Has your Apple Watch entirely replaced your expensive Swiss watch?

[OllyW]

Shockingly, even reading through the thread of the Apple Watch replacing your mechanical watch, countless forum members have mentioned how they have abandoned there high-end mechanical watches for an Apple Watch.

I think "countless" is exaggerating slightly but you would expect to see some of that on an Apple enthusiasts forum. If you look at traditional watch forums, the Apple Watch and smartwatches in general still attract a high level of contempt, which I again you would also expect to see.

You also hear of many people buying the Apple Watch (and other smartwatches) and quickly losing interest and abandoning them, indeed my second hand bargain priced Apple Watch SS was purchased from such a person. I continue to see them as a niche product which is still finding it's way and it's going to be interesting to see how they develop over the next few years.

While they are definitley winning on functionality, I still think they are lagging behind when it comes to style and choice of design. There are a lot of people who refuse to buy the Apple Watch because they hate the shape of it's case so I think that's an area which can be addressed.

 

[44267547]

I think "countless" is exaggerating slightly but you would expect to see some of that on an Apple enthusiasts forum. If you look at traditional watch forums, the Apple Watch and smartwatches in general still attract a high level of contempt, which I again you would also expect to see.

You also hear of many people buying the Apple Watch (and other smartwatches) and quickly losing interest and abandoning them, indeed my second hand bargain priced Apple Watch SS was purchased from such a person. I continue to see them as a niche product which is still finding it's way and it's going to be interesting to see how they develop over the next few years.

While they are definitley winning on functionality, I still think they are lagging behind when it comes to style and choice of design. There are a lot of people who refuse to buy the Apple Watch because they hate the shape of it's case so I think that's an area which can be addressed.

250 Plus comments of forum members primarily abandoning their mechanical Watches seems the majority are appreciating the Apple Watch more than they anticipated. Yes, it's a forum designated for those interested in the Apple Watch, but none the less, I lost count of those who have stated they switched for various reasons, hence countless.

Anyways, the Apple Watch is a superfluous item. Some try justify their purchase for why they want the Watch, rather it be fitness, notifications or both. I think the Apple Watch is merely a convenience factor and a fitness tracker. Either way, it does it well. I think the future for the Apple Watch is unwritten, but for now, it has a lot of potential to improve.

You mentioned the design of the Watch. First, the Apple Watch needs time to evolve. Take the first iPhone for example, it was thick and bulky. But over time, it evolved into what it is today. Same can be said for the Apple Watch, It needs time to conform and evolve. We just saw a slightly revamped version four months ago. Labeling the Apple Watch 'Ugly' is subjective, just as any other opinion with other Apple devices could be said.

I think when a major overhaul does occur, we will see a thinner casing, perhaps a round variant, larger Watch face, additional color Options, micro-led has been rumored. Apple executed the band switching perfectly, which customization is a major selling point as well.

Allowing the Apple Watch to mature is something should be considered before others say its "Hated" or a failure. It's to early to determine its future, but again, room for improvement is Always expected, but it's headed in the right direction for the time being.

 

[OllyW]

Allowing the Apple Watch to mature is something should be considered before others say its dead or a failure. It's to early to determine its future, but again, room for improvement is Always expected, but it's headed in the right direction for the time being.

Of course, it's in it's infancy and I think it's beginning to find it's way after an uncertain start.

I'm still at the stage where I think it's good but not great and like it rather than love it. I'm not sure whether I would pay the full asking price for an updated model in the future, especially if they continue to see such high depreciation but I might be tempted to go for the previous generation at a third of the original price again

 

[Thai]

Fitbit were suggested to be the fastest growing brand in the smart watch market only last week too. How strange? I see quite a few of those around and that's probably to be expected as they are half the price. I was only sharing personal experience here and it's no way a definitive sample to prove anything. As I say it's in my nature to look for watches as it's been a major interest of mine for many years.

Do you guys have any links to Apples growth with the AW? Googling seems to just throw up Apple is doomed stories and they irritate the hell out of me.

Well, the "media" is quite bias against Apple. They interpret Fitbit buying smaller companies as expansion...no, that is called desperation!

I see Fitbit is kinda like Android OEMs. They may sell more because they are cheaper and widely available but their profit margins are quite tight.

Whenever Apple cuts prices on their products, they always have a costlier replacement product that is shinier and better...to maintain a healthy profit margin.

As for growth...you will find out TODAY! Apple quarter financial report is today.

 

[OllyW]

As for growth...you will find out TODAY! Apple quarter financial report is today.

We won't find out anything as they don't tell us the numbers. Tim will just say that he's thrilled about how the Apple Watch is doing and it's seen record sales over the holiday period.

 

[Thai]

We won't find out anything as they don't tell us the numbers. Tim will just say that he's thrilled about how the Apple Watch is doing and it's seen record sales over the holiday period.

True, but if it sets record sales for holidays, then it means that it beat last year, which, by definition, is GROWTH.

This is a good thing because 1 year ago, AW was outselling the 1st iPad and iPhone i think.

 

[cdcastillo]

Since countless posts mention they are changing their expensive swiss watches for the apple watch, I'll try to balance with my 2 cents. Now, I'm not sure mine qualify as "expensive" but at least they are swiss watches.

Altough I sure feel attracted to the apple watch and I think I would certainly enjoy its enhanced communication offerings, I'm convinced that in order to really enjoy the full spectrum of advantages it offers, you would need to wear it daily, not intermittently.

Therefore, I'm still resisting buying one, because I refuse to stop wearing my automatic watches (I rotate between a Longines hydroconquest, a Hamilont Khaki pilot pioneer, a Baume&Mercier and a Mido all dial chronometer). In order to get some of the advantages of a smart watch, I wear daily a fitbit flex 2, as a step counter, exercise register and sleep tracker.

I can't shake the feeling I've posted this before, but I went through the list of my posts and I didn't see it. So, here it is, my opinion.

 

[Thai]

I'm convinced that in order to really enjoy the full spectrum of advantages it offers, you would need to wear it daily, not intermittently.

This is true. If you are not going to wear it daily, then no need for AW.

 

[OllyW]

This is true. If you are not going to wear it daily, then no need for AW.

I disagree.

I don't wear mine every single day so would you like to explain why you think I shouldn't have it?

 

[Thai]

I disagree.

I don't wear mine every single day so would you like to explain why you think I shouldn't have it?

You are welcome to...i welcome it...i am a stock holder! I am just saying that it is not worth it in my opinion. Not sure why you are seemingly offended by what i wrote. Strange.

I wear mine for fitness and notifications and other simple tasks (e.g. check weather). For me, i never go a day without interacting with my Apple Watch...so, FOR ME, wearing other watches (e.g. my Rolex Turn-o-graph) means that my day is not as convenient and i miss my fitness stuff. Why do i want to suffer like that ever again?!

YMMV. But spending $300+ (i paid $650 for mine) is not chump change for something that i don't use it to the max. My Swiss was expensive, but that was before the Apple Watch.

 

[OllyW]

I just wear mine when it suits what I'm doing and depending on how I feel.

Sometimes I need the functionality and wear the AW and other times I just prefer wearing something that looks better.

 

[asfalloth]

I'll have to eat crow big time, because I thought for sure that my Apple Watch would replace my mechanicals (Rolex, Omega) when I bought it last year, and I've written quite a bit on here saying as much. The thing is, after owning my Apple Watch for 15+ months, it's been fully relegated to drawer status. There's something unfussy about a simple mechanical watch that never needs charging. I think I may be getting tech fatigue. Having my little iPhone SE on vibrate in my pocket is all that I've needed lately.

I can relate to this, after owning my 42mm SS AW since launch day, I've only just convinced myself I don't need the AW to unlock my MacBook or control my AirPods.

Its been nice wearing my Omega POC 9300 again for the last week

p.s. just turned on notifications on my Garmin Vivosmart HR tracker on my right wrist, so a little bit of both worlds

 

[44267547]

We won't find out anything as they don't tell us the numbers. Tim will just say that he's thrilled about how the Apple Watch is doing and it's seen record sales over the holiday period.

I just wear mine when it suits what I'm doing and how I feel.

Sometimes I need the functionality and wear the AW and other times I just prefer wearing something that looks better.

First, This isn't intended towards you, but as a whole in general. The fact that Apple won't release sales numbers means nothing. Apple doesn't have to release sales numbers to prove anything and they don't owe those results to anyone. No one here will make the consensus that the Apple Watch is a flop or failure based on unreleased sales numbers. I believe it's fair to say the Apple Watch is doing well and easily has expanded across the board to all demographics of all ages for various reasons.

That said, it's Absurd to use the "Apple Watch won't release sales numbers" quote as leverage to disparage against the Apple Watch. It doesn't work that way. Constraint for the Apple Watch is still prevelant after four months of its initial release, which I'm not saying means good sales numbers, but there is a significant demand.

Second, There is nothing wrong with having the best of both worlds with mechanical watches and the Apple Watch. I too prefer to mix and match. I think I and seemingly others have grown impartial to the Apple Watch. But it is quite interesting to read the forum members who are setting aside their pricey mechanical Watches in place of the Apple Watch. It depicts how well the Apple Watch has suited their lifestyle.

 

[Thai]

The way i see it...my Rolex costs at least $800 every 3-5 years to service. And yes, my Rolex and other Swiss (Omega HourVision and prior Rolex) have all stumbled one way or another by the 3-5 year period resulting in need to get it serviced.

So, i plan on upgrading my Apple Watch every 3-5 years as well. That is the cost of me servicing my Swiss anyways.

EDIT: my current Rolex will probably sit there for my kids to inherit if they choose to.

 

[OllyW]

First, This isn't intended towards you, but as a whole in general. The fact that Apple won't release sales numbers means nothing. Apple doesn't have to release sales numbers to prove anything and they don't owe those results to anyone. No one here will make the consensus that the Apple Watch is a flop or failure based on unreleased sales numbers. I believe it's fair to say the Apple Watch is doing well and easily has expanded across the board to all demographics of all ages for various reasons.

That said, it's Absurd to use the "Apple Watch won't release sales numbers" quote as leverage to disparage against the Apple Watch. It doesn't work that way. Constraint for the Apple Watch has is still prevelant after four months of its initial release, which I'm not saying means good sales numbers, but there is a significant demand.

I wasn't using it to disparage against the Apple Watch, just that today's financial results won't mean much either way because without the numbers it's all pretty meaningless.

Second, There is nothing wrong with having the best of both worlds with mechanical watches and the Apple Watch. I too prefer to mix and match. I think I and seemingly others have grown impartial to the Apple Watch. But it is quite interesting to read the forum members who are setting aside their pricey mechanical Watches in place of the Apple Watch. It depicts how well the Apple Watch has suited their lifestyle.

Of course, everyone has different needs and wants and at the end of the day they are all watches.
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And yes, my Rolex and other Swiss (Omega HourVision and prior Rolex) have all stumbled one way or another by the 3-5 year period resulting in need to get it serviced.

New Rolex watches only need to be serviced every ten years as improved lubricants and materials are resulting in less wear and tear.

 

[Thai]

I wasn't using it to disparage against the Apple Watch, just that today's financial results won't mean much either way because without the numbers it's all pretty meaningless.

I think that it does. Tim Cook may not give numbers, but if he says that it beats last year or sets records, then that means a lot!! AW series "0" sold quite well last year's holidays. That means that there is growth...and possibly huge growth.
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New Rolex watches only need to be serviced every ten years as improved lubricants and materials are resulting in less wear and tear.

I believe it when i see it. My Omega HourVision was supposed to be stretched to 5-7 years or so...it flunked within ONE year (date stuck)...Omega service failed to fix the problem...return to service center again...still not fixed...then i sold it. And then the Omega before that (again with Coaxial) failed within 2.5 years...requiring visit to service center.

My wife's Rolex Yachtmaster went super fast at 3 years and then crown started to slip, requiring service visit.

Just my experience...maybe i am just unlucky. Like i said, i have owned at least 4 high-end Swiss...all with similar experience.

 

[44267547]

I wasn't using it to disparage against the Apple Watch, just that today's financial results won't mean much either way because without the numbers it's all pretty meaningless.

As I previously mentioned, the unreleased sales number quote wasn't intended towards you, but as a general audience who do use that as leverage against the Apple Watch, which it doesn't operate that way.

And Sales numbers are indicative of a product, yes. However, anyone denying the growth of the Apple Watch and its real world expansion, understands its more successful than where it first started from the first Generation Apple Watch. Cook also indicated sales have been strong, along side the Airpods.

 

[OllyW]

I believe it when i see it.

It's been their policy since July 2015.

Perhaps an even more interesting development is the fact that Rolex is now also claimed to officially recommend a 10-year service period for its watches, up from a previous 3. This undoubtedly means some massive savings, as it reduces the required periodical services (used to replace lubricants and check parts for excessive wear) to a third of its previous number. Needless to say, this not only indicates how Rolex has developed its products in a way that enhanced their reliability and long-term performance, but also how Rolex's confidence in the durability of its watches resulted in something that is highly beneficial to the end-consumer.

http://www.ablogtowatch.com/rolex-5-year-warranty-all-new-watches-10-year-service-intervals/

 

[Thai]

It's been their policy since July 2015.

http://www.ablogtowatch.com/rolex-5-year-warranty-all-new-watches-10-year-service-intervals/

Great...again, Swiss has promised things before...but failed to meet expectations in my experience.

How many 2015+ Rolex have gone thru 5 or 10 years of ownership?

But here's the kicker...Rolex prices have skyrocketed recently...so, this longer warranty etc are paid for up front when you buy the watch. It's like BMW famed "free" service while under warranty...it is not free, it is just that you paid for it up front when you signed on dotted line.

 

[OllyW]

But here's the kicker...Rolex prices have skyrocketed recently...

So have Apple Watch prices in the UK but that's a discussion for a different forum.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

This is true. If you are not going to wear it daily, then no need for AW.

I don't wear mine everyday either. I like a bit of a change and I get more pleasure looking at an automatic than I do the AW despite it having more functionality.

I don't think you have to wear it everyday to enjoy it.

 

[44267547]

I don't wear mine everyday either. I like a bit of a change and I get more pleasure looking at an automatic than I do the AW despite it having more functionality.

I don't think you have to wear it everyday to enjoy it.

I don't think anyone is arguing necessarily what they prefer over the other. It's been how they interchange both mechanical and the Apple Watch. The Apple Watch easily is a favorite to wear, but so are mechanical watches. Plenty here, including myself, interchange between both. More so lately, the Apple Watch has been a favorite because of the capabilities over a mechanical Watch. Both serve their purposes differently for different occasions. Mechanical Watches will always exist based obvious reasons.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I don't think anyone is arguing necessarily what they prefer over the other. It's been how they interchange both mechanical and the Apple Watch. The Apple Watch easily is a favorite to wear, but so are mechanical watches. Plenty here, including myself, interchange between both. More so lately, the Apple Watch has been a favorite because of the capabilities over a mechanical Watch. Both serve their purposes differently for different occasions. Mechanical Watches will always exist based obvious reasons.

I think you need to read the post I was responding to for context. I wasn't arguing which was better and like yourself I added a personal view of what I enjoy.

 

[44267547]

I think you need to read the post I was responding to for context. I wasn't arguing which was better and like yourself I added a personal view of what I enjoy.

I was just saying that I do like to interchange both watches. I like my Apple Watch like everyone else does, but it's not for every single occasion out there. Mechanical watches will outlast an Apple Watch long term, even though right now, smart watches are still making headway.

 

[clauzzz203]

In every industry there have been holdouts of the last generation, that does not mean it will not happen here. However the current watch needs to be inproved and we are gladly proving it in the field.