4 Things a Smart Watch Can’t Give You

If you were to visit the Apple website, you will find a Watch Edition on sale for £13,500. Features include an 18-carat gold case, a sapphire crystal screen and a luxurious leather strap, and for an extra £1,500 you can add 3 years of insurance.

With such a high price tag, it seems fitting to compare the Apple Watch (and other luxury smart watches) with a Rolex, a Patek Philippe, or an Omega. While we are not against smart watches in any way, we think it is useful to know the differences before committing to buy one.

Here are 5 things a smart watch can’t give you, that a regular watch can.

Longevity

Rumours about the second Apple Watch are already circulating, and when this happens, the first edition will become outdated. The reality is that a smart watch is not future proof, and will not last as long as a Rolex. Anything involving software will one day cease to work properly, whereas a well-made chronometer will still work perfectly in the decades to come.

Value

A luxury watch is a valuable investment; that’s why they make ideal family heirlooms. If the watch is kept in good condition, it will retain its value, and depending on the model it could even increase in value over the years. A smart watch, however, cannot offer the same benefits because it is a different sort of product. Although it could become a collector’s item in the distant future, it is highly likely that it will never be worth the amount you first paid for it.

Reliability

Unfortunately, with all their incredible features, smart watches need to be charged regularly. Apple claims that their watch lasts 18 hours, although if the usage increases, the battery will inevitably drain more quickly. Even if smart watches with longer battery lives are taken into account (Pebble, for example), we think don’t think they will ever be as reliable as luxury, handmade chronometers.

History

The long histories of brands such as Rolex, Cartier and Omega give vintage lovers the opportunity to own an older model with tons of character. You can also find brand new watches which have drawn inspiration from an older model. These “vintage inspired” watches are ideal for those who love the style of an old watch, but still want the durability and functionality of a new watch. However, smart watches are for a different type of person – those who love contemporary, cutting-edge technology and modern design features. Smart watches do not wish to connect to the past, because they are a sign of the future.

We think that smart watches and regular watches are two completely separate products, used for different purposes. If you are looking for a modern piece of tech that makes it easy to check the weather or track your fitness, a smart watch is for you. However, if you are looking for a long-lasting investment, a regular luxury watch is your answer.