Why We Are Holding Onto Traditional Wrist Watches in the Digital Age
Within the last decade, smart watches and fitness trackers have taken the watch market by storm. Not to mention the increased capabilities of smartphones which arguably have the ability to make the traditional wrist watch redundant. However, regardless of the shift to different time management habits throughout the developing digital era, the good old fashioned wrist watch has held its position. And we’ve got some ideas as to why…
Smart time management
There are hundreds of models of smartphones and the majority share this simple yet effective feature – which may have changed the way people monitor time: the lock screen clock. Instead of lifting your wrist to check your watch, quickly reaching for your phone has become commonplace. However, this only scrapes the surface of consumer technology and its influence on time management. With calendars, reminders and emails notifying everyone of their next appointment, checking the time is even rendered useless.
However, even though we have found other efficient ways to monitor and manage the day, traditional wrist watches are still fighting strong. Even though the concept of new technology generally excites us. Having a break from the cluster of apps and devices is often a pleasant experience, even if that is for a few precious moments a day checking the time!
Social influence(rs)
While watches have traditionally served a practical purpose, within today’s consistently aestheticised world, wrist watches are frequently worn for the purpose of style only – literally – don’t bother replacing the battery. With social media platforms such as Instagram becoming an essential daily task for many. Sharing your ‘outfit of the day’ or recent purchases highly rank the upload categories and watches have remained an essential accessory which people love to show off! On the other hand, celebrities and social media ‘influencers’ always seem to have the best of everything and traditional wrist watches is no exception. This tempts followers many a time, arguably keeping the watch more current than it ever has been.
Fashion and technology startups are delightfully plagued all over social media, selling minimally styled products which are relatively affordable to tempt social media users. A prime example of this is wrist watches, simple(ish) to produce, varying scope for design and attractive to market. Traditional wrist watches don’t have to be Rolex quality, as long as they can look good – they are perfect for a shopping quick fix! However, if you appreciate variety and need to keep a collection of wrist watches pristine, check out something like watch cases from The Case Farm.
Wearables through time
With the introduction of smart wearables like Apple Watch and Fitbit offering more functionality than any traditional wrist watch, on paper wrist watches seem to lack so much. However, there are countless limitations of smart wearables and they often fall short when compared to the beloved wrist watch. For example, smart watches usually need charging every night (if you are lucky enough to have them last all day). Traditional wrist watch batteries last years before needing a replacement and this is one thing less to worry about.
Smart watches can be style nightmares; a big black square with a plastic strap doesn’t scream classy when attending a sophisticated cocktail party. Traditional wrist watches may offer less functionality, but the designs have been refined over many decades and they do exactly what you need them to do. Until smartwatches look as good as they can perform, as well as the much needed technological refinements, traditional wrist watches will always seem to reign the industry. You can find known and certified traditional watch brands on https://www.thewatchcompany.