What amuses me most about the Apple Watch debates

[blairh]

I've questioned the true usefulness of the first-gen Watch. I think a place like a forum is a place where we can debate such things in a civilized manner. I wouldn't however ever tell someone that purchasing said device is a waste of their money. That's pretty ignorant.

I do feel some people are going to buy the Watch because they are fanboys and/or they just want a new toy to play with. Whether anybody does that is irrelevant to me.

 

[bmac4]

Full disclosure: I will be ordering a 38mm space grey Watch Sport come April 10 and nothing you can say will persuade me to consider otherwise. So don't even try.



I have not done a content analysis so I could very well be mistaken, but after reading hundreds and hundreds of posts, why does it seem as though a great number of those not interested in the Watch feel the need not only to tell us they have no interest in it but also feel compelled to tell us how big of a mistake we are making?



Am I imagining this or is it a legitimate trend? Am I hyper aware since I plan to buy one? Because I feel as though it is not so true the other way. I don't get the sense that those of us who want the watch have the same amount of zest to change minds.



I'd love to hear other's thoughts.

I think this happens with every big tech launch. With any big smartphone release you have people telling others how stupid it would be for them to buy it. I don't see the Apple watch is that much different.

I am getting one, but I have some questions. I started a thread, not to tell people they were stupid, or not to buy the watch. I just wanted to share my opinion, and ask a few questions. My biggest question is, what am I getting for $700 (that is the cost of the model I want)? I am getting a nice looking watch, but watch that can't do much independently of my iPhone. Yes the metal and strap are nice, but I thought we were more paying for the tech in the watch. I feel like this became more of a luxury watch for Apple than a smartwatch. At least that is what the pricing is saying.

I am just confused as what they are trying to tell us. On one hand they are telling us how cool the watch is, and all the things it can do. Then they are telling us all the materials they used, and how nice the bands are they made. Also telling us they are going to be selling them in nice jewelry stores. I just don't get it. Either they are selling a techy smartwatch, or we are looking at a luxury timepiece. It can't be both. If it's a smartwatch then they should be trying to sell to the tech community, and really focusing on what the watch can do. It also should not be priced so high. If it's a luxury timepiece all they should have been concerned about is build quality, and looks. If this thing is a luxury timepiece you can't sell how great the tech in the watch is. It's going to be dated in a year, and you need another one. No luxury timepiece maker sells a $1000 watch that will need to be replaced in a year. I really just don't think Apple knows who to try and sell this thing too.

I am not telling people not to buy. I am going to get one. I just am confused by Apple. I don't think they are sure what they want this watch to be, but they have tried to make it both. Not sure how that will work out in the future. Yeah they will sale tons, but luxury buyers may questions why they bought it when it's out of date in 2 years.

 

[ninethirty]

I don't think anyone buying the Apple watch is making a mistake. I think for a lot of people it'll be a very convenient device. Personally I'm a bit let down by it, especially in the UI design dept, but I certainly don't have anything against it. I think the sport and watch versions are going to be very popular with people. I do on the other hand think that the "Edition" line is a joke, and is doomed to fail. Apple's got brand they've built for a number of years and it has absolutely nothing to do with fashion, or jewelry, or luxury, or timekeeping. To simply take a device that you CAN buy for $350, use about $1000-$1500 of gold for it's outer casing and then charge $10k-17k for it is a joke. I'd buy into the line of thinking that this is just masterful PR on Apple's part, but then you read articles about how Ive had to fight for this, because he felt it was appropriate somehow, and quite frankly, he should know better.

Full disclosure: I will be ordering a 38mm space grey Watch Sport come April 10 and nothing you can say will persuade me to consider otherwise. So don't even try.

I have not done a content analysis so I could very well be mistaken, but after reading hundreds and hundreds of posts, why does it seem as though a great number of those not interested in the Watch feel the need not only to tell us they have no interest in it but also feel compelled to tell us how big of a mistake we are making?

Am I imagining this or is it a legitimate trend? Am I hyper aware since I plan to buy one? Because I feel as though it is not so true the other way. I don't get the sense that those of us who want the watch have the same amount of zest to change minds.

I'd love to hear other's thoughts.

 

[matrix07]

I've questioned the true usefulness of the first-gen Watch. I think a place like a forum is a place where we can debate such things in a civilized manner. I wouldn't however ever tell someone that purchasing said device is a waste of their money. That's pretty ignorant.

I do feel some people are going to buy the Watch because they are fanboys and/or they just want a new toy to play with. Whether anybody does that is irrelevant to me.

That's me. :raise hand:

I don't have a need for it admittedly but like someone said, it's just a dollar a day for a full year. So I'll go ahead...

 

[ZEEN0j]

You don't need to list its features. We all know what they are. You don't have to list anything. But, no-one has listed uses to justify its price so there is really no point in trying. The Apple Watch hardware needs improving before that will happen I think.

Buy it because it's a great looking watch, nothing wrong with that.

No one has listed features to justify the price for you. This you must understand.

 

[bbeagle]

No one has listed features to justify the price for you. This you must understand.

Receiving ONE very important text on a watch that you'd miss with the phone justifies a purchase. It's not up to you to decide if a feature is worth it to someone else.

My wife went into labor 2 months early and I didn't receive the text until an hour late because I was out cycling and could not feel the vibration of the phone in my pants.

 

[Arran]

...why does it seem as though a great number of those not interested in the Watch feel the need not only to tell us they have no interest in it but also feel compelled to tell us how big of a mistake we are making?

People are discussing the watch here from many different viewpoints with many different goals. I think that's possibly causing confusion and some unwarranted defensiveness from self-declared buyers.

First off, the rude folks who blatantly diss watch buyers need to be ignored. They just waste everybody's time and bandwidth. If they're being overt, report them. Get them out of here.

OTOH, there are a number of other discussions looking at the watch, not from a consumers position, but from a business angle:

• Who is the product really for? (we all just assume it's us!)
• What's the product's "value proposition"?
• Does the pricing support it? (If not, have we misread the value prop.?)
• How does it affect branding?
• How does it affect existing customer's perception of the company (positive or negative)?
• How will it be supported by the business?
• Etc., etc.

Some of those discussions may be interpreted as being critical of buyers, but really they're an attempt to understand the product offering. What makes it tick?

Since we're fond of dreadful analogies here; imagine a bunch of medical researchers discussing a deadly new disease. They discuss it with vigor and passion because they want to understand it, not because they want to have it.

 

[KauaiBruce]

Seriously? Who are you to say if a product is a justified purchase. I used my pebble in EHS work since protective gear has to stay on during inspections. It makes my life easier and this watch will be a solid upgrade in form factor.

If it weren't for people supporting new tech there would never be a second generation for arrogant people like you

THANK YOU. That's why I support new Tech.

 

[KauaiBruce]

Point made lol? How about I was proving that smartwatches hold value for some other than just a "want". The pebble has poor iOS integration since apple makes it extremely difficult for developers to gain access. The Apple Watch would be a solid upgrade. You have a speaker phone for phone calls, siri access to do mathematical calulations, and respond to texts or emails ect. The form factor let's it be worn in more occasions since it isn't such a dog like the pebble. Need I go on? Is it okay if I buy it daddy?

The pebble is NOT a smart watch, it is a Smart Display Device. It can communicate back to the phone and does to answer calls or change music if you want to fiddle with it to do that. The reason they sold a lot of those is that they have not tried to make it more than it is so what little it does it does well.

And if everyone worried about retaining Value of every purchase then no one would ever buy a new CAR. Driving a new car off the lot is the fastest devaluation on the planet. The iPhone does hold its value and is an easy sell when you upgrade. The watch may be the same.

 

[Night Spring]

Either they are selling a techy smartwatch, or we are looking at a luxury timepiece. It can't be both.

Why can't it be both?

I'm not saying Apple has succeeded in creating a product that is both. But I believe that is what they are aiming for.

The only reason I can think of is perhaps the notion that a "luxury timepiece" needs to last "forever." But if we are willing to let that requirement slide, and consider the watch more in line with expensive fashion items that people wear for a season and then never wear again, then why couldn't a tech item be also an expensive fashion piece?

 

[papa8706]

The pebble is NOT a smart watch, it is a Smart Display Device. It can communicate back to the phone and does to answer calls or change music if you want to fiddle with it to do that. The reason they sold a lot of those is that they have not tried to make it more than it is so what little it does it does well.

And if everyone worried about retaining Value of every purchase then no one would ever buy a new CAR. Driving a new car off the lot is the fastest devaluation on the planet. The iPhone does hold its value and is an easy sell when you upgrade. The watch may be the same.

Apple is certainly going a different direction trying to do more with their watch. While some things look promising and useful, others are almost laughable. I don't understand a lot of the complaining about those features though since you don't have to use them if you don't want to. I welcome innovation and pushing it's limits to see what it is and isn't capable of.

Good point on retaining value though. IMO it won't retain value like the iphones but it will be interesting to see. Companies like gazelle could be great option if they jump on board.

 

[bmac4]

Why can't it be both?



I'm not saying Apple has succeeded in creating a product that is both. But I believe that is what they are aiming for.



The only reason I can think of is perhaps the notion that a "luxury timepiece" needs to last "forever." But if we are willing to let that requirement slide, and consider the watch more in line with expensive fashion items that people wear for a season and then never wear again, then why couldn't a tech item be also an expensive fashion piece?

Well I believe most of what makes a luxury timepieces is that timelessness. It never really goes out of style, and it looks great for years to come. Sure the Apple watch can be a fashion statement for a year or two, but then it goes by the waste side. A great timepiece last many, many years. I just don't believe the Apple watch can accomplish that. That is the only reason I believe you ol have to choose what you will be. Sure it can be really good looking smartwatch, and I believe the Apple watch is a quite good looking watch. It just can't be a true luxury timepiece, and still be an advancing tech watch.

I honestly have nothing against the Apple Watch. It looks great, and I think the UI is the best we have seen in a smartwatch. I am just not sure Apple knows what they have. I glad they want to make it high quality, and look really good. That does not mean it's a luxury item though, and to price most of the line that way is kind of crazy to me. I would have preferred a starting price of $250, and the watch edition starting at $350 to $450. At its core it's still just a smartwatch.

 

[papa8706]

Well I believe most of what makes a luxury timepieces is that timelessness. It never really goes out of style, and it looks great for years to come. Sure the Apple watch can be a fashion statement for a year or two, but then it goes by the waste side. A great timepiece last many, many years. I just don't believe the Apple watch can accomplish that. That is the only reason I believe you ol have to choose what you will be. Sure it can be really good looking smartwatch, and I believe the Apple watch is a quite good looking watch. It just can't be a true luxury timepiece, and still be an advancing tech watch.

I honestly have nothing against the Apple Watch. It looks great, and I think the UI is the best we have seen in a smartwatch. I am just not sure Apple knows what they have. I glad they want to make it high quality, and look really good. That does not mean it's a luxury item though, and to price most of the line that way is kind of crazy to me. I would have preferred a starting price of $250, and the watch edition starting at $350 to $450. At its core it's still just a smartwatch.

I agree with you. I think the price point it off. It was the laughing stock of every media outlet where I'm from the day after the event. If they lowered the price I don't think many people would be bashing it as much as they are.

I don't really mind the sport or regular apple watch prices since they want to appear "premium" compared to the competition but I see no reason why couldn't have made a premium edition for less than $2500 and accomplish the same task. There are a lot of nice gold/gold plated watches in that range. 17k is just silly unless you have money to burn.

That being said I personally wanted the silver anyway. A smartwatch is something you want to be functional and wear day to day. I think gold looks nice but it's too much for everyday wear

 

[rjlawrencejr]

Look at the top, it says forum. In a forum you debate. If you can't handle critic, maybe you should not be on a forum.

Reread my title. I'm making an observation of something I find curious.. I'm not even certain I'm correct since I haven't done content analysis. Yes, criticism and debate is always welcome but telling me or others I don't need something isn't debate if I didn't ask for an opinion or help with my decision. My original point is that in my observation the critics seem to go beyond criticizing/evaluating the merits of the watch or lack thereof and criticize the decision of those of us committed to purchasing it.

And I realize not everyone will be me, but if I'm not interested in a product and especially if I really don't like it, I just don't see the need of contributing my thoughts. I don't see the value. But to each his or her own.

 

[bmac4]

I agree with you. I think the price point it off. It was the laughing stock of every media outlet where I'm from the day after the event. If they lowered the price I don't think many people would be bashing it as much as they are.



I don't really mind the sport or regular apple watch prices since they want to appear "premium" compared to the competition but I see no reason why couldn't have made a premium edition for less than $2500 and accomplish the same task. There are a lot of nice gold/gold plated watches in that range. 17k is just silly unless you have money to burn.



That being said I personally wanted the silver anyway. A smartwatch is something you want to be functional and wear day to day. I think gold looks nice but it's too much for everyday wear

Yeah I agree the edition is just a joke. I just would like to know who thought this was a good idea?

My problem is I need a nice looking watch because I dress in business clothes each day. The Apple Watch seems to be the only one that fits. I do not like the finish on the Sport edition much at all. The Apple watch that looks the most appealing to me is the $700 SS with black leather strap. I don't like the metal links Apple made at all. I am looking at spending $700 for a watch that will be updated in 2 years, and I don't believe will be much to look at in 2 years. I really like the way it looks now, but I don't think it ages well. That just seems like a ton of money for watch that will only last 2 years. I own some nice watches that I have collected over the years, and I can wear them any time. Most of them are over 5 years old. I just don't think the same will be said for Apple watch. That is the only reason I think they are priced a bit too high. We all know the materials they used don't cost anything close to the asking price.

 

[Night Spring]

I am looking at spending $700 for a watch that will be updated in 2 years

I confess, me and my partner have been updating our $700 iphones every two years. We pay full price to keep our grandfathered unlimited data plans.

I also tend to buy a new iPad every year, though my partner tends to hang onto his a bit longer.

I think our budget can stand one more device that gets updated every 1-2 years, though in the case of the watch, I'm going for the sports watch, so it'll be $350 or $400 every 1-2 years.

Comparison to how long regular watches last don't make much sense to me. It's a technical gadget, that happens to look like a watch. I think thinking of it as a watch first is only going to lead to the kind of frustration you are feeling.

 

[cube]

It would not matter if they attempted to sell a "luxury" "watch" with poor battery life if they already had a full range of computers.

 

[darngooddesign]

Well actually, you just said it yourself. You are willing to spend the money to find out if you're right. That is wasting your money.

Technically it means there is a 50% chance that he is not wasting his money.

 

[rjlawrencejr]

I think this happens with every big tech launch. With any big smartphone release you have people telling others how stupid it would be for them to buy it. I don't see the Apple watch is that much different.

I am just confused as what they are trying to tell us. On one hand they are telling us how cool the watch is, and all the things it can do. Then they are telling us all the materials they used, and how nice the bands are they made. Also telling us they are going to be selling them in nice jewelry stores. I just don't get it. Either they are selling a techy smartwatch, or we are looking at a luxury timepiece. It can't be both. If it's a smartwatch then they should be trying to sell to the tech community, and really focusing on what the watch can do. It also should not be priced so high. If it's a luxury timepiece all they should have been concerned about is build quality, and looks. If this thing is a luxury timepiece you can't sell how great the tech in the watch is. It's going to be dated in a year, and you need another one. No luxury timepiece maker sells a $1000 watch that will need to be replaced in a year. I really just don't think Apple knows who to try and sell this thing too.

I am not telling people not to buy. I am going to get one. I just am confused by Apple. I don't think they are sure what they want this watch to be, but they have tried to make it both. Not sure how that will work out in the future. Yeah they will sale tons, but luxury buyers may questions why they bought it when it's out of date in 2 years.

Perhaps I am being too uncritical but I don't have a problem with Apple trying to reach two different audiences. It's a tech device that aims to be fashionable and a piece of fashion infused with tech. It's not like this is new - the gold iPhone is fashion. The iPod Minis and Nanos were as much about fashion as they were technology.

 

[papa8706]

Perhaps I am being too uncritical but I don't have a problem with Apple trying to reach two different audiences. It's a tech device that aims to be fashionable and a piece of fashion infused with tech. It's not like this is new - the gold iPhone is fashion. The iPod Minis and Nanos were as much about fashion as they were technology.

I think it's important to remember it's tech and fashion. They both play just as important factors. It's difficult to predict the future we know the technology market, and we know the watch market, but combining them into one device leaves us with many unanswered questions.

It'll be interesting to see how it all plays out. If there's any company that can shake up the market I think it's Apple

 

[bmac4]

I confess, me and my partner have been updating our $700 iphones every two years. We pay full price to keep our grandfathered unlimited data plans.



I also tend to buy a new iPad every year, though my partner tends to hang onto his a bit longer.



I think our budget can stand one more device that gets updated every 1-2 years, though in the case of the watch, I'm going for the sports watch, so it'll be $350 or $400 every 1-2 years.



Comparison to how long regular watches last don't make much sense to me. It's a technical gadget, that happens to look like a watch. I think thinking of it as a watch first is only going to lead to the kind of frustration you are feeling.

Yeah I see what you are saying. I have no doubt Apple will sell tons, and it will boost the smartwatch industry. I think the Apple Watch will introduce the smartwatch category to people that would never consider it. All that is means Apple has created something great yet again. Just wish it was a bit more techy than fashion. I think they spend a ton of time making it look good, and I think they did a great job. Just hate the price, and what it represents.

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Perhaps I am being too uncritical but I don't have a problem with Apple trying to reach two different audiences. It's a tech device that aims to be fashionable and a piece of fashion infused with tech. It's not like this is new - the gold iPhone is fashion. The iPod Minis and Nanos were as much about fashion as they were technology.

Yeah but can they really stay focused on both and keep it up? The fashion side of things like I have said before might get tired of the upgrading every 2 years. Most people don't buy a $700 watch to have to buy another one in 2 years. Apple will have to change the way fashion audience thinks about watches because currently that is not how luxury fashion watches work. If Apple can do that, the. Sure they can appeal to both tech and fashion worlds. That is just a large ask from the tech company.

 

[Night Spring]

Yeah but can they really stay focused on both and keep it up? The fashion side of things like I have said before might get tired of the upgrading every 2 years. Most people don't buy a $700 watch to have to buy another one in 2 years. Apple will have to change the way fashion audience thinks about watches because currently that is not how luxury fashion watches work. If Apple can do that, the. Sure they can appeal to both tech and fashion worlds. That is just a large ask from the tech company.

You are confusing the fashion crowd with the luxury watch crowd. Luxury watch fans want a timeless piece they can pass on to their grandkids. The fashion crowd is fine with buying $1000 and up shoes, clothing and accessories that they only wear for one season. That buy it and use it for one season mentality is a perfect match with tech products that go obsolete every year.

 

[papa8706]

Yeah I see what you are saying. I have no doubt Apple will sell tons, and it will boost the smartwatch industry. I think the Apple Watch will introduce the smartwatch category to people that would never consider it. All that is means Apple has created something great yet again. Just wish it was a bit more techy than fashion. I think they spend a ton of time making it look good, and I think they did a great job. Just hate the price, and what it represents.

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Yeah but can they really stay focused on both and keep it up? The fashion side of things like I have said before might get tired of the upgrading every 2 years. Most people don't buy a $700 watch to have to buy another one in 2 years. Apple will have to change the way fashion audience thinks about watches because currently that is not how luxury fashion watches work. If Apple can do that, the. Sure they can appeal to both tech and fashion worlds. That is just a large ask from the tech company.

You make a good argument. I enjoy watches and usually buy a new one every couple of years. I do this because I know I can use them for a long time given I take care of them.

You're probably not gonna be seeing someone collecting all of their smartwatches in a case and thinking every morning, "Hmm, which one will I wear today?"

The tech and fashion markets are completely different when it's combined into one product. That's what makes the future of this watch so hard to predict.

 

[bmac4]

You make a good argument. I enjoy watches and usually buy a new one every couple of years. I do this because I know I can use them for a long time given I take care of them.

You're probably not gonna be seeing someone collecting all of their smartwatches in a case and thinking every morning, "Hmm, which one will I wear today?"

The tech and fashion markets are completely different when it's combined into one product. That's what makes the future of this watch so hard to predict.

Yeah I think that is my issue with the Apple watch. It looks good, and it looks like it really well made. The problem comes when you look at what Apple is trying to accomplish with appealing to luxury timepiece buyers, and the tech industry. The way they have priced it seems like they are going after both, but will timepiece buyers really go after this watch? I just can't see anyone who buy luxury watches buying this watch. It will not stand the test of time at all. I am only going after the Apple watch because it has way more options. I hate that it is $550+.

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You are confusing the fashion crowd with the luxury watch crowd. Luxury watch fans want a timeless piece they can pass on to their grandkids. The fashion crowd is fine with buying $1000 and up shoes, clothing and accessories that they only wear for one season. That buy it and use it for one season mentality is a perfect match with tech products that go obsolete every year.

Yeah you are right. I am more talking about luxury timepiece buyers than fashion buyers. Fashion buyers will eat this thing up just like the iPhone. It will be the "cool" thing to have, but I can't see luxury timepiece buyers going after the Apple watch. Although I think Apple thinks they will.

 

[Night Spring]

Yeah you are right. I am more talking about luxury timepiece buyers than fashion buyers. Fashion buyers will eat this thing up just like the iPhone. It will be the "cool" thing to have, but I can't see luxury timepiece buyers going after the Apple watch. Although I think Apple thinks they will.

I'm not sure what to think. I agree with you that the Apple watch wouldn't appeal to luxury timepiece buyers. And I find it hard to think that the people on the Apple executive team would think that, either, unless they know something we don't.

So what makes you think that Apple is going after the luxury watch market? The price of the Edition? The price of the steel models? Something else?

It just occurred to me that Apple isn't aiming to compete with luxury watches directly. If someone is looking for a luxury timepiece that will last a lifetime, obviously Apple can't offer them that. But someone like you will buy an Apple watch for its smartwatch functions, even though you actually prefer luxury timepieces. And if Apple watch does prove useful, how long before you stop wearing your luxury watches?

I loved fine pens. While everyone else used $1 throwaway ballpoint pens to take notes in class, I paid $100 to buy one good pen and carefully carried it from class to class in a special leather pouch. It's now collecting dust in my desk drawer, as I hardly ever write with pen and paper anymore. I think same thing might happen to luxury timepieces.