Will smart watches put an end to mechanical watches?

[GTC]

In case you had any doubts that wearable devices were catching on, Canalys just delivered some tangible proof. The analyst group estimates that the tech industry shipped roughly 4.5 million smartwatches and fitness trackers in the first half of 2014, or nearly 700 percent more than it managed a year earlier.

[Le Chef]

Mechanical watches are functionally almost irrelevant - they have become an accessory and jewelry. This is not at all like wrist watches replacing pocket watches, which was more like mobile phones replacing landline phones. For these reasons smart watches will not replace them: they simply don't compete for the same market.

[T. Ferguson]

Originally Posted by GTC

In case you had any doubts that wearable devices were catching on, Canalys just delivered some tangible proof. The analyst group estimates that the tech industry shipped roughly 4.5 million smartwatches and fitness trackers in the first half of 2014, or nearly 700 percent more than it managed a year earlier.

Here is an interesting article titled "The Wristwatch’s Time Isn’t Up ". It's a pretty short read but in any event the conclusion is:

Yet Broer says this type of smartwatch should not impact consumers who are interested in more expensive, mechanical watches from luxury brands like Rolex or Swatch Group.

According to his analysis, there is a distinct difference between consumers interested in smartwatches, and the more bling-conscious individuals interested in luxury mechanical watches. The latter buy “ for entirely different reasons than being practical,” he says.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/the...-up-2013-07-01

[powerfunk]

Originally Posted by GTC

The analyst group estimates that the tech industry shipped roughly 4.5 million smartwatches and fitness trackers in the first half of 2014

I bet most of that is fitness trackers. Half the people I know seem to have a FitBit now, but I only know a couple people with smartwatches.

[GermanyMatt]

As much as I hate to say it; Yes, IMO eventually mechanical watches will become a thing of the past. The technology sector just needs more time to mature wearables. Hopefully Rolex and others are thinking about this and focusing some R&D in this area.

[benlee]

Me abandoning my Rolexs and APs for Smart watches? No way. But if they can designed it to be really light and sleek, it might find its place on my other wrist. Meantime I don't paricularly fancy the idea of checking my appointments and schedule or reading my email on my iWatch or Google watch. I have my large screen smartphone for that. Thank you very much.

[stockjock1975]

I've already instructed my family that if they EVER see me with a "smart watch" on my wrist they are to promptly check me into the Psych Ward at the closest hospital because that means I've lost my @$&!?& mind!

[HL65]

I wish I would save so much money!

[Wesley Crusher]

Smart watches are trendy and will be popular with those who, for the most part, do not care about actual timepieces. They will not put an end to mechanical watches.

[adamlea]

Let me put it this way, I don't intend to flip my Rolex for an iWatch. I sorta like that it's not connected to the internet.

[osamu]

I definitely see me purchasing a smart watch at some point, but it would probably replace my Gshock I wear usually at work, or when traveling.

I do feel like maybe kids now, given the choice of wearing a smart watch from day one, might be less likely to grow up someday and appreciate a fine timepiece. Although it could work the opposite way as well, and kids will get used to wearing a watch, and find themselves older wanting some jewelry and actually purchasing more high end watches.

I definitely don't think any people today will be trading in their rolex for a smart watch, but in the future.... who knows.