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Who of you prefers the Apple Watch over his Rolex/Patek/Omega/Breitling/etc?
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Just purchased an SBSS S4. I normally wear a Rolex Submariner daily or Shinola chronograph. I always held off getting an AW because I like wearing a mechanical watch and felt the AW should be an everyday watch if you're really going to wear one. I will see how it works into my life. I really feel at this point I will wear my luxury watches less and the AW more as a everyday/fitness watch.
I'm not big on watches, but I don't really think it's a necessary comparison. It's like having a vintage Ferrari and a brand new one. You love both but they are two different cars.
The vintage one won't have the capabilities of the new one but will still look classy and perfect for a cruise around town or to an upscale gathering. Whereas the new one will be flashy and capable though maybe not one you take to the opera but rather a gathering of friends or younger people.
I would chalk it up to a matter of where the shoe fits but definitely both are nice to have if you're able to.
The vintage one won't have the capabilities of the new one but will still look classy and perfect for a cruise around town or to an upscale gathering. Whereas the new one will be flashy and capable though maybe not one you take to the opera but rather a gathering of friends or younger people.
I would chalk it up to a matter of where the shoe fits but definitely both are nice to have if you're able to.
I own four Rolexes I have acquired over the years. I finally gave into my neighbor's and wife's insistence (nagging?) and ordered an AW4 (GPS/CELL). I am looking forward to getting it, but anticipate wearing the mechanicals from time to time. I realize there are probably copyright issues, but I
really wish I could put the Rolex Daytona face on my soon to arrive AW4.
(I still intend to buy a Rolex Daytona when I can get one for "mere retail". )
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I have never had one simply stop running either...from my first 1964 DateJust through a 'President", Submariner, and Air-King.
really wish I could put the Rolex Daytona face on my soon to arrive AW4.
(I still intend to buy a Rolex Daytona when I can get one for "mere retail". )
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Really, never serviced? Can I get you to buy my lottery tickets?Seriously. I've had a few actually stop over the years due to my, ahem, sometimes leisurely approach to watch service.
I have never had one simply stop running either...from my first 1964 DateJust through a 'President", Submariner, and Air-King.
It already has for me. I have consolidated my mechanical watch collection from quantity to quality, and wear them when I feel like it or for black ball. Most of the time I just wear AW, and like you said, smart watches are still in their infancy, gods knows what else they will be able to do 5 or 10 years down the line.
My Rolex Sea Dweller 17 years old for the last 8 years it sitting in my night drawer and only occasionally i take it out no problem and no need automatic winder (I stop wearing it daily because i broke my hand above the wrist very badly)
I had a Breitling and two Tag Hauer watches when I got my first Apple Watch (Series 0). The two Tags are gone and still holding onto the Breitling - more because of the ridiculous low prices I have been quoted for selling it than because I wear it (which I don't). Now have a SBSS Series 4 and don't even wear my SGAlum Series 2 anymore - planned on wearing to the gym but wear the S4 all the time.
As much as I like the Apple Watch, I’m still on the onward trend of purchasing more mechanical watches, which I have added least five over the last three months now. And the Apple Watch is a great tool, but it’s also provoked me to really appreciate hardware with mechanical watches, and the simplicity of just having the time of day without all the functionality of the Apple Watch when I don’t need it, and there are more appropriate occasions for mechanical watches in my opinion as well. There really is a perfect balance when I want a smart watch, but I certainly gravitate towards mechanical watches just as equal, if not more.
with all the respect I can't sail my Rolex I just will keep it and buy one more in the further the Apple watch is the one I am using now daily but can't get in touch with it just keep buying every new model that come out and sail the old one for peanut.
These big steel watches look like old man attire. Sat with a business partner and his Rolex. Pair a series 4 with a good strap and it’s far nicer looking. Plus an s4 dues shout 10000 more useful things than just tell time
U R right I am not young but dont fill old yet and yes my Rolex shaw Professional
Returned an AW 4 almost a week ago, after an extended trial due to extended holiday return period. Actually started with ALU, then upgraded to SS right before Xmas. So tried 2.
Many of the same sentiments on this thread: I'm a long time mechanical watch fan and chronic flipper of dive watches. Doxa, Sinn, Damasko, Squale, Precista, Seiko, etc. Love the look and feel, especially of modern vintage renditions. The history and craftsmanship.
The AW is a more of a device, not a work of art or craftsmanship. Androgynous design. No soul like quartz watch. Delicate, fragile, like a "dress watch", yet also cheap looking like a Fossil, Swatch, or an exercise tracker. Tacky like a Shinola: if a watch says something about the owner, like a Shinola, its, a mark of someone trying to be trendy who hasn't a clue how foolish they look.
Mechanicals all have their individual character: some runs fast, others slow; the owner gets to know how to coax the best performance out of by overnight reseting position, how much activity keeps the mainspring at optimum tension, etc.
With an AW, any uniqueness at all is either a defect, or bug to be fixed with the next OS upgrade.
A week after returning the AW SBSS, I bought another one. And it feels right at home wearing it.
Here's what I came to realize. First, when I went back to wearing my mechanicals, I realized I never look at my wrist, except for appreciating and enjoyment fo the watch. Hardly ever to tell the time. I have my phone out so much, and I never have to set it, so 95% go the time, I look at my phone. Then I realized, because hand winding mechanicals too much can be bad, many times I put on the mechanical I want and head out, figuring I'll set it later when it's self wound itself. And then often don't bother setting it.
I don't use my mechanical to tell the time when driving at night, to in dark places at night, because the lume had faded too much.
Second, in contrast, I realized I was always looking at my AW for the time, and not so much my phone. In the dark too: tilt my wrist and I can see the time, anytime, always spot on, never have to set it.
Third, in addition to the time,
Fourth, I can see a number of other things at a glance. Sure, I can get all that from my phone, and what's a few extra seconds to get it out of my pocket.
But I was doing the same for the time: getting my phone out of my pocket.
Last, an AW's appearance can be vastly improved by the strap. It can be made to look less androgynous, or not like a fitness tracker, by using an analog watch face, and a strap adapted from the world of mechanical watches. Not talking about the Apple straps and bracelets. I've ordered 2, and will post pics when I get them in a few weeks.
What I came to realize is this: why wear something on my wrist that I interact with occasionally, for just 1 thing, and it's not always accurate, or even visible. Why not wear something that does that 1 thing 100% accurate, 100% of the time, anytime I want, PLUS it can with the same ease tell me a number of different things as well?
And if I want, there are times I don't have to carry the phone in my pocket.
Right now I'm holding on to my mechanicals. Figure to wear them on more formal occasions, or when I just plain feel like it. Time will tell how that will turn out for me.
This is my discovery. Your mileage may vary.
Many of the same sentiments on this thread: I'm a long time mechanical watch fan and chronic flipper of dive watches. Doxa, Sinn, Damasko, Squale, Precista, Seiko, etc. Love the look and feel, especially of modern vintage renditions. The history and craftsmanship.
The AW is a more of a device, not a work of art or craftsmanship. Androgynous design. No soul like quartz watch. Delicate, fragile, like a "dress watch", yet also cheap looking like a Fossil, Swatch, or an exercise tracker. Tacky like a Shinola: if a watch says something about the owner, like a Shinola, its, a mark of someone trying to be trendy who hasn't a clue how foolish they look.
Mechanicals all have their individual character: some runs fast, others slow; the owner gets to know how to coax the best performance out of by overnight reseting position, how much activity keeps the mainspring at optimum tension, etc.
With an AW, any uniqueness at all is either a defect, or bug to be fixed with the next OS upgrade.
A week after returning the AW SBSS, I bought another one. And it feels right at home wearing it.
Here's what I came to realize. First, when I went back to wearing my mechanicals, I realized I never look at my wrist, except for appreciating and enjoyment fo the watch. Hardly ever to tell the time. I have my phone out so much, and I never have to set it, so 95% go the time, I look at my phone. Then I realized, because hand winding mechanicals too much can be bad, many times I put on the mechanical I want and head out, figuring I'll set it later when it's self wound itself. And then often don't bother setting it.
I don't use my mechanical to tell the time when driving at night, to in dark places at night, because the lume had faded too much.
Second, in contrast, I realized I was always looking at my AW for the time, and not so much my phone. In the dark too: tilt my wrist and I can see the time, anytime, always spot on, never have to set it.
Third, in addition to the time,
Fourth, I can see a number of other things at a glance. Sure, I can get all that from my phone, and what's a few extra seconds to get it out of my pocket.
But I was doing the same for the time: getting my phone out of my pocket.
Last, an AW's appearance can be vastly improved by the strap. It can be made to look less androgynous, or not like a fitness tracker, by using an analog watch face, and a strap adapted from the world of mechanical watches. Not talking about the Apple straps and bracelets. I've ordered 2, and will post pics when I get them in a few weeks.
What I came to realize is this: why wear something on my wrist that I interact with occasionally, for just 1 thing, and it's not always accurate, or even visible. Why not wear something that does that 1 thing 100% accurate, 100% of the time, anytime I want, PLUS it can with the same ease tell me a number of different things as well?
And if I want, there are times I don't have to carry the phone in my pocket.
Right now I'm holding on to my mechanicals. Figure to wear them on more formal occasions, or when I just plain feel like it. Time will tell how that will turn out for me.
This is my discovery. Your mileage may vary.
If you’re someone that utilizes the capabilities of the Apple Watch offers, then yes, you can justify the price point. It is more Dependent what you want it for. But by no means does a smart watch, (No matter what Apple charges), even competes with a mechanical watch in terms of being more elegant and classy, both mechanical watches and smart watches have their place, but they are very much both different depending on the occasion too.
I have been wearing my AW for over 1 year. I still keep wanting mechanical watches.
The ones that I want are much more expensive than AW.
And I used have these watches- SubC and Nomos. I want them again.
But I cannot justify buying them because I will not wear them. They will be in the drawer and be taken out occasionally for me to toy with.
Apple Watch in invaluable to me. It does so much.
OTOH, mechanical watches only tell time.
I am a practical person and I cannot come up with one practical reason to buy another mechanical watch.............
The ones that I want are much more expensive than AW.
And I used have these watches- SubC and Nomos. I want them again.
But I cannot justify buying them because I will not wear them. They will be in the drawer and be taken out occasionally for me to toy with.
Apple Watch in invaluable to me. It does so much.
OTOH, mechanical watches only tell time.
I am a practical person and I cannot come up with one practical reason to buy another mechanical watch.............
Mechanical watches like Rolex Omega snd other from that class are TIME PICE they will last for many many years the AW for me it one year watch and will not last only for few years but after that all said I still keep my Rolex but wear my AW daily and replacing it yearly
Mechanicals are like classic cars now. Many people love classic cars. They hold their value and go up, last, but not practical at all. AW is far more useful but has no emotiional attachment and will be in a landfill in a few years
Well said. As much as I like the Apple Watch, you’re right, there is _no_emotional attachment to my smart watch, where as a mechanical watch perhaps that was handed down from one family member to another, or a specific model that might be limited, etc has more value to me for reasons as such. I would rather keep my mechanical watches any day over my Apple Watch, even though the Apple Watch does seem to be worn more at times.
Rolex and Omega... nice watches. I used to have them. And I enjoyed them while I had them.
But when the novelty wore off, they were just expensive watches that did nothing better than a $400 Apple watch.
I could not get emotionally get attached to Submariner, Speedmaster or Seamaster enough to keep them in my drawer when they got no wrist time.
If they were handed down to my by me grandfather who passed away, maybe I would've held onto them.
But they were just watches that I paid for. No other meaning or emotion was attached to them.
I get the most bang for the buck from my AW.
I might get another NOMOS to pass it down as family heirloom before they get too expensive.
But when the novelty wore off, they were just expensive watches that did nothing better than a $400 Apple watch.
I could not get emotionally get attached to Submariner, Speedmaster or Seamaster enough to keep them in my drawer when they got no wrist time.
If they were handed down to my by me grandfather who passed away, maybe I would've held onto them.
But they were just watches that I paid for. No other meaning or emotion was attached to them.
I get the most bang for the buck from my AW.
I might get another NOMOS to pass it down as family heirloom before they get too expensive.
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I originally bought a Series 0 in Aluminum because I had a few fine watches and was not sure I would wear it. I upgraded to a LTE series 3 last year and got it in SS. I quit wearing the others even when I had the aluminum. The stainless with a good band is quite elegant and appropriate for any occasion. The reason I had multiple analogs was I could change looks. The band options and faces make that obsolete at least for me.
as that all said I wear the AW SS all the time accept when it charge or I have to do any work, Try to bank it against hard surface and its gone, my Rolex, omega or siko can be scratched banked and still work
While I don't own any nice watches I have been thinking about if I would wear one instead of the Apple watch if I had one.
I like many traditional watches, but while I find mechanical watches to be cool and often a beautiful piece of engineering, especially those where some of the mechanics can be seen in a tasteful way, I would never use one. I like my time to be accurate and that's a problem for mechanical watches.
The Grand Seiko springdrive is the exception since it's what I'd call quartz referenced. I could wear that based on the accuracy, but I wouldn't because of the style. Regular quartz is not that accurate either. They tend to drift a couple of seconds per month. I do really like the look of the Breitling B50
Then there's a number of cool quartz based models that are accurate, like the Seiko Astron (I like the look of the new Astron 5X) with it's GPS reference, and number of models with radio based "atomic time".
Everytime I think about it I come to the same conclusion. I would not wear them even if I could afford them. I want the health data and versatility that the Apple Watch offers. I wouldn't mind having a Seiko Astron 5X and a Breitling B50 to play around with and have in a cabinet to enjoy the look of, but I wouldn't wear them
I'm thinking of getting a square G-Shock at some point just because I like it, and it's more in my price range, but I wouldn't wear that either other than possibly when doing work where I'm afraid my Apple Watch would be damaged.
It's kinda sad when sort of soulless product like the Apple Watch comes around and shelves the beautiful creations that watchmakers have been hard at work with for decades.
I like many traditional watches, but while I find mechanical watches to be cool and often a beautiful piece of engineering, especially those where some of the mechanics can be seen in a tasteful way, I would never use one. I like my time to be accurate and that's a problem for mechanical watches.
The Grand Seiko springdrive is the exception since it's what I'd call quartz referenced. I could wear that based on the accuracy, but I wouldn't because of the style. Regular quartz is not that accurate either. They tend to drift a couple of seconds per month. I do really like the look of the Breitling B50
Then there's a number of cool quartz based models that are accurate, like the Seiko Astron (I like the look of the new Astron 5X) with it's GPS reference, and number of models with radio based "atomic time".
Everytime I think about it I come to the same conclusion. I would not wear them even if I could afford them. I want the health data and versatility that the Apple Watch offers. I wouldn't mind having a Seiko Astron 5X and a Breitling B50 to play around with and have in a cabinet to enjoy the look of, but I wouldn't wear them
I'm thinking of getting a square G-Shock at some point just because I like it, and it's more in my price range, but I wouldn't wear that either other than possibly when doing work where I'm afraid my Apple Watch would be damaged.
It's kinda sad when sort of soulless product like the Apple Watch comes around and shelves the beautiful creations that watchmakers have been hard at work with for decades.
User1234: A good Square is indispensable.
I have a GShock square 5610. Atomic, solar, so always accurate, always ready to go. Mechanical watches has been a long-time hobby for me. I don't want those to get sand in the bezels, or scratched up. I use the G for water activities: beach, kayaking, swimming, etc. Also have an old (at least 15 years old) Pathfinder, solar and atomic, that is used for yard work, projects around the house, tinkering with outdoor machines, etc.
I'm with you on quartz, Breitling and Aston: not only would not wear any of those, but would never give one of those a second glance.
The mechanicals I have are vintage style with a history, mostly dive watches. For example, my Precista PRS 82 is an authentic re-issue of the last mechanical dive watch issued to RN divers. I have 2 Doxa 1200's, which are modern homage to Doxa's 1967 historic Conquistador. The only exception I have is a Damasko DA47, a pilot style watch with some very unique characteristics. A real took watch.
I've come to realize the AW is a tool watch, too, but more of what's to come vs. what was. The atomic solar Square, like the Breitling B50, are the past also. The next generation Breitlings and other we have seen are also dead ends, and will be outdated before they hit the market, if they ever do.
The reason is simple: the AW is not a watch at all. They are far more than that. As tech tools, like an iPhone, they have short lifespan and therefor are disposable. No one needs a luxury disposable tech tool device.
Hopefully the smart folks at Apple get together with Casio, merge an AW with a GShock Square, and offer that up as an option.
I have a GShock square 5610. Atomic, solar, so always accurate, always ready to go. Mechanical watches has been a long-time hobby for me. I don't want those to get sand in the bezels, or scratched up. I use the G for water activities: beach, kayaking, swimming, etc. Also have an old (at least 15 years old) Pathfinder, solar and atomic, that is used for yard work, projects around the house, tinkering with outdoor machines, etc.
I'm with you on quartz, Breitling and Aston: not only would not wear any of those, but would never give one of those a second glance.
The mechanicals I have are vintage style with a history, mostly dive watches. For example, my Precista PRS 82 is an authentic re-issue of the last mechanical dive watch issued to RN divers. I have 2 Doxa 1200's, which are modern homage to Doxa's 1967 historic Conquistador. The only exception I have is a Damasko DA47, a pilot style watch with some very unique characteristics. A real took watch.
I've come to realize the AW is a tool watch, too, but more of what's to come vs. what was. The atomic solar Square, like the Breitling B50, are the past also. The next generation Breitlings and other we have seen are also dead ends, and will be outdated before they hit the market, if they ever do.
The reason is simple: the AW is not a watch at all. They are far more than that. As tech tools, like an iPhone, they have short lifespan and therefor are disposable. No one needs a luxury disposable tech tool device.
Hopefully the smart folks at Apple get together with Casio, merge an AW with a GShock Square, and offer that up as an option.