The Apple Watch Launched Four Years Ago Today

[Edsel]

Hope you’re ok, that sounds absolutely traumatizing. I can’t imagine what it must have been like to have a watch that could do more than just show the time.

But that kind of puts Apple in a tough spot, because the poster a few above you wants his watch to do everything his iPhone XS can do 😱

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Hope you’re ok, that sounds absolutely traumatizing. I can’t imagine what it must have been like to have a watch that could do more than just show the time.

Thank you for your kind words. It was truly traumatizing and my therapist said I'll need a few more months of weekly therapy sessions to overcome my Watch 3 trauma. Though my seven cats are helping me cope, I have recently adopted a therapy watch dog to help my transition back to wearing a real watch that tells time every time I look at it! Unfortunately, my new watch dog "Rolex" and the cats are not getting along. My therapist said she can help me with that problem too.

😉 Here is my new watch!....

 

[jonnysods]

I think they did a great job - I don't have the AW4, but I view it as an engineering marvel!

 

[ipponrg]

Good one. You got me there, I will give you that.



I am sure.

I won't pretend to know what goes through the mentality of someone who is willing to throw down 5-6 figure sums on a watch (though I do frequent Ablogtowatch from time to time, and boy are the commenters there snooty). It's also hard to reconcile the elaborate backstory of say, a Richard Mille watch with it basically being seen on the wrist of many a corrupt politician or wealthy businessman who is clearly wearing one purely as a status symbol and not for the engineering or craftsmanship.

But I suppose I am one to talk, being so invested in the apple ecosystem and all.

That said, there are likely, right this second, millions of people spending money on things that I wouldn’t buy. Things that I could easily find an almost unlimited number of “better things to spend the money on”.

Perhaps I could take the time to tell them all that they should be buying something else that they don’t actually want, but I do. However, I think I’ll stuck to just understanding that they probably have different tastes, personal circumstances, disposable income etc to me and therefore it’s probably best for them to actually just buy the thing that they decided upon with those factors taken into account.

I simply ask that the Apple Watch detractors accord us the same consideration as well.

I have not spent 5 figures yet on a watch, but people such as myself have that type of disposable income to enjoy things. In lieu of always buying the latest gadget, that savings after stocks/investments goes toward the watch funds

The thing that attracts me to respond is when certain narratives spin Apple as if they are going to obliterate an industry. I think the AW is successful in the smart watch industry, but you can’t compare it to a watch where 1 purchase would net you at least 10 Apple watches

I will say no one ever asks, “oh which Apple Watch are you wearing?” But wearing certain recognizable timepieces, you will be asked by people periodically about it

 

[DoctorTech]

[doublepost=1556199533][/doublepost]

Would you recommend upgrading from S2 to S4? My S2 is in great condition but some of the apps are so slow or they crash a lot. I went for a run with NRC and it hadn’t recorded half of my run and was so slow.

That is a very personal decision but for me it was well worth it. The S4 is significantly faster than the S2 plus it has a larger screen and cellular capability (which I don't need often but it is really nice to have when I do need it). The other thing I really like about the S4 is the shock detector which I have enabled. If I were to have a serious crash while out riding my bike, my S4 will detect the sudden impact and automatically start a countdown timer on the screen. If I don't press the button to stop it (i.e. I am unconscious), my watch will call 911 for me and report my location.

The S2 was a great watch so if you don't need these features and you are OK with the size of screen and speed of your S2 I would probably hang on another 5 months or so to see what Apple adds to the S5. For me it was worth the upgrade. I hope that helps.

 

[yegon]

fair enough but there are also millions that will agree with not-sure

Genuinely the most redundant comment I’ve seen in a while.

 

[Zodiac-Jack]

Most Swiss Watch killer posts are only thinking in units sold which is not the best narrative considering the luxury sectors are doing pretty well. For example in the luxury sector, there is a waiting list for the Pepsi Rolex models. These go for $9000+ without much authorized dealer discounts. These watches are not mass factory produced nor cheap compared to the Apple Watch

Besides, not all Swiss watches are luxury brands, e.g. the cheap plastic Swatch brand, which is selling like crazy. Comparing (Swiss or other traditional) watches to AW does not really make sense, as the AW is more of a wearable computer than a wrist watch. They are very separate product segments with very different target customer groups.

 

[Abazigal]

The thing that attracts me to respond is when certain narratives spin Apple as if they are going to obliterate an industry. I think the AW is successful in the smart watch industry, but you can’t compare it to a watch where 1 purchase would net you at least 10 Apple watches

I see it as the Apple Watch competing with a luxury watch with the same valuable spot on your wrist. There will come a time when many a watch-wearer will have to make a tough decision between wearing an expensive watch which basically does nothing else, vs an Apple Watch which is capable of a whole slew of health-tracking features, some of which could potentially end up saving your life one day.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/arti...paign=news&utm_medium=bd&utm_source=applenews

Also, this article has Swiss watch executives blaming smart watches (especially the Apple Watch) for the decline in sales of watches under $1000. Not quite the upheaval many were expecting, but it's a start.

 

[BSG75]

I see it as the Apple Watch competing with a luxury watch with the same valuable spot on your wrist. There will come a time when many a watch-wearer will have to make a tough decision between wearing an expensive watch which basically does nothing else, vs an Apple Watch which is capable of a whole slew of health-tracking features, some of which could potentially end up saving your life one day.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/arti...paign=news&utm_medium=bd&utm_source=applenews

Also, this article has Swiss watch executives blaming smart watches (especially the Apple Watch) for the decline in sales of watches under $1000. Not quite the upheaval many were expecting, but it's a start.

I think you're right on this one. Despite cost/status of a luxury watch, as the Apple Watch continues to refine and dial in on the health/fitness aspects, it has the potential to become a need rather than a want. I was listening to a Hodinkee podcast a few months back and they were saying that if more insurance companies begin to cover the cost of the Apple Watch, it could be game over. Although, I believe there will continue to be a market for high-end mechanicals.

I also believe that it is hurting the sub-$1,000 watch market. This is much more price-sensitive than the higher-end market. If someone is looking to spend between $400-$800 USD on a purchase, they may be more likely to go with what gives them more bang for the buck. Which, in this case, is the Apple Watch. Now, in the Rolex world, I don't think the AW is having much of an effect.

You're also spot on when it comes to the comments on "A Blog to Watch." Many on there have a tendency to be very snobbish when it comes to watches. It really turns me off on the hobby, and I'm a watch guy!

 

[ipponrg]

I see it as the Apple Watch competing with a luxury watch with the same valuable spot on your wrist. There will come a time when many a watch-wearer will have to make a tough decision between wearing an expensive watch which basically does nothing else, vs an Apple Watch which is capable of a whole slew of health-tracking features, some of which could potentially end up saving your life one day.

I think that is pretty naive to think an Apple Watch competes with a luxury watch. No, luxury is not the $1000 segment. That is not regarded as expensive. We are talking low mid tier ($3000) and up.

The emphasis on saving your life will not start at using the Apple Watch for these folks. That’s a a good rhetoric that Apple wants you to think to sell more watches. It starts by being conscious about your health by visiting your doctor, exercise, and knowing your body.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/arti...paign=news&utm_medium=bd&utm_source=applenews

Also, this article has Swiss watch executives blaming smart watches (especially the Apple Watch) for the decline in sales of watches under $1000. Not quite the upheaval many were expecting, but it's a start.

The $1000 Watch segment is not the same as the Rolex and luxury segment.
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I think you're right on this one. Despite cost/status of a luxury watch, as the Apple Watch continues to refine and dial in on the health/fitness aspects, it has the potential to become a need rather than a want. I was listening to a Hodinkee podcast a few months back and they were saying that if more insurance companies begin to cover the cost of the Apple Watch, it could be game over. Although, I believe there will continue to be a market for high-end mechanicals.

I also believe that it is hurting the sub-$1,000 watch market. This is much more price-sensitive than the higher-end market. If someone is looking to spend between $400-$800 USD on a purchase, they may be more likely to go with what gives them more bang for the buck. Which, in this case, is the Apple Watch. Now, in the Rolex world, I don't think the AW is having much of an effect.

You're also spot on when it comes to the comments on "A Blog to Watch." Many on there have a tendency to be very snobbish when it comes to watches. It really turns me off on the hobby, and I'm a watch guy!

Just like any luxury sector, you’re going to have your group of snobs. Shouldn’t be a surprise to you. Never fear though, there are a lot of closet cool watch lovers who peruse online but don’t post

 

[BSG75]

"Just like any luxury sector, you’re going to have your group of snobs. Shouldn’t be a surprise to you. Never fear though, there are a lot of closet cool watch lovers who peruse online but don’t post."

It's not a surprise and I shouldn't let them turn me off. There are a lot of really cool collectors out there. I find that it's the knowledgeable collectors that tend to appreciate all price points, and some even appreciate the Apple Watch as well!

(Edited to add, that I screwed up the quote response, but wanted to make sure that it was included in my response!)

 

[stanhope]

I wonder what the value is on those gold watches today. Of course those who bought probably don't care because they probably have disposable income.

My thought is 10 or 20 years from now they will be worth more than the cost
[doublepost=1556202565][/doublepost]

I think that is pretty naive to think an Apple Watch competes with a luxury watch. No, luxury is not the $1000 segment. That is not regarded as expensive. We are talking low mid tier ($3000) and up.

The emphasis on saving your life will not start at using the Apple Watch for these folks. That’s a a good rhetoric that Apple wants you to think to sell more watches. It starts by being conscious about your health by visiting your doctor, exercise, and knowing your body.



The $1000 Watch segment is not the same as the Rolex and luxury segment.
[doublepost=1556201484][/doublepost]

Just like any luxury sector, you’re going to have your group of snobs. Shouldn’t be a surprise to you. Never fear though, there are a lot of closet cool watch lovers who peruse online but don’t post

 

[I7guy]

...
The emphasis on saving your life will not start at using the Apple Watch for these folks. That’s a a good rhetoric that Apple wants you to think to sell more watches. It starts by being conscious about your health by visiting your doctor, exercise, and knowing your body...

You call fall detection, potential afib detection and the ekg rhetoric? Fall detection and potential afib alerts could save your life.

 

[stanhope]

The day has already come contrary to some of the comments here. I have an 18k Cartier Panthere, Cartier Tank Americaine, Johnson Mathey Platinum, and the Van Cleef and Arpels 18k my parents gave me for graduation and a Bulgari stainless which crosses the $3,000 threshold somebody mentioned (which personally wouldn’t consider the luxury class but I’ll go with what you say). At first i wore the apple watch, the original one, to the gym and when I had a full day. Somewhat slowly, the apple watch got more wrist time. Once the cellular capability became an option, the apple watch is always on my wrist while the other watches sit in a box brought out only on special occasions and when a really good table is sought in a hot restaurant....for those who may not know, it is one of the things the maitre d’ looks at when determining where you will be seated.

 

[realtuner]

The thing that attracts me to respond is when certain narratives spin Apple as if they are going to obliterate an industry. I think the AW is successful in the smart watch industry, but you can’t compare it to a watch where 1 purchase would net you at least 10 Apple watches

Remember what happened to the Swiss in the 70's when quartz movements came out? After enjoying a near monopoly on watch production and likely with some arrogance thrown in, they bucked the trend of making quartz watches and favored their time-honored tradition of mechanical watches. The end result was seeing the Swiss watch industry decimated, with the number of watch makers and people employed by the watch industry dwindling to about 1/3 their original numbers.

Would you claim that because quartz watches don't compete with Rolex (since back then they would be priced similar to what the Apple Watch is priced at today) that the Swiss watch industry wasn't decimated by quartz watches?

Of course Rolex (and other luxury brands) aren't going anywhere - they are in a completely different market. But it's a little ridiculous to talk about the Swiss watch industry only from the point of luxury watch makers like Rolex and then claim they are doing fine. The Apple Watch has had a severe impact on sales of traditional watches under $1,000. It's not as big an impact as what the quartz movement had, but it's still significant.

 

[The Game 161]

You call fall detection, potential afib detection and the ekg rhetoric? Fall detection and potential afib alerts could save your life.

It’s been proven already it has by quite a few people

 

[ChrisMoBro]

[doublepost=1556199533][/doublepost]
That is a very personal decision but for me it was well worth it. The S4 is significantly faster than the S2 plus it has a larger screen and cellular capability (which I don't need often but it is really nice to have when I do need it). The other thing I really like about the S4 is the shock detector which I have enabled. If I were to have a serious crash while out riding my bike, my S4 will detect the sudden impact and automatically start a countdown timer on the screen. If I don't press the button to stop it (i.e. I am unconscious), my watch will call 911 for me and report my location.

The S2 was a great watch so if you don't need these features and you are OK with the size of screen and speed of your S2 I would probably hang on another 5 months or so to see what Apple adds to the S5. For me it was worth the upgrade. I hope that helps.

They are all valid points, thank you. I’m ok with the design etc but it’s the speed that I struggle with. Going for a 4 mile run only for it to only record 2 miles and then struggle with an app because the processor is so slow is a pain. I usually stop running at the end of my street so I can warm down properly. I was trying to pause and then stop my workout but it wouldn’t let me at all and by the time I managed to I had been stood in my kitchen for 2 minutes haha

 

[kis]

Most Swiss Watch killer posts are only thinking in units sold which is not the best narrative considering the luxury sectors are doing pretty well. For example in the luxury sector, there is a waiting list for the Pepsi Rolex models. These go for $9000+ without much authorized dealer discounts. These watches are not mass factory produced nor cheap compared to the Apple Watch

They're 8900 CHF, and yes, they're mass produced, like anything from Rolex. Some processes aren't as heavily automated as others, but overall, Rolex is churning out watches just the same as any other watch company. The waiting list for the GMT Master II is years, for the Daytona it's close to a decade now. The reason for this is that demand is through the roof.

However, dramatically cheaper watches, such as Tissot (which typically go for about the same price as a mid-range Apple Watch) are selling equally well. Same goes for Hamilton etc. I don't know who Apple is selling their watches to, but it's not the same segment in which the Swiss watch industry makes money. Hence they are no threat to them. My suspicion is that the Apple Watch sells to people who otherwise wouldn't wear a watch at all. And the health functions it now offers also cater to senior citizens.
[doublepost=1556215186][/doublepost]

If by leads the segment you mean the segment of all Swiss watches, you are correct. Apple is estimated to outsell the entire output of the Swiss watch industry by 5-10 million units this year.

But the Swiss watch industry is doing pretty well, selling around 24.3 million units a year in 2017 and 23.7 million in 2018. For 2018, below about $500, Swiss watch exports were off 5% in units sold, but above $500, units sold were up about 8%.

Which doesn't answer this central question: who do they sell the Apple Watch to? It's not people who typically buy mechanical watches. It's also not European countries or Asia. I suspect it's the average US teenager who otherwise wouldn't wear a watch at all.

 

[ChrisMoBro]

The only Apple product that still excites me.

Haha I agree. For the last few keynotes in September, I’ve been more excited about the AW than the iPhone. A sign of the times.

 

[PickUrPoison]

Which doesn't answer this central question: who do they sell the Apple Watch to? It's not people who typically buy mechanical watches. It's also not European countries or Asia. I suspect it's the average US teenager who otherwise wouldn't wear a watch at all.

I doubt the entire output of 30-35 million per year can all be attributed to US teens. In general, Apple’s sales in the Americas are lower than sales to the rest of the world, but who knows for the watch.

Customers are definitely not those who want a mechanical watch, a Swiss watch or a luxury watch, that’s for sure. Who buys Apple Watch? They sell to iPhone customers who want a smart watch; that’s the best I can do. There might be some survey data out there, you could Bing it 😱

 

[DeNachtwacht]

To everyone who compares the Apple Watch with a Rolex; not only it is an unfair comparison because they are different products, but it might also be the case that Apple Watches cause Rolex watches to actually loose value in the next five years.

Reason; it has been said here that it offers much more functionality than plain “time watches” like a Rolex, so Apple watches get more and more popular. Especially because of the health tracking getting more and more serious. If you’re both a billionaire and a heart patient, no doubt you choose the Apple Watch over the Rolex. And medical development of these watches has only been started...

Another (minor) reason is apple’s smart move to facilitate owners to easily switch bands and buying new bands matching your outfit. In borg the cheap and the (very) expensive price range. Regular watches don’t have this so this is a major fashion advantage over rolexes.

My bet would be that within 10 years demand for regular watches is in serious decline. And because economist’ laws also apply here: prices will drop.

 

[yegon]

I see Apple Watches everywhere in the UK on a large cross section of people. Young, old, male, female.

When you see new technology used by older people, 60 plus, you know they’re onto something. It isn’t a faddish, try-anything demographic by any means.

 

[parseckadet]

My suspicion is that the Apple Watch sells to people who otherwise wouldn't wear a watch at all. And the health functions it now offers also cater to senior citizens.

I suspect it's the average US teenager who otherwise wouldn't wear a watch at all.

The smug is strong with this one.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Rolex is the number one selling brand in the world. Apple overtook them in 2017.

https://www.businessinsider.com/how...umber-one-watch-in-the-world-2017-9?r=US&IR=T

Apple are the number one watch seller in the world. It takes some pretty extreme mental gymnastics to call that a failure.

Rolex aren’t really trying to sell more watches than any other watch maker as they are a luxury brand and have never mass produced to the scale of Casio or Seiko for example.

A person making a significant investment by purchasing a Rolex is unlikely to be directly comparing it to an Apple Watch too. It’s a totally different beast and I’d never compare my disposable gadget to my Swiss masterpiece lol.

 

[kis]

I doubt the entire output of 30-35 million per year can all be attributed to US teens. In general, Apple’s sales in the Americas are lower than sales to the rest of the world, but who knows for the watch.

And where did you get that from? Apple has had declining market shares in all of Europe (where the iPhone has never been as strong as Android) and Asia, especially China. The only place where they’ve been holding on and even growing market share is the US.

 

[kis]

To everyone who compares the Apple Watch with a Rolex; not only it is an unfair comparison because they are different products, but it might also be the case that Apple Watches cause Rolex watches to actually loose value in the next five years.

Reason; it has been said here that it offers much more functionality than plain “time watches” like a Rolex, so Apple watches get more and more popular. Especially because of the health tracking getting more and more serious. If you’re both a billionaire and a heart patient, no doubt you choose the Apple Watch over the Rolex. And medical development of these watches has only been started...

Another (minor) reason is apple’s smart move to facilitate owners to easily switch bands and buying new bands matching your outfit. In borg the cheap and the (very) expensive price range. Regular watches don’t have this so this is a major fashion advantage over rolexes.

My bet would be that within 10 years demand for regular watches is in serious decline. And because economist’ laws also apply here: prices will drop.

That’s what the Apple fan community have been saying for years now and the exact opposite has happened. The “functionality” the Apple Watch is offering over “plain time watches” is not something most people seem to want though - otherwise the mechanical watch industry wouldn’t have entered one of the biggest growth rates in history now .