Since the introduction of the first iPhone, many gadgets and devices have lost relevancy. The dedicated MP3 player, for example, including Apple’s own iPod, have gone out the market. Digital cameras, too, are struggling for survival now that smartphones are getting better at capturing high-quality photos and videos. Even laptops have become non-necessities as smartphones take the role of the portable personal computer.
The existences of wristwatches are also now being threatened as their smarter counterparts enter the market. The smartwatch can do everything a traditional wristwatch does and more, including giving you notifications from your phone, setting timers and alarms, tracking physical activities, etc. who needs a watch when their smartphone already serves those purposes?
But don’t think that traditional watches are going to go away anytime soon. They will always be relevant. Here are a few reasons why.
Always Reliable
A traditional wristwatch is more dependable than a smartphone. As everyone knows, smartphones can’t function without a stable internet connection and charge or else they will become basically useless. This is not the case with a traditional watch.
A traditional watch will always work no matter what. Whenever you need to know the time, all you have to do is look at your wrist. Because it does far fewer tasks than a smartwatch or smartphone, its battery lasts longer. Unlike smartphones and smartwatches that require frequent charging, a wristwatch battery, no matter how small, can last up to three years with no problem.
Fashion Accessories
There are now more smartphones and smartwatches available in the market from different brands. However, there is still not a lot of variety available to consumers. These devices all look the same which forbids the user from fully expressing their unique personality and style.
Traditional wristwatches, on the other hand, come in many styles, colors, shapes, and designs. Some are encrusted with precious, expensive gems. Others have gold, silver, or leather bands. That is why, to this day, you can see celebrities collecting watches and wearing these accessories on red carpets. It is also common to see influential people, such as businessmen and politicians wearing traditional watches in formal events.
Status Symbol
Wristwatches are seen as a status symbol in society. Like other gadgets such as laptops and phones, traditional watches come in varying prices depending on the materials used and brand name. This means that having a wristwatch could indicate your financial condition because it shows how much you’re willing to spend on things. The more expensive the watch, the better.
For example, luxury Swiss watches are highly sought after for their designs, brand names, and materials used which make them more expensive than other traditional wristwatches. These are also seen as symbols of wealth because people who have these kinds of items are assumed to be wealthy enough to afford them.
Durability
A well-made luxury watch can stand the test of time. It is a gift that owners can pass on to their children and grandchildren. In contrast, modern smartphones and smartwatches have short lifespans. Most do not live long enough to see a decade. Moreover, older electronic devices become obsolete quick because manufacturers continue to innovate. No matter how expensive, no one will be giving their old iPhone or Apple Watch to their offspring.
Traditional wristwatches can also be used in harsh conditions. You may not want to take your smartwatch with you when you go out camping, kayaking, or swimming because it might not be able to handle the job. A watch can be repaired if it breaks. If a smartphone falls from a height, most of the time, it will be cheaper to buy a new unit than bring it to a repair service.
Increases Value with Time
Luxury watches are investments that increase in value with time. This is why traditional watches are seen as great gifts for graduations, birthdays, weddings, and even Christmas because they increase in value over the years. Most electronic devices don’t do that because once you buy them, their prices will usually decrease even if you use it very little.
There are different pros and cons to both smartwatches and traditional watches. However, people do not have to choose. There is space for both old and new technology in the modern world. These devices can work in tandem to make life easier and more convenient for everyone. At the end of the day, it all boils down to preference. You can either go with a smartwatch or traditional wristwatches depending on what you value more: battery life, fashion accessories, wealth symbols, or durability. Or you can get both!
