Whether it’s Apple, Samsung, Pebble, or Fitbit, there are a variety of smartwatches on the market today. And while they offer compelling features and benefits, many inside the industry are wondering whether these modern “timepieces” will one day replace the classic analog wristwatch.
The Rise of Smartwatches
In 2015, Apple released its first Apple Watch. As is the case with any Apple product, it was much-ballyhooed and anticipated. And while it wasn’t a total flop, it certainly didn’t revolutionize the industry. In fact, you could argue that it’s taken nearly three years for there to be any significant growth. Even now, there are questions about the longevity of smartwatches and whether they’ll ever eclipse or replace traditional analog watches.
There has definitely been growth in the smartwatch market. According to a report that came out near the end of last year, the industry was expecting to sell 41.5 million smartwatches in 2017 (up 20 percent from 2016). Revenue was estimated to land somewhere around $9.3 billion, which would have accounted for roughly 30 percent of the entire wearable industry.
Even with healthy growth last year, experts believe this is only the tip of the iceberg. The report suggests that sales of smartwatches will reach 81 million units by 2021, which would generate roughly $17.4 billion in revenue – the highest of any wearable category.
The growth of smartwatch sales is connected to a number of factors. For one, prices have steadily dropped – making watches more affordable to the average consumer. Additionally, they’ve become less “taboo” and more aesthetically pleasing. As The New York Times puts it, “[Today’s smartwatches look] less like a shrunken smartphone and more like a traditional analog timepiece.”
This trend is worth keeping an eye on. Much of the smartwatch industry’s growth is happening in a category known as “hybrid watches.” These are watches that have analogue faces and provide a limited number of connected “smart” features.
One recent forecast suggests there will be 80 million hybrid watches shipping by 2022 – an increase of 460 percent over the 14 million that were sold last year.
Reading between the lines, it’s hard to ignore what’s happening here. People like the functionality of smartwatches but are still drawn to the classic look of traditional timepieces. Does this spell opportunity or disaster for the smartwatch industry?
5 Reasons Why Analog Watches are Here to Stay
It’s hard to argue against the rise of smartwatches. In the coming years, they will continue to be a force to be reckoned with. However, there also isn’t much evidence – yet, at least – to believe that smartwatches will render the classic analog wristwatch obsolete.
And when you study the appeal of traditional watches, it’s obvious why. As popular as smartwatches may become, there are a handful of reasons why men and women continue to buy classic timepieces from watch retailers.
- Convenience
From a very practical perspective, analog wristwatches are convenient. You don’t have to tap a screen, pull a phone out of your pocket, or ask someone for the time – you just take a quick glance at your wrist. Without a doubt, it’s the most convenient way to tell time.
- Style
Let’s not pretend a watch is all about telling time. A classic timepiece is just as much about style as anything else. This is especially true for men, who really don’t have many options to accessorize. Aside from cuff links and wedding bands, the wristwatch is really the only other workplace-appropriate fashion statement guys can make.
- Simplicity
“The best watches don’t use the latest technology. They are powered by ingenious mechanical clockwork technology that predates electricity,” Real Men Real Style explains. “So when your cellphone runs out battery – you can trust the technology that keeps running on your wrist.”
In a world that’s constantly oversaturated with glitchy technology, having a reliable timepiece that doesn’t need a Wi-Fi connection or charger is freeing. In this case, less is more.
- Craftsmanship
Have you ever taken the time to study how a watch works? If you own one of those watches with a transparent face or backing, you’ve probably found yourself mesmerized by all of the little pieces twisting, ticking, and rotating back and forth. It really is incredible to watch.
The craftsmanship of a traditional analog timepiece is magnificent. When you wear one, you’re placing a piece of sophisticated equipment on your wrist. For people who enjoy quality, this is both exciting and rewarding.
- Sentimental Value
Finally, there’s some sentimental value that comes with wristwatches. All around the world, there are families that pass down watches from one generation to the next. There are wives who give their husbands watches on their wedding day, mothers who pass along watches as family heirlooms, and friends who collect and bond over them. In this sense, the value supersedes the actual physical product.
Make Room for Technology
It’s important to remember that wristwatches are still relatively new in the world of fashion. While they’ve technically been around since the mid-1800’s, it really wasn’t until World War I that they became commonplace.
Tired of constantly opening pocket watches during battle, soldiers used wristwatches to quickly and accurately time attacks and military maneuvers. They liked them so much that they continued to wear them after returning home, where others picked up on the trend.
Understanding that wristwatches have really only been popular for 100 years puts things into perspective. It’s entirely possible that trends will shift again, and the smartwatch will be the next innovation in a long line of time-telling devices.
The mass appeal of traditional analog watches makes it unlikely that they’ll go the way of the pocket watch, but as experts in the field warn, you better make room for technology.
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