I think the single biggest advantage that traditional watches have over the modern tech is that they're already obsolete. There are no updates, no new releases every year. While a new model may come out every now and then it is unlikely to do anything very different from the one you already have. Add to that the in-built obsolescence of wearable tech and you end up comparing something built to last with no competition and something that is, essentially disposable.
No one is going to be passing on a smart watch to a son or daughter, they will be forgotten or discarded but a good mechanical timepiece will last forever and will always be worth something!
Fantastic piece! While I know of at least one friend who’s life was spared by the heart monitor on an Apple Watch, I’m still wearing conventional timepieces and agree completely that I am probably too old to care about my RHR.
The real question for the average joe is what reasonably priced watch does he or she wear on adventures? One of the reasons G-shock is the downrange watch of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines is it’s price. It allows you to follow the “two is one and one is none” motto. One on the wrist, one in the ruck “just in case.”
And when the deployment is over and the 10 year battery implodes, the G-shock is tossed and another fills the gap. Meanwhile, back in CONUS the warrior wears a stainless steel analog watch and why not?
I doubt there are many adventures of the common man conducted with a Rolex on wrist anymore. $10K on wrist while doing something fun and a little edgy? Perhaps not. Pull out the G-shock or the Timex or, in my case, the Vaer, bust out of the house, into the Jeep and on the trail.
I hear what folks are saying, but anyone following military watch websites knows that issued G-Shocks and Timex are becoming increasingly collected and desirable. I remember not that long ago when folks were saying SUVs would never become collectible like old Porsches and Ferrari sports cars because they had no soul. Anyone checked what 80s and 90s Land cruisers or 70s Broncos and Chevy K10s are going for? And even early X5s and Cayennes with the higher end engines. There will be a time when digital watches become coveted as nostalgic collectibles that bring folks back to a different time. And Rolex might be as exciting as a Ford Model T.
Another interesting article which leaves more questions than answers. I too am on the see-saw where I use Garmin's and traditional watches.
For me I think Garmin watches will be lost in history and it comes down to them not being self-sufficient. They are nothing more than lumps of plastic without the correct charging cable or the right app (which still supports the device). I would love to see a smart watch that is independent - solar charging, connects itself... I think we are getting there but we are not there yet.
Vintage watches from 60s and 70s soon became antiques. People starts collecting digital when nostalgia hits. I don't think old SUUNTO needs to boot anymore- memories and scratches are enough I think. Dead screen my also be a reminder of the passing time like a patina dial.
I think the single biggest advantage that traditional watches have over the modern tech is that they're already obsolete. There are no updates, no new releases every year. While a new model may come out every now and then it is unlikely to do anything very different from the one you already have. Add to that the in-built obsolescence of wearable tech and you end up comparing something built to last with no competition and something that is, essentially disposable.
No one is going to be passing on a smart watch to a son or daughter, they will be forgotten or discarded but a good mechanical timepiece will last forever and will always be worth something!
Fantastic piece! While I know of at least one friend who’s life was spared by the heart monitor on an Apple Watch, I’m still wearing conventional timepieces and agree completely that I am probably too old to care about my RHR.
The real question for the average joe is what reasonably priced watch does he or she wear on adventures? One of the reasons G-shock is the downrange watch of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines is it’s price. It allows you to follow the “two is one and one is none” motto. One on the wrist, one in the ruck “just in case.”
And when the deployment is over and the 10 year battery implodes, the G-shock is tossed and another fills the gap. Meanwhile, back in CONUS the warrior wears a stainless steel analog watch and why not?
I doubt there are many adventures of the common man conducted with a Rolex on wrist anymore. $10K on wrist while doing something fun and a little edgy? Perhaps not. Pull out the G-shock or the Timex or, in my case, the Vaer, bust out of the house, into the Jeep and on the trail.
Cheers
JR
I hear what folks are saying, but anyone following military watch websites knows that issued G-Shocks and Timex are becoming increasingly collected and desirable. I remember not that long ago when folks were saying SUVs would never become collectible like old Porsches and Ferrari sports cars because they had no soul. Anyone checked what 80s and 90s Land cruisers or 70s Broncos and Chevy K10s are going for? And even early X5s and Cayennes with the higher end engines. There will be a time when digital watches become coveted as nostalgic collectibles that bring folks back to a different time. And Rolex might be as exciting as a Ford Model T.
Another interesting article which leaves more questions than answers. I too am on the see-saw where I use Garmin's and traditional watches.
For me I think Garmin watches will be lost in history and it comes down to them not being self-sufficient. They are nothing more than lumps of plastic without the correct charging cable or the right app (which still supports the device). I would love to see a smart watch that is independent - solar charging, connects itself... I think we are getting there but we are not there yet.
Vintage watches from 60s and 70s soon became antiques. People starts collecting digital when nostalgia hits. I don't think old SUUNTO needs to boot anymore- memories and scratches are enough I think. Dead screen my also be a reminder of the passing time like a patina dial.