Has your Apple Watch entirely replaced your expensive Swiss watch?

[44267547]

The graph I posted from the article is the same for daytona's - here's the daytona breakdown:-



The point of the graph is to show the increase in new purchase price as charged by the manufacturer not its increase in second hand value. The black line is the price set by Rolex. The red line is what that would be in adjusted terms based on the initial price at the time of the models release and increases for inflation & materials R&D.

So in adjusted terms the average US worker could afford 11 Rolexes per year back in the 50's, in today's money the same guy can only afford 6.

The price of second hand Rolexes, the most highly sort after ones at least, is fairly stable at just below the grey market new value which is usually around 20%-40% below the RRP

Its been that way for the last 3-4 years So a second hand Sub is in the $6-7k eange and the new ones is over $10k. Not sure about Daytonas lately, as its not a model I'm chasing after.

Very, very occasionally a historical model will appreciate in value - like the one that Paul Newman made famous, but at the time of its release it was considered ugly and was discontinued. Now its worth a fortune

The concept of getting rich by investing in watches and which models to buy is a very frequent question posed on various watch discussion forums by new members. There's been some great analyses, but basically, while you willhave a saleable asset that will last decades, even generations, it is pretty rare that you'll make money on the deal.

My crystal ball seems to be on the blink, so I'm not sure what the not models will be in the coming decade or two.

And just to be clear, a mechanical watch need only be service in the range of 4-20 years depending upon the brand and the type and frequency of wear. If it is a brand that is supported by skilled independent watch makers, then this fee will be in the order of $200-$500 dollars. If factory it will be more

To judge the value of used AW long term ,just look at the value of used phones, pads and macs from years gone by. The service possibilities? Much like the cheap or mall end of the market - its probably financial sensible to replace it. With a mechanical in the sub $1k range its possible to do service and repairs if you want to keep it for sentimental reasons.

Folks are still repiring and refurbishing antique watches of 50-100-200 years ago.

Longevity and functionality aside, the Luxury aspect of a nice watch and its heritage, craftsmanship and hand-finished dealing is not something that is evident in AW

Its just competing in a totally different market space.

I mean no disrespect to you or your post, but what's your point exactly? Aside from whats batantly obvious. I mean, providing statistical data with $10,000 Watches versus a $600.00 piece of technology is like comparing Versace to Hanes. It's completely
Irrevelant.

I also bolded the last paragraph in your post. The Apple Watch doesn't aim for longetivity for two reason, 1). It's technology. Which is replaced every few years respectively with improvements in OS/Hardware. 2). The Apple Watch doesn't aim to target the prestige of those who can afford an Omega or Philipe Patek. It aims to target a demographic that utilizes the Apple Watch in a variety of ways. Rather that be health/fitness, notifications or Simply just the convenient factor. That's why there is a widespread attraction, because the Apple Watch serves every one differently, versus purchasing a high end time piece that's primarily used for time keeping and luxury.

And it goes without saying, comparing the Apple Watch in terms of craftsmanship to a Panerai isn't reasonable. That's not how it was intended to be and it never will be. No one purchase the Apple Watch to compare to a Rolex. However, many forum members own an Apple Watch and high end mechanical Watch, being they offer different capabilities for obvious reasons.

Even though Apple released the Gold Edition, they removed it from the line up, releazing it wasn't practical when you consider running with a $15,000 rose gold Edition.

But fact is, statistical data with mechanical Watches to software related isn't comparable or necessarily appropriate. A smart Watch isn't and will never be in any remote catergory to a mechanical Watch.

 

[Ffosse]

Question for those not as dumb as me: What happens with the $15,000 Apple Watch when its battery and/or chip start to age?

Do Apple refurbish it for you somehow?

 

[Arran]

Question for those not as dumb as me: What happens with the $15,000 Apple Watch when it's battery and/or chip start to age?

Do Apple refurbish it for you somehow?

1st gen battery replacement is $79 for all models.

 

[spinedoc77]

Question for those not as dumb as me: What happens with the $15,000 Apple Watch when it's battery and/or chip start to age?

Do Apple refurbish it for you somehow?

I'm not sure if they have any kind of battery replacement program for it, but it's possible they can replace it for a fee. Nothing they can do about an aging chip, you are stuck with the technology in that phone. So yeah it's not a good purchase from that point of view, but you could say the same thing about a car. I'm not defending a 15k AW, personally I would never spend that much without being able to upgrade it or trade it in.

 

[nicnick]

Apple is never going to make anything as beautiful as a Daytona. I'm a millennial and I still can't buy into the concept of OS design overtaking the physical craftsmanship that goes into the intricate watch building.

 

[Ffosse]

I might buy a Daytona or other high-end watch if I could afford it. The thread really is about the AW replacing (or not) traditional watches for people. It isn't all about the price.

Sunset was at 3:37 today and, shortly after, I couldn't even see the time properly on my traditional Swiss watch while walking outside; also I was missing tracking my walk. This watch is going back to its drawer presently - I've become accustomed to the AW.

 

[nicnick]

I might buy a Daytona or other high-end watch if I could afford it. The thread really is about the AW replacing (or not) traditional watches for people.

It hasn't for me. The AW is super handy in meetings because I can check messages more discretely. It also great at the gym. Otherwise I prefer the weight and feeling of a traditional watch. The AW isn't very pretty IMO. I'd say I'm about 50/50.

 

[bevsb2]

Apple is never going to make anything as beautiful as a Daytona. I'm a millennial and I still can't buy into the concept of OS design overtaking the physical craftsmanship that goes into the intricate watch building.

And Rolex is never going to make anything as functional as an Apple Watch. That is a very handsome watch you're wearing.

 

[nicnick]

And Rolex is never going to make anything as functional as an Apple Watch. That is a very handsome watch you're wearing.

Agreed! wouldn't that be a game changer though?? A smart Rolex.... definitely never going to happen

 

[Ulenspiegel]

AW is a very practical and useful piece, but it is not and never will be in the same category as a mechanical watch.
AW is not a status symbol, whilst some of the mechanical watches are, which is important in certain strata of society.

 

[richard371]

I enjoy rotating my AW2 with my other 2 mechanicals. I'm really impressed with the battery life with 3.1. Only problem is the day I don't wear it my activity friends message my asking me why I have not moved today.

 

[doboy]

I have several Tag watches I gave up on

 

[macdragonfl]

I've seldom worn any of my other 4 watches since getting AW. But not really wanting to let them go either. They just sit in a box and worn to a wedding or some special occasion.

 

[richard371]

Get a winder and set it on the dresser. Will look nice and tempt you to wear them. We have become so high tech with everything its nice to have a couple of mechanicals.

I've seldom worn any of my other 4 watches since getting AW. But not really wanting to let them go either. They just sit in a box and worn to a wedding or some special occasion.

 

[BarracksSi]

I mean no disrespect to you or your post, but what's your point exactly? Aside from whats batantly obvious. I mean, providing statistical data with $10,000 Watches versus a $600.00 piece of technology is like comparing Versace to Hanes. It's completely
Irrevelant.

It's relevant because it's the question asked by the OP -- "Has the AW replaced your expensive Swiss watches?"

And, in this thread, we've got plenty of examples of luxury watch owners who rarely wear their watches anymore. So, for these people, the answer is obviously "yes".

Similarly, I've completely rethought whether I'd get a more expensive watch myself to add to my collection. Honestly, if my workplace didn't prohibit personal electronics, I'd hardly have a reason to wear my other watches, and I'd buy more AW straps instead.

 

[44267547]

It's relevant because it's the question asked by the OP -- "Has the AW replaced your expensive Swiss watches?"

And, in this thread, we've got plenty of examples of luxury watch owners who rarely wear their watches anymore. So, for these people, the answer is obviously "yes".

Similarly, I've completely rethought whether I'd get a more expensive watch myself to add to my collection. Honestly, if my workplace didn't prohibit personal electronics, I'd hardly have a reason to wear my other watches, and I'd buy more AW straps instead.

I think more specifically, when I was quoting @freg, I was indicating why he stated the Apple Watch doesn't compare to a mechanical Watch, which really is an unfair comparison. It's blatantly obvious the Apple Watch does not and cannot compete with a mechanical Watch. It wasn't intended to. Statistical data means nothing in terms of how technology evolves, when mechanical Watches easily can outlive me or you if taken care of. I'm sure your Father's Omega is likely between 30-50 years old. That holds heritage and meaning, when the Apple Watch will be metal scrap in years time.

Technology versus a premium hand made Panerai is asinine in comparison and isn't relevant . I understand the OP's post, but I was quoting @freg on his data. I love my Apple Watches (I own five), but they don't compare to my Other Watches I own.

 

[WarHeadz]

If anything I seem to see the reverse being true. As younger folks progress in their careers and have some spare dollars in their pocket, if they have become used to something on their wrists, then wanting something that is individualistic and characterful will often send them in search of a good mechanical watch .

As a millennial, I must disagree. I wouldn't get an "individualistic" mechanical watch because it doesn't do anything but tell me the time and date. I wear an Apple Watch because it does so much more. I never wore a watch before the Apple Watch came out and I will never wear a watch that doesn't perform the functions I have become accustomed to. A mechanical watch would just be dead weight on my wrist. Beautiful dead weight, but still dead weight nonetheless. Expensive mechanical watches will always have a place in the hands of collectors, enthusiasts, and as jewelry for very special occasions. However, for every day wear, smartwatches will be most dominant.

 

[PCtoMAC1]

Man, I replaced my Timex with my watch.

 

[freg]

I mean no disrespect to you or your post, but what's your point exactly? Aside from whats batantly obvious. I mean, providing statistical data with $10,000 Watches versus a $600.00 piece of technology is like comparing Versace to Hanes. It's completely
Irrevelant.

I also bolded the last paragraph in your post. The Apple Watch doesn't aim for longetivity for two reason, 1). It's technology. Which is replaced every few years respectively with improvements in OS/Hardware. 2). The Apple Watch doesn't aim to target the prestige of those who can afford an Omega or Philipe Patek. It aims to target a demographic that utilizes the Apple Watch in a variety of ways. Rather that be health/fitness, notifications or Simply just the convenient factor. That's why there is a widespread attraction, because the Apple Watch serves every one differently, versus purchasing a high end time piece that's primarily used for time keeping and luxury.

And it goes without saying, comparing the Apple Watch in terms of craftsmanship to a Panerai isn't reasonable. That's not how it was intended to be and it never will be. No one purchase the Apple Watch to compare to a Rolex. However, many forum members own an Apple Watch and high end mechanical Watch, being they offer different capabilities for obvious reasons.

Even though Apple released the Gold Edition, they removed it from the line up, releazing it wasn't practical when you consider running with a $15,000 rose gold Edition.

But fact is, statistical data with mechanical Watches to software related isn't comparable or necessarily appropriate. A smart Watch isn't and will never be in any remote catergory to a mechanical Watch.

The OP's post posited that the reason for the downturn in the Swiss watch industry was in part due to the introduction of AW and by extension, other smart wearables.

My reason for the first graph and lengthy diatribe was to point out that this isn't the case. The luxury watch industry has painted themselves into a corner over the last 5-10 years and have banked upon the chinese and indian emerging economies continuing at the same rate of growth. These factors have had a huge impact on swiss watch sales, not the intro duction of AW

To a large extent we're agreeing with each other

The second graph and discourse was to disavow the misconception that "investing" in a swiss watch will reap you financial returns.

It won't

I finished off with saying, much as you did, that the two items are not even marketed to the same people and are not in the same gategory of purchase.

I do find it interesting that the number of millenials who responded in the negative on mechanicals are also a sympton of another aspect of the swiss industry ( and german, austrian, french & japanese) for luxury watches

Their marketing methods haven't evolved and they are not having a dialogue with their next generation of potential customers, all of whom just don't see a benefit in the product.

That is born out by this entire thread.

The big four Swiss conglomerates have all had some major upper management level changes, so it will be interesting to see how this all changes over time

I have a millennial niece who has just been promoted in her job and has started to notice that none of the clients or management or co-workers that she now deals with are wearing AW's or similar and is asking me about mechanicals.

So I don't think the trend is universal, nor a major part of the problems facing mechanical watches.

Certainly a factor, but it could be turned into a plus if the marketing boys educate folks

 

[Ffosse]

I've enjoyed reading the replies and viewing the cool watches posted.

For me I can't go back to mechanical or regular quartz.

 

[jamin00]

I reckon 90% or some other stupidly high % number of AW owners have never paid anything close to what they paid for an AW as what they have on another watch?


As for them not being an investment, most are not but get the right model such as my Daytona SS 09 and it will be. Im sure the ceramic Daytona Im after will be too as you can guarantee people will be lapping them up at 50% and more over rrp as they are not prepared to wait for years for one.

Sub's etc will never be an investment as just about anyone has one who has Rolex as they are easy to get hold off. As for other brands, don't really follow them too much.

 

[spinedoc77]

I reckon 90% or some other stupidly high % number of AW owners have never paid anything close to what they paid for an AW as what they have on another watch?


As for them not being an investment, most are not but get the right model such as my Daytona SS 09 and it will be. Im sure the ceramic Daytona Im after will be too as you can guarantee people will be lapping them up at 50% and more over rrp as they are not prepared to wait for years for one.

Sub's etc will never be an investment as just about anyone has one who has Rolex as they are easy to get hold off. As for other brands, don't really follow them too much.

Subs are probably the best investment. I paid 4K for my first sub 12 years ago, it appraises for 10k but will realistically get 6-7k easily. I'll never sell it though as it's nostalgic and my first purchase when my business started.

 

[jamin00]

What Sub? I don't see many subs worth much more than they cost rrp which is a completely different story for the Daytona. You can walk in to any Rolex store or Goldsmiths etc and get a sub, try getting a Daytona.

I'd sell my Sub but I still can't find it from realising it was not in my case a few days ago. Its here somewhere.

 

[macdragonfl]

As a millennial, I must disagree. I wouldn't get an "individualistic" mechanical watch because it doesn't do anything but tell me the time and date. I wear an Apple Watch because it does so much more. I never wore a watch before the Apple Watch came out and I will never wear a watch that doesn't perform the functions I have become accustomed to. A mechanical watch would just be dead weight on my wrist. Beautiful dead weight, but still dead weight nonetheless. Expensive mechanical watches will always have a place in the hands of collectors, enthusiasts, and as jewelry for very special occasions. However, for every day wear, smartwatches will be most dominant.

I'm with you on that for sure. I have always worn watches. I have 4 nice mechanicals. The AW was cheaper than all of them and does so much more that I am now accustomed to. Just wear the mechanicals to special occasions rarely. When i do i miss all of the convience of the AW. I have about 12 bands now and with ability to change the face I have many watches for any occasion.

 

[44267547]

I'm with you on that for sure. I have always worn watches. I have 4 nice mechanicals. The AW was cheaper than all of them and does so much more that I am now accustomed to. Just wear the mechanicals to special occasions rarely. When i do i miss all of the convience of the AW. I have about 12 bands now and with ability to change the face I have many watches for any occasion.

That's why the Watch is so versatile with the endless customization.