Apr 27, 2018
How Does the Apple Watch Compare to Luxury Watches?
Since it was introduced in the Spring of 2015, the Apple Watch has sent a ripple of curiosity throughout the tech industry. This left many people to wonder how this device will impact the sales of mechanical watches and the big Swiss brands.
If luxury watches can’t do things like send a text or track daily activity, will they be less valued as time goes on? Let’s answer some common questions to see how the two categories compare.
What’s the price difference?
If you buy a luxury watch, you can expect to spend anywhere from a couple hundred dollars, to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Apple Watches, on the other hand, cost between $269 for a Series 1 to $1,499 for the Ceramic Edition. Sure, they may be cheaper, but there’s a catch — which brings us to the next question:
How do they compare in terms of price depreciation?
A mechanical watch may depreciate in value the second it sells. But if you give it a few years, its price and depreciation will probably even out, and its value will remain consistent.
It would be hard to expect Apple Watches to retain value in a similar way.
Why?
As new tech arrives, current devices become obsolete, such as the iPod.
So don’t expect the Apple Watch to be any different. Early adopters will eventually see their Series 1 become redundant as Apple releases newer versions and upgrades its OS.
What about shelf life?
Though luxury watch brands innovate, they do so at a much slower pace than tech companies. And not to the extent of replacing older models entirely.
When new models are introduced, it doesn’t mean older watches are destined for the trash.
In comparison, Apple products have a relatively short lifecycle, meaning new devices quickly take over older product lines.
Going by history, the Apple Watch will eventually run slower, stop holding a charge and Apple will no longer support its OS with updates.
Which offers better designs?
We’ll leave that to you to decide. High-end watches offer a range of styles, sizes and materials to choose from. Whether you shop for a Rolex, Omega, Patek Phillippe or Hublot, you will notice obvious differences in design.
This offers selection in terms of fashion and aesthetics, and lets consumers customize mechanical watches depending on the brand and style they prefer.
The Apple Watch offers its fair share of unique features as well. It’s modern design, square and seamless with all clean lines, is attractive to users.
And you can personalize the watch face with both digital and analog options.
But when it’s inactive, the watch is just a black screen.
How about functionality?
The Apple Watch is perfect for tracking fitness performance and daily activity — something luxury watches can’t do, except for the chronograph, pulsometer or the addition of a device like the Chronos.
However, you need Wi-Fi or a Bluetooth connection to retrieve your information, and it also requires charging.
Luxury watches, on the other hand, do some amazing things without ever needing a battery.
They are powered instead by simply moving your wrist or winding the crown.
And they are made with hundreds of tiny parts working in unison, very much unlike the digital interface of the Apple Watch.
Plus, they can run for decades or even centuries if kept in good condition.
There are 50-year-old watches that function just fine without requiring service, demonstrating the quality build of fine timepieces.
Conclusion
Of course, the Apple Watch offers some very cool technology. But it’s not even close to taking over the luxury watch industry.
The notion that the growing popularity of the Apple Watch will eventually replace luxury watches is far-fetched.
The two categories simply appeal to different people.
While those eager to test the latest technology may experiment with the Apple Watch, luxury watch buyers will continue to value the exquisite designs and special features of traditional timepieces.
In the end, there is enough room for both the Apple Watch and mechanical watches in the modern market.
In fact, many people will likely sport both (just probably not on the same wrist).
Luxury Bazaar offers the finest selection of high-end watches from the world’s leading manufacturers.
Check out our complete selection to shop for an Audemars Piguet, Breitling, Patek Philippe, Hublot, Rolex, IWC or a watch from any of the other top brands!
