Why Do Mechanical Watches Still Hold Their Charm

There’s very little a smartwatch can’t do: it can tell time, access social media, receive and reply to emails, remind you about important meetings, and even help you stay fit. And yet, some people prefer the old-world charm of traditional watches. Here are a few reasons why we think the future’s still bright for the traditional watch industry:

When the first Apple smartwatches were introduced back in 2016, they were considered to be the way of the future. But with the latest Apple Watch Series 5 coming soon, first-generation Apple smartwatches have become virtually obsolete, and software updates may cease soon. Such is hardly the case for a well-designed mechanical watch. Whether you prefer classic and minimalist designs of Italian watches or the brand image of a Swiss watch, almost every timepiece is a piece of wearable art. In fact, some watches, even those that are passed down through generations, retain their original sheen and shine for quite long.

The first Apple smartwatches we discussed earlier sold for about $350 when they were first introduced. Today, those same watches sell for around $100 on eBay or Craigslist, less than half of what they were originally worth! Some of the exclusive editions, like the rose gold model and the models that use white-rubber straps, sold for upwards of $1,000, and now they sell for just over $200! There are several reasons that explain why smartwatches have poor resale value. For one, newer versions with updated features render old versions obsolete. And if you’re buying a secondhand smartwatch, the device is pretty useless until the original owner has disabled the activation-lock feature.

Those who prefer traditional watches avoid all this hassle. Italian watch brands and watches that use Swiss movements will always stand out because of minimalist designs and classic appeal. Unlike Swiss-made watches that are all hype and hardly any substance, Italian watches are very affordable. You can even resell them online for a profit!

All your devices (laptop, iPad, iPhone) require a charger. A smartwatch is another gadget that requires charging. While a smartwatch can monitor your heartbeat and analyze sleep quality, its limited battery life can hamper performance. Smartwatches can also distract you from actual work; imagine trying to work when your wrist is constantly displaying notifications about incoming calls, messages, emails, and social media alerts.

In contrast, a traditional timepiece does none of that—it just tells time! No wonder successful business executives prefer mechanical watches over smartwatches.

Report this Page