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Why Smart Watches Shouldn't Replace the Classics

Those who love their watches may have been watching the new 'wearable tech' industry with interest. Among the products that companies are hoping we're going to spend our money on in the next few years are 'smart watches' which combine smartphones with watches to provide you with a digital display right on your wrist. These watches can do all kinds of things like let you answer calls, help you to take photos, give you access to texts and maps… even tell the time.

For some people this might sound like the future. But for someone who loves their watches, it will probably seem like an idea that's doomed from the outset. At least it should as it seems to miss the point in a few key ways.

The Difference Between Watches and Smartphones

The point is, that there's a big difference between a watch and a smartphone which prevents a hybrid device from being all that appealing. The main difference is that a watch is a piece of jewelry that's designed to look great and make a statement, while a smartphone is a practical device that you carry in your pocket because you have to.

In reality most of us don't need watches at all seeing as we can check the time simply by looking at our phones. In that way you could say that smartphones are already actually 'smart pocket watches'. You could live quite happily without the convenience of having the time on your wrist but you choose not to, because you want to wear a stunning piece of craftsmanship.

Phones just aren't made in the same way and don't deliver the same amazing styles or designs. Each year a few 'flagship phones' will come out and these will be the models most people buy. Each of these phones will look pretty much identical and that means that your phone will look very similar to several people you know and identical to a couple.

And before you say that a smartphone – and thus a smart watch – could look a lot more attractive, remember that smart devices have designs that are informed by their functions and requirements. These need big, blank screens and that leaves little space for anything else. On the other hand a watch has only one function and that allows for a very unique design that and a lot of imagination.

Do You Even Need Smartwatches?

In other words then, if you were to get a smartwatch and wear that every day, you would do so in place of your regular watch that had previously made a statement and essentially provided you with a work of art and amazing engineering on your wrist.

The question then becomes: is it worth. For watch lovers the answer is obviously no, while for everyone else… it's probably still no. All a smart watch really is a tiny smartphone that lives on your wrist. That means that all the same information is already available to you right in your pocket. And seeing as these screens are too small to see easily or to allow for convenient input… most of us will probably rather stick with the old classics.