IT SEEMS LIKE EVERYONE wants to take a bite out of the cool and cutting-edge Apple Watch these days. Aside from its key timekeeping functions, the smartwatch tracks fitness and calories, answers calls, sets reminders and even displays event tickets and boarding passes. It also meets those all-important aesthetic requirements with Apple recently releasing its latest luxe range with Hermès. But while it has all the bells and whistles – emphasis on all — there is something missing. Like other digital watches, the sporty and tech-driven designs lack the classic “craftsmanship” and charm associated with analog wristwatches. Just wearing a lovingly-made watch somehow entices us to partake in civilised activities like high tea or engage in Nora Ephron films.
While analog watches aren’t as accurate as their digital counterparts in the calculation of time, on a mechanical and ornamental basis — they are an “art form.”
Vast vintage collector and writer for American timepiece publication Watchonista, Jessica J Owens, told Harper’s BAZAAR that while she wouldn’t personally consider a digital watch, if someone was after a “secondary iPhone” they should go down that route. But despite the advanced engineering involved in digital watches — and slew of features — Owens surprisingly believes the mechanics are “far more impressive” in analog wristwatches. “Analog watches are an art form, looking at the movement it is evident there was such an emphasis on not only design but craftsmanship.”
Hailey Bieber | INSTAGRAM / @dimepieceWhile digital watches cater for the multitude of specifications we now desire in technology, Owens says analogs are all about style, form and function. There’s little to compare the two contrasting devices with but a possible example is the difference between a designer handbag and say a backpack or briefcase. “I suppose it’s similar to looking at a handbag that was purely made for function, so maybe even comparing a piece like a Birkin to a backpack. That’s similar to comparing analog to digital. It’s such a difference in craftsmanship and desired functionality.”
The common denominator between digital and analog watches is its battery component and quartz movements — but that’s about it in terms of mechanics. Digital timepieces reveal the time through an LED, LCD or VFD screen whereas analogs display the time via hands on a dial.
Despite sounding like a tedious and antiquated design process, some of the more expensive analogs are meticulously hand-made by individual horologists who spend days creating just one. Tech whizzes may ingeniously conceptualise and manufacture smartwatches, but analogs require patience and “precision.”
“Many fine timepieces have upwards of 600 components, imagine that! I’m infatuated by the precision and skill level it takes to master that placement, thus respect must be paid. Watchmakers are truly artists, to me it is like wearing a painting or sculpture on your wrist.”
Hailey Bieber | INSTAGRAM / @dimepiece Hailey Bieber | INSTAGRAM / @dimepieceWATCHMAKERS are truly ARTISTS, to me it is like wearing a PAINTING or SCULPTURE on your WRIST.
While smartwatch companies aim to please trends and advancing technologies — their value seemingly hinders upon each new release. Meanwhile, analogs not only retain theirs but their value can increase over time due to their precious minerals and expert artisanship. None more obvious than with vintage luxury designs. Owens recommends Patek Philippe and Rolex as some of the best watch labels to purchase when considering an investment piece.
“The astronomical market values of a Patek Philippe 5711 Nautilus (compared to retail) or Rolex Daytona are something that will even surprise collectors. Buying vintage with the hope of it holding or appreciating its value, I believe is a safer bet as there are far more accessible options that will have the financial benefit whereas there aren’t nearly as many that will appreciate in value (though it might be more) in the modern market.”
Like sunglasses, watches are a very personal accessory decision and not only dependant on one’s personality but also lifestyle. Owens says that while both women and men can “rock any size watch,” she implores all to still go in store and try on each design. Like most items, timepieces can look very different when actually on your wrist compared to sitting on a display cabinet or featured online.
Princess Diana | INSTAGRAM / @dimepiece“I have had many cases, even as a collector, where I thought I wanted one thing and once I tried it on, went for something completely different. As a collector, I prefer vintage, but when purchasing a watch, as long as you are buying from a respected source it does not matter whether it is new or vintage, it all comes down to preference.”
So when you’re on the hunt for a new watch, perhaps spend a little more on a classic and all-occasion analog. Not only do they withstand the elements, but they stand the test of time.
Buying a WATCH is an incredibly PERSONAL EXPERIENCE, that BOILS down to what one LIKES.”
Hayley Peppin is an Australian lifestyle and entertainment journalist. You can find her on Instagram and Twitter.
TinTinSnowy said: Click to expand...What? Please don’t say things for the sake of saying. I had this exact same view of a smart watch. Used to wear Fossil. I did all this dieting bull shit to reduce weight. For last two years, my weight is constant, thanks to workouts and healthy food. Now, I wear watch from waking up till I finish my daily workout and walking targets. Apart from giving stats, the rings and charts push me to do better the next month.
What? Please don’t say things for the sake of saying. I had this exact same view of a smart watch. Used to wear Fossil. I did all this dieting bull shit to reduce weight. For last two years, my weight is constant, thanks to workouts and healthy food. Now, I wear watch from waking up till I finish my daily workout and walking targets. Apart from giving stats, the rings and charts push me to do better the next month.Dieting alone is the worst way to lose weight and majority rebound the moment they get the cravings back. Also, workouts are necessary to stay healthy, especially in mid life. Proper smart watches give valuable stats that can then be used to enhance performance. VO2 is one that is one such metric. There are countless instances of Apple Watch detecting anomalies in HR and saved lives. Apple Watch also is amazing for those who go on hiking. Features like backtrack help a lot. Automatic fall detection and call, using siri to control devices and more.Saying that smart watch is not useful because it can count steps is like saying smart phone is useless because it has color display. A dumb phone is still a dumb phone even if it is studded with diamonds and gold.Ps: if you have never worked out in life, you may not understand all this and I do suggest you add some form of exercise into your life. Your analogue watch can’t detect your HR anomalies.
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