Smartwatch vs Normal Watch

Just like we all have our favorite foods, colors, quirky habits, or even a preferred way to make our coffee in the morning, we all have a favored type of watch. Some of us are a little more tech-savvy and prefer the appeal of a smartwatch, while others love traditional watchmaking and like the look of an analog watch on their wrist. Neither is right nor wrong. It’s entirely down to preference.

Over the last few years, we’ve seen a significant shift in buying habits as digital integration has taken over almost every aspect of our lives. You’re reading this article right now on a smart device, and I’m writing it on one of the same. 

Similarly, the wristwatch has undergone something of a transformation, with many buyers choosing to negate the traditional look of a wristwatch with one compatible with their smartphone.

But today’s discussion isn’t a battle between old and new; it is a look at the broader narrative that surrounds why we wear watches in the first place. It comes down to your lifestyle, desired functionality, and overall personal preference. 

We will be looking at the pros and cons of each, their impact on our overall look, and how they affect our daily routines. Hopefully, that way, you’ll know for sure whether you’re a smartwatch guy or an analog timepiece aficionado.

The Evolution of Watchmaking

Things have changed a lot since the early days of watchmaking. Nowadays, it’s rare to see anyone with a pocket watch and chain hanging from their left vest or waistcoat pocket. But, during the 16th century, this was a common occurrence. These were luxury items for the elite and set the foundation for future innovations in the watchmaking world.

The shift from pocket watches to wristwatches remains one of the most pivotal moments in horology history. We have Abraham-Louis Breguet to thank for the invention who in 1810 is believed to have created the very first wristwatch for the Queen of Naples. Patek Philippe wasn’t far behind and, in 1868, created a mechanical wristwatch for Countess Koscowicz of Hungary.

It wasn’t until World War I that wristwatches were a more common sight on the wrists of regular folk. Since soldiers needed quick and easy access to time without the hassle of fumbling with a pocket watch, wristwatches became more widespread during the early 1900’s. 

Brands like Rolex and Omega were some of the first to advance in wristwatch technology and design. The Rolex Oyster – a timepiece still popular to this day – marked the world’s first waterproof wristwatch on its launch in 1926. 

Up until this point, watches had been mechanical manual winding timepieces, so you were required to wind them every few days. So, as I’m sure you can imagine, the invention of the first automatic winding watch by John Harwood in 1922 was a huge leap forward. 

The idea struck him when he watched children playing on a seesaw and applied the ingenious concept to winding. Two years later, Fortis mass-produced the movement and launched the world’s first automatic timepiece.

An honorable mention needs to go to Japanese watchmaker Seiko. They were one of the first brands to make automatic timepieces accessible to the general public. Their Seiko 5 collection, named after its five characteristics – day-date display, water resistance, recessed crown, durable case, and automatic movement- was released in 1963 and helped democratize automatic watches, making them available to a broader audience.

Then came the Quartz Revolution during the 1970s, a period that saw a steady decline of mechanical watches as quartz technology improved accuracy and affordability in timekeeping. 

The Seiko Astron, launched in 1969, was the world's first quartz watch. Additionally, brands like Casio and Citizen were two other Japan-based industry leaders who continue to boast a wide range of affordable and high-precision quartz timepieces.

Finally, we arrive in the modern day. The 21st century has witnessed the emergence of smartwatches, beginning with IBM's WatchPad in 2001 and later the Apple Watch in 2015, which, as we know, revolutionized the market with its health monitoring, notifications, and app integration. 

This shift towards multi-functional wristwear has been further solidified as we’ve witnessed Swiss mechanical watchmakers try their hand at smartwatches. TAG Heuer launched the first Swiss-made smartwatch in 2015, and the TAG Heuer Connected and Hublot arrived shortly after with their Big Bang e.

Smartwatches vs Traditional Watches

Since they came first, let’s start with traditional analog watches. These are the watches with classic three-dimensional displays with hands for hours and minutes. Even if you’re already convinced by the allure of smartwatches, you can’t deny something is charming about the craftsmanship and tradition that goes behind every analog watch.

Brands like Rolex, Patek Phillipe, and Omega have been perfecting traditional wristwatches for decades, creating watches that don’t just tell the time but become heirlooms thanks to their meticulously thought-out designs and complex movements. Many will last a lifetime, especially the mechanical and automatic winding variants, since they don’t even need frequent battery changes. They’re simple, reliable, and don’t demand constant attention. You set the time, wear it, and you’re good to go.

For me, my love of traditional watches comes from the intricate movements found inside. Sometimes visible through the case back – or even the dial in some rare instances – the movement is ultimately a symphony of tiny gears, springs, and levers that are carefully created to work together, measuring time with exceptional accuracy. It’s captivating to see, almost like watching the heart of a living breathing creature.

However, as is the case with everything, there are some downsides to analog watches. Sadly, they’re not always able to compete with the multifunctionality of smartwatches. You’re not going to be able to connect your Rolex Submariner to your smartphone, nor will it keep track of your heart rate, emails, or blood oxygen.

In some cases, maintenance can also be a chore, especially for mechanical watches that require regular services – something that can also be a tad expensive, depending on the watch in question!

Now onto smartwatches. These are the timepieces often found with digital screens and connectivity to smartphones and other devices via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. They typically arrive with a long list of functionalities that trump the hours and minutes found on an analog watch. We’re talking fitness trackers, heart rate monitors, GPS, smart notifications and more. That’s where the benefit of a smartwatch comes from. They are perfect for those who want everything at their fingertips – literally.

But, and there’s always a but, smartwatches also have their own set of quirks. For starters, battery life can be a buzzkill, with most models needing to be recharged every day or two. 

Unlike an automatic watch you wear every day without ever having to take it off, a smartwatch will need to be removed and charged, which can be an inconvenience for some. Digital watches are also a bit more delicate. It doesn’t take more than a sharp knock or an unexpected drop to cause trouble for the intricate electronics inside.

Plus, there’s the cost. Smartwatches are just as expensive as analog watches; more often than not, they don’t last half as long. This is partly down to tech evolving so rapidly that many feel the need to upgrade every few years.

How to Choose the Right Watch for You

Now the question falls back to you: are you a smartwatch wearer, or do you favor a traditional analog watch? The answer requires you to consider different aspects of your lifestyle and what you value most in a timepiece.

For starters, think about your daily activities and how you use technology. If you’re someone who thrives on connectivity, always have your phone at hand because you like to have your messages and other information at your fingertips, a smartwatch might be the right choice. They are also perfect for those of you fitness gurus who like to keep a close eye on their heart rate, Pulse Ox, and step count.

On the other hand, if you appreciate classic style, quality craftsmanship, and a simple display, an analog watch could be more appealing. Analog watches, especially ones of a mechanical nature, are marvels of engineering and artistry. They don’t require recharging and can last a lifetime with proper care.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between smartwatches and traditional analog watches boils down to you. It’s going to depend entirely on your lifestyle and personal preferences. As we’ve mentioned, smartwatches are going to appeal to tech-savvy and health-conscious individuals who like to stay connected and have information of all kinds at their fingertips. 

Meanwhile, analog watches are destined for those who appreciate timeless elegance and a level of craftsmanship that’s difficult to beat. No matter which you choose, we still love you.