, their movements are slightly modified Swiss ETA units which can be bought for £200! Assembly costs are probably about £50 per watch so you are paying £5000 for a £300 watch.

They aren't even accurate. The best mechanical Rolex will still lose 2-3 seconds a day and without a regular service they can lose 1-2 minutes! And as for servicing, Rolex currently charge £1800 and it takes weeks!! All they do is regulate the movement and oil the main spring and balance assembly.

Even mid-range watches like Armani and Hugo Boss are crap. They use very accurate but very cheap quartz movements. The Myota movements they use are £2 each. Yes you heard me right, £2!

I sold most of my watches after buying a Pebble and seeing how much more it did for so little money. Once i get my AW I will sell my expensive Seiko and probably keep the cheaper one as a backup but its smartwatches all the way for me now.

 

[ACE83]

I like this Shinola advert run in the UK papers on Friday.

Image

Man, I do love this ad. Very 60s, Mad Men-esq.

 

[cai4651]

As I said some time ago.

An art gallery, full of the works of old master painters.

Or an art gallery full of plasma screens in picture frames.

Some could say, why bother with the paintings, just put TV screens up and save all the trouble.......

Some could say burn all the old books and put them on kindles.

Some just don't seem to get it do they?

This. The best comment . Nothing like reading a book, you can't get the same experience with the kindle.
As with a dumb watch, the watch lays in your wrist, and only you could enjoy it. The balance between seamless and perfection.
that's why i only could wear a round smartwatch, and hope they made one

 

[OllyW]

However, after getting into watches and learning how to service and repair them I realised what a ripoff they are. Omega and Rolex use the same 316L stainless steel that Timex or Rotary use in £99 watches, their movements are slightly modified Swiss ETA units which can be bought for £200! Assembly costs are probably about £50 per watch so you are paying £5000 for a £300 watch.

They aren't even accurate. The best mechanical Rolex will still lose 2-3 seconds a day and without a regular service they can lose 1-2 minutes! And as for servicing, Rolex currently charge £1800 and it takes weeks!! All they do is regulate the movement and oil the main spring and balance assembly.

And you are complaining about accuracy?

All steel Rolex watches are made from 904L Stainless Steel, all of their movements are made in house and COSC certified and a regular service (which consists of a total strip down, clean, inspection, lubrication and calibration) starts from around £300 depending on the model.

We know they are very expensive but there's no need to spread misinformation to prove your point.

 

[Newtons Apple]

When it completely replaces the phone will be what sways me.

B

I, like you, think that day is coming but is still a good way down the road. It would be spectacular to say the least!

 

[5105973]

well I'm keeping my order in since ill have 2 weeks to decide that for myself. Really wasn't what I was getting at, just wondering if the screen being off most of the time is making others appreciate mechanicals more. I guess when they said it's a very personal device, they meant that only you can enjoy it's beauty? I get that some of the features help make lives a little easier, and that's cool, but it was marketed as a watch was it not? A luxury time piece, I'm failing to see that aspect.

Ah, sorry I had missed your point the first look through. My apologies.

In my case no, the screen being off most of the time does not make me appreciate my mechanicals more. I do have some really gorgeous watches. I have generally favored blue dials but I've got two in pink and a few in mother-of-pearl and a few in gold or white or silver faces and others that are hard to describe. As lovely as they are, and despite the fact I was never without a watch on my wrist from approximately ages 9-31, I did stop wearing watches on a regular basis just at a time in my life I finally could afford a Rolex or other luxury timepiece. I have other jewelry and some really gorgeous bracelets for wrist wear. I had my phone to tell me the time. The watches sort of fell by the wayside, sadly.

I was really ready to embrace precisely the product that the Apple Watch is. When I glance at it I always see a face. I have to sort of sneak a look at it to see the blank screen, really. And still I find it a lot nicer looking in person than I expected.

 

[cmichaelb]

I never really expected the Apple Watch to replace my Panrai or Rolex. When I first went to try it on, I was unimpressed by the weight and build, but then I noticed that I actually had a watch to take off at the store. The way I see it, most of the people getting the Apple Watch are either first time watch wearer, or have yet to actually experience a real wrist watch.

Who, other than some 20's somethings, hasn't worn a watch? I don't that is it at all.

I don't think the  watch can replace a traditional nice time piece, I agree. They are two almost completely different products - for an older consumer - mid 30's up.

 

[LoftyHammond]

Who, other than some 20's somethings, hasn't worn a watch? I don't that is it at all.

I don't think the  watch can replace a traditional nice time piece, I agree. They are two almost completely different products - for an older consumer - mid 30's up.

Well that's what mean. Most of the people that I witnessed trying on the Apple Watch I assume view watches a fashion accessory more than a tool to actually tell time. If they want time, they simply pull out their phone...even though there may be a watch strapped to their wrist.

 

[cmichaelb]

Well that's what mean. Most of the people that I witnessed trying on the Apple Watch I assume view watches a fashion accessory more than a tool to actually tell time. If they want time, they simply pull out their phone...even though there may be a watch strapped to their wrist.

Well, that is an interesting observation. I hadn't thought of that.

 

[solarguy17]

Usually, the thing I notice most is a nice watch when I look at strangers. I can appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship.

I never notice a watch on someone's arm. Unless it is huge and takes over their arm, and then I laugh silently at how stupid it looks. I will do the same thing if I see a 42mm AW on some with a tiny wrist. But that beside the point.
The fact that people spend as much or more on a dumb watch that does nothing but tell time is confusing to me. I want my stuff to do something and being a fashion accessory isn't doing something for me.
I appreciate the the work that went into making and design the watch but I personally this the engineering and work put into Apple Watch (and other smartwatches) is more impressive. I will look at a smartwatch owner as being smart and more responsible then a regular watch owner.

 

[leenak]

Well that's what mean. Most of the people that I witnessed trying on the Apple Watch I assume view watches a fashion accessory more than a tool to actually tell time. If they want time, they simply pull out their phone...even though there may be a watch strapped to their wrist.

I've mentioned before that I stopped seeing the use of watches many years ago. Had no interest in them although for the time I wore them, I liked my watches. Not that I bought expensive ones (Fossil was my preferred brand at the time - in college). Then after college, where clocks were everywhere and I didn't see a need to know the exact time when I wasn't sitting at a computer (desk job, you know), I stopped wearing watches. It wasn't a conscious thing, I don't think I even realized it until a few years after it happened. I remember trying to wear my watches again but it never stuck.

Then when fitness trackers came out in the past few years, I tried a few. I liked a few. But I will say that keeping something on my wrist has always still been an issue. After a shower or what not, I'd forget to put the fitness tracker on and it'd be a week before I put it on again.

So I think with the Apple Watch, since it is more than a fitness tracker, I'll have more success wearing it. It also is a perfect gym companion. I don't view it as a fashion accessory. If it was a fashion accessory, I'd like it to look different than it does. I have no interest in _real_ watches. So far I like it though and I think other people like me may find interest in the Apple watch where they'd have no interest in a watch that is just a watch.

 

[priscilla55]

I've been very enthusiastic about my Apple Watch here on the boards. I'm 48. Proud to be an old bat.

Old bat? You are practically a child! I'm 59 and loving my watch. I've worn a mechanical watch every day for over 50 years and I'm more than happy to stop. I will keep two of my watches - one a very cheap Lorus that is very waterproof and great for the beach and holidays where theft might be a problem. I also have a small faced gold watch that looks more like a gold bracelet and I might still wear for very dressy occasions (rare!). Otherwise, this is the watch I've waited at least 10 years for. I constantly missed calls and text messages in the past because my phone was in my bag or in another room. For that alone, I'd love the Apple watch. All the other features are just icing on the cake for me.

There are many reasons why this may appeal to older ones. One big reason - My health is not so great and it's frankly reassuring to know that I don't need to worry about summoning help if I need to because I will always have my watch right there.

 

[jjlannoo]

Are you enjoying not getting notifications on your watch when a new message comes in? lol

I love the watch, but it's not working right!

My notifications work perfect

 

[redman042]

A standard watch has never held great interest to me. I'm not huge on jewelry. I don't need to constantly check the time - my phone handles that function just fine. That's why I haven't worn a watch for 20 years.

It's the other functionality that the Apple Watch offers that has sold me on getting a watch again, a smartwatch to be specific. Knowing who has called or texted me without pulling out my phone or fetching it from the other side of the house will be great. Having quick access to important information will save me time.

If your main reason for a watch is to tell time and wear jewelry, the Apple Watch is probably not the right choice.

 

[McPhallus]

Since I'm unwilling to give up my mechanicals, my plan is to wear a mechanical on my left wrist and an AW on my right. Im not sure if this will work in the long term, but I was able to do so with a Microsoft Band before I got rid of it for unrelated reasons.

 

[5105973]

Old bat? You are practically a child! I'm 59 and loving my watch. I've worn a mechanical watch every day for over 50 years and I'm more than happy to stop. I will keep two of my watches - one a very cheap Lorus that is very waterproof and great for the beach and holidays where theft might be a problem. I also have a small faced gold watch that looks more like a gold bracelet and I might still wear for very dressy occasions (rare!). Otherwise, this is the watch I've waited at least 10 years for. I constantly missed calls and text messages in the past because my phone was in my bag or in another room. For that alone, I'd love the Apple watch. All the other features are just icing on the cake for me.

There are many reasons why this may appeal to older ones. One big reason - My health is not so great and it's frankly reassuring to know that I don't need to worry about summoning help if I need to because I will always have my watch right there.

Oh please don't take my old bat status away! I've waited all my life for this! I'm half Asian. Old bats are revered in my culture, and also seem to be adored in my husband's German and Eastern European family. It's fabulous! When I am your age I shall be like a goddess to my family!

Alas, with age comes wisdom...and medications. My Apple Watch can do one thing my analog watches can't, and that's reminding me gently and surreptitiously (with a discreet tap and no buzzing alarms) to take my medicines on time.

 

[Alith]

The watch face isn't blank when its owner is looking at it, which is all that matters. I couldn't care less what other people see.

 

[SixtyK]

When it completely replaces the phone will be what sways me.

I don't think it will ever 100% completely replace the phone anymore than it will 100% completely replace the traditional watch.

It is the same reason companies like Apple continue to produce desktop computers, laptops, and tablets, rather than focusing on one, for example. There will never be an end-all, be-all product that does everything for everybody. There are simply too many preferences, too many personalities, too many individual needs for a single solution to satisfy all of them.

 

[adammull]

I never really expected the Apple Watch to replace my Panrai or Rolex. When I first went to try it on, I was unimpressed by the weight and build, but then I noticed that I actually had a watch to take off at the store. The way I see it, most of the people getting the Apple Watch are either first time watch wearer, or have yet to actually experience a real wrist watch.

Not trying to sound like a snob, but I'll always appreciate a mechanical watch to any smart watch. The engineering and detail that goes into making the movements for these watches outweighs any software coding or technological advance that goes into smart watches or tech. Hell, a mechanical Seiko gets more appreciation from me than the Apple Watch. But then again, I've been a watch guy since the start, and I got hooked on watches early. Unfortunately, not everyone gets to experience nice, mechanical watches like Rolexes. And even sadder, some of those who do not appreciate the watches for what went into making them.

And like you, I was late to the party (but by a few days not minutes). My friend already got one, and said that he forgot about his Armani Watch. I know for a fact I won't forget about my Panerai or Rolex.

I have the same two watches and I see it entirely differently. I think they will be replaced. Doesn't mean I don't appreciate fine craftsmanship.

 

[Blakjack]

A watch doesn't do anything for me. I just started wearing a watch only because my job requires one. I bought a G-Shock.

Before then I always told myself I would buy a really nice watch one day for dressy occasions, but never pulled the trigger.

I'm 29, which means the entire second half of my life, I've had a cell phone. Hadn't had a need to buy a watch, definitely not some nice mechanical one that only tells the time and date. That appreciation for a watch just doesn't exist in my blood.

But.......the Apple Watch brings more functionality to the table for me. And with the SS as an option, I also get the dressy look I want.

Now I admit, I love LOOKING at beautiful watches, but I myself can never justify the purchase of one because they only tell me the time. But that's me and my opinion.

I think mechanical watches will suffer in the end. Smart watches will only get better especially as they become standalone devices and the batteries improve. Watch makers can sit in denial all they want, but the end is inevitable.

Do we really think that in the year 2030, the mechanical watch is still going to be popular. they already lost a good bit of their popularity over the past 15 years or so with the smartphone (something you don't even wear on your wrist).

Smart watches will get thinner. The screens will get better to replicate mechanical watches. Add on top of those the fact that smart watches will be able to accomplish tasks that aid in improving our quality of life......The mechanical watch won't be able to compete with that. Smart watches are going to become a needed device, not just some luxury vanity device.

 

[McDaddio]

I can appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship. It's a personal accessory that each user decides for themselves. .

Everyone is different.
Some people care about the form, some people care about the functionality.

The iWatch shouldn't have been called a watch since it does so much more.

Comparing the iWatch to a mechanical watch is like comparing a finely crafted pen to a computer - sure they both are used to take notes and that pen may one day be worth a lot more than you paid for it.