Interesting. I've never heard of Watch making classes before. That's something I would defintely would want to attend and have more knowledge on.
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Apple Watch vs Rolex
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Interesting. I've never heard of Watch making classes before. That's something I would defintely would want to attend and have more knowledge on.
And Apple watches are not worn by some as status symbols?
Jeez, not as far as I'm concerned (at least outside of the gold versions,) but I guess everyone's perspective is different. To me, an AW is about as status-y as wearing a golf gps watch, G-Shock, FitBit, dive computer, etc., especially compared to an $8K mechanical watch.
Then again, I've read some say that other Apple products are "status symbols," which has honestly never even crossed my mind. I just use them because they're generally well designed and functional.
I think Apple products are perhaps status symbols in poorer countries. They're not where I'm from though as pretty much everybody I know has an iPhone apart from a handful of people. I don't know or see many with the AW though and mine gets lots of comments. I see far more fitbits and fuelbands etc.
I'm not sure about poorer countries being a status symbol, but I think Apple in general has become a status symbol with how Apple has marketed the Apple Watch for fashion and functionality. Especially with the bands and customization.
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Perhaps we have a different definition of status symbol then?
A status symbol to me is a product that is flash and unaffordable to most. The AW is a high street fashion item as far as I am concerned. It's a trendy gadget but at an affordable price alongside other fashion watches.
I agree the Apple Watch is certainly a fashion item and Apple is definitely put forth the effort in exemplifying that. Trendy, yes, but affordable? That I question depending on the individual who wants to spend XYZ on an Apple Watch and accessories, which can quickly add up. Especially the Series 2 Stainless.
The Apple Watch certainly qualifies for a gadget, but I think fashionable watches have a Wide definition of what somebody considers fashion. But in the wearable market, yes, I do see the Apple Watch being a trendy fashionable gadget.
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Ok, this is not even a comparison. The AW is not really a watch at all. It's a computer on your wrist that does some amazing things and happens to also tell you the time in a similar fashion to a watch. Just my 2 cents.
I have an Apple Watch and have since Nov 2015. I wore it exclusively until about February of this year. Prior to the AW, I wore a German made mid-range dive watch (not a Rolex, Omega, Breitling, etc.), but one with a solid ETA 2824-2 automatic movement, made in Germany with mainly Swiss parts. I'd owned it and wore it daily since January 2003 and it never failed me and I loved it. I thought the AW would keep it collecting dust.
In the past 2 months, I'd say I've been back to an analog MECHANICAL (auto-winding watch) 80% of the time, with the AW relegated to fitness tracking and a few other rare occasions.
Why have I mostly switched back to my automatic mechanical watches (no quartz here)? I have two in my rotation at this point as well as pulling out a third one my Dad gave me as an 18th birthday present many years ago (a fairly inexpensive but still nice Seiko automatic dress watch).....
Who cares what people wear? Seriously? Personally, I'm happier without the notifications now, I've even turned ALL of the off on my phone except the actual phone and iMessage. Nothing else....and all on vibrate. That's just me, YMMV.
Others who want the connectivity, SHOULD wear an AW, no question! Weather someone wears an AW, a Rolex, a Seiko, a G-Shock or a Timex isn't the point. The point is they should wear what they connect with, what meets their needs and their budgets. But please, quit wearing JUNK! Seriously. No cheap Android watches. No blinged out Invicta's from Sam's club or junk fashion watches from JC Penney. LOL
I have an Apple Watch and have since Nov 2015. I wore it exclusively until about February of this year. Prior to the AW, I wore a German made mid-range dive watch (not a Rolex, Omega, Breitling, etc.), but one with a solid ETA 2824-2 automatic movement, made in Germany with mainly Swiss parts. I'd owned it and wore it daily since January 2003 and it never failed me and I loved it. I thought the AW would keep it collecting dust.
In the past 2 months, I'd say I've been back to an analog MECHANICAL (auto-winding watch) 80% of the time, with the AW relegated to fitness tracking and a few other rare occasions.
Why have I mostly switched back to my automatic mechanical watches (no quartz here)? I have two in my rotation at this point as well as pulling out a third one my Dad gave me as an 18th birthday present many years ago (a fairly inexpensive but still nice Seiko automatic dress watch).....
- An automatic watch is driven by and gains energy via the movement of your body. You are connected to it, it becomes part of you. The mechanics that make it work still fascinate me and the workmanship is top notch.
- A quartz watch, is more like an AW for me. It's annoying tic-tic-tic every second jumping around is annoying. It's really just an early 1970's electronic watch IMO.
- Then came digital watches that have their place and purpose, just like an AW - the are useful.
- The AW doesn't have that connection to the wearer that the mechanical autowinder does. It's hard to describe if you have worn one for a long time. But its true, and if you have, you know what I mean.
- ~60% of most people don't wear any watch at all (that would drive me nuts)
- ~15% are wearing AW's, enough to really take notice!
- ~10% are wearing Android or other connected wrist devices (incl. Fitbit)
- ~5% are wearing quartz (usually cheap fashion watches from the department store) or digital watches (think Casio G-shock)
- ~5% are wearing nicer quartz watches (Citizen, Seiko, Bulova, etc.) or low-end mechanical watches (I see way too many of the horrible Invicta pieces of #%@$ around, yuck!)
- ~3% are wearing mid-range automatic watches in the $700-2000 (think Sinn, Squale, high-end Seiko, etc.)
- ~<2% are wearing higher end auto's like Rolex, Omega, etc.
- ~<1% are wearing the super high end like Patek and others that start in the low 5-figure range and go crazy from there.
Who cares what people wear? Seriously? Personally, I'm happier without the notifications now, I've even turned ALL of the off on my phone except the actual phone and iMessage. Nothing else....and all on vibrate. That's just me, YMMV.
Others who want the connectivity, SHOULD wear an AW, no question! Weather someone wears an AW, a Rolex, a Seiko, a G-Shock or a Timex isn't the point. The point is they should wear what they connect with, what meets their needs and their budgets. But please, quit wearing JUNK! Seriously. No cheap Android watches. No blinged out Invicta's from Sam's club or junk fashion watches from JC Penney. LOL
I honestly doubt many people realise the shiny AW is worth significantly more than the aluminium versions. For that reason I still can't see the AW as a status symbol, even the higher priced models. They are fashion accessories and affordable to most IMO. Whether or not most people want one is another question entirely lol.
I don't necessarily mean "Worth" more, but the price difference between aluminum and stainless versions are $200. That to me is significant for someone making a decision if they want the stainless steel casing and a sapphire display. That the difference between the two, either way, the Apple Watch really doesn't retain value. Overall, the wearable market is a trend and has a lot of uncertainty. So I guess it depends on how somebody views it.
I want to note regarding Apple you receive a product that is Well made and has longevity, to me, Apple tends to be a secondary fashion item with aesthetically how their products look. Very modern, with a sleek appeal.
May have never crossed your mind but has with many others.
I will take my Rolex any day for that feel good feeling.
I have a 6 digit Sub an Invicta Pro Diver 8926OB, and a Gen 0.5 (first gen released) SS AW. My wear order goes Invicta 80% of the time, AW 19% and Sub <=1%. I love my Invicta as much if not more than my AW (as much as someone can hate on it the Japanese NH35A Automatic movement is flawless, 0 maintenance and with the see through backing I find myself just looking at the movement). My AW is for when I have a bunch of meetings, and need the reminder, or if I'm waiting for an important notification (my phone is always on vibrate). My Sub is ONLY for special occasions and remains in a safe.
I never understood the snobbishness associated with watches. A lot of people can afford to buy any watch they want, because they buy a quarts, or a "low-end mechanical" there is nothing to be ashamed of... My invicta can handle way more abuse than any ETA, and keep better time, all while not needing to be services every 5 years...
Well, sure. In some places, a simple pair of Levi's may be a status symbol, too.
Mechanical watches are primarily anachronistic luxury items at this point, whereas smartwatches are primarily about function, and I don't think the level of status between the two is even close to being comparable.
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No kidding. Are we really comparing the status of a wrist computer bought at Target to a Rolex?
Maybe, like with the original iPhone, there was something in having one before anyone else did, but now I see AWs on everyone from kids to business people to soccer moms to grandpas to indy musicians, and I think that's a good thing.
Neither does a solar powered Casio, and the Casio won't need a $700+ service every 5-10 years or so. There aren't many logical reasons to justify a Rolex.
Either way, owning a MOP dial gold Yachtmaster is, shall we say, a unique taste, so whatever floats your boat. I wouldn't be caught dead wearing that thing, and I'm a life long lover of watches and Rolex.
That's why mechanical watches and smart watches are A completely separate category. As I mentioned above, I see the Apple Watch as a trendy (Superflurous) wearable device that has lots of potential for somebody that is into fitness with the convenience of notifications. But there are plenty of times where I certainly would not wear an Apple Watch to a formal event over my mechanical watches.
Stating the obvious, the Apple Watch is replaceable being its technology, as where a mechanical watch could be an heirloom/formal time piece and will long outlive the Apple Watch.
I find myself wearing my Apple Watch more over my mechanical watches, but both smart /mechanical Watches both have their own rights of passage depending on the situation or event.
Bingo. I never have to charge or update my Olivetti Lettera 32. Types the same today as it did in 1963. Timeless, iconic, beautiful. Will never ever buy a laptop. An overpriced toy like the MacBook Pro will be obsolete in 2.6 years. But my Olivetti Lettera 32 will keep on going and outlive Apple itself. As tools, there is simply no equal to a mechanical watch or typewriter. None.
You should see the looks people give me when I'm banging away on my typewriter at my local cafe: pure envy.
More power to you! Would not mind seeing an image. These old machines were a real marvel in workmanship!
Oh my god -- can you imagine a coffee shop full of people clack-clackety-ing on their portable Smith-Coronas?
(speaking from experience, too -- wrote quite a few homework essays on my dad's teal blue S-C typewriter)
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I've seen AW being used in more functional scenery (hospitals, schools, work etc.) than status places as oppose to a Rolex or other actual higher end brands.
Neither does this one…
103 years old and still ticking away. A strong little heart going since 1914. Sterling silver trench watch, the radioactive lume on the dial and hands has been replaced. Apart from that it has only had regular (ish) services. All original (apart from the strap I replaced earlier this year.)
Neither does this one…
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View attachment 698531
103 years old and still ticking away. A strong little heart going since 1914. Sterling silver trench watch, the radioactive lume on the dial and hands has been replaced. Apart from that it has only had regular (ish) services. All original (apart from the strap I replaced earlier this year.)
That leather band almost depicts a Hermes Cuff leather band. Very Nice.
Thanks.
I think Hermés borrowed the idea from the trench watch straps. Here's a link with the history of these kind of straps.