So SmartWatches are a real thing now?

[Commodus]

But they have beautiful, beautiful exposed workings.

They do, but they also do little more than tell you the time or the moon phase. And it's always a bit amusing how hardcore watch fans brag about exposed mechanisms... that you can usually only see by taking off the watch. I appreciate the craftsmanship, but dropping thousands of dollars on a show-off feature that few will ever see? That always strikes me as backwards.

The fact that it has to be clunky because it needs a big battery doesnt mean that its not clunky any more.

I know, I'm just saying that the only real choice smartwatch makers have right now is to match the thickness of larger mechanical watches. I'm just glad that the 38mm Apple Watch exists -- it may still be thick, but at least it's not dominating the wrist.

Just changing the metal that its made out of doesnt make it a quality timepiece.

No, it doesn't, but you can't even get off the ground if you stick to cheaper materials. I'd rather see companies at least try to step up their game than assume they can never compete.

 

[WelshBloke]

They do, but they also do little more than tell you the time or the moon phase. And it's always a bit amusing how hardcore watch fans brag about exposed mechanisms... that you can usually only see by taking off the watch. I appreciate the craftsmanship, but dropping thousands of dollars on a show-off feature that few will ever see? That always strikes me as backwards.

People dont just buy beautiful, amazing things just to show off to others.

I know, I'm just saying that the only real choice smartwatch makers have right now is to match the thickness of larger mechanical watches. I'm just glad that the 38mm Apple Watch exists -- it may still be thick, but at least it's not dominating the wrist.

TBH I dont think it helps at all making the face smaller but keeping it just as thick. It just makes it look even more clunky.

No, it doesn't, but you can't even get off the ground if you stick to cheaper materials. I'd rather see companies at least try to step up their game than assume they can never compete.

They never are going to compete with "proper" watches, its a completely different product.

Smartwatches are just the new version of this.

Wrapping it in different metal isn't going to change that.

 

[EightySix Four]

I have a Moto360 and a few nice automatic watches and for me they are completely different, I don't see them competing for space on my wrist at all.

My Moto360 is a tool which helps me triage notifications throughout the day without bringing out my phone - which when unlocked inevitably ends up with me doing something other than what I need to be doing for 15 minutes. I can see how some people use it as a fashion accessory with the changing faces and it does draw way more attention than any of my other watches, but that's a result of newness not design.

On the other hand my automatics are more weighty, slimmer, and are something I enjoy for their craftsmanship,design, and precision of the mechanical movement. I wear them when I go out for entertainment and do not want notifications or distraction, as well as to formal events where they simply fit in better.

I think the fact that people try and compare the two is kind of silly, maybe one day there will be an opportunity to do so, but as of right now they live on different planets for me.

 

[sweenish]

Most people spend most of their time in view of some sort of a clock, and/or look at their phone many times a day anyways.

And now they don't have to pull their phone out nearly as often because notifications and the time are mirrored to the watch.

Plus, there are some inconveniences on par with taking phone in and out of your pocket that you need to put up to use a smartwatch.
You have to charge the smartwatch every night.

Not all great watches are kinetically wound. Those also have to be treated daily. I've seen plenty of stands that make the task easy, the same way smartwatches can be charged wirelessly.

If we're comparing to cheaper, battery-powered watches, you have a point.

You have to put it on and take it off.

This is a con? I have to remember to grab my phone every day and pull it out at night to charge. That is the mootest of points. Especially in light of the fact that you later admit to being fine wearing watches.

It's sitting on your wrist all day, adding weight and trapping sweat and moisture.
The band and buckle at the base of your wrist are annoying to me when I type.

Adding weight? Are you so weak that a watch hampers you that much? Real watches aren't feather-light either. At least not the kind that matter. This like complaining about early tablet weight. Sure, lighter products exist, but you're not going to wear yourself out over the weight. As for sweat and moisture, my wrists don't really sweat, and I can't say that I know anyone with sweaty wrists. Loosen the band a touch.

The winding/smart knob pushes into top of your hand when you flex it up.

I think this is the one legit thing you've said. And it's being addressed in a lot of the gen 2 hardware.

It's distracting to have an electronic toy so close to you all the time.
I don't have a problem with wearing watches as jewelry. But a made in China toy with 2 year life span is not my idea of jewelry worth displaying.
I know Apple can randomly stick a $17K price tag on it, it still doesn't change the picture for me.

At least during this post, you finally added the critical language. They're not for you. That's much easier to digest than a wholesale dismissal. Your reasoning is still not good at all, but at least you've made it more clear that they don't suit your personal preference. Now, if you could stop blanket pooping on the concept with ridiculously poor reasoning, that would be great.

Especially since you've admitted to being fine with regular watches, which have pretty much all the same complaints as a smartwatch. They are not that different, after all. You still have to put them on and take them off, for example.

 

[ithehappy]

Unbelievable, that some people can actually compare smart toys (watches as they are calling it!) with automatic/manual movement watches! WOW!

 

[olds]

... and you can quickly respond to some of them (using voice or canned text, depending on the watch)...

Which ones do canned text?

 

[theeedude]

And now they don't have to pull their phone out nearly as often because notifications and the time are mirrored to the watch.
Not all great watches are kinetically wound. Those also have to be treated daily. I've seen plenty of stands that make the task easy, the same way smartwatches can be charged wirelessly.

If we're comparing to cheaper, battery-powered watches, you have a point.

This is a con? I have to remember to grab my phone every day and pull it out at night to charge. That is the mootest of points. Especially in light of the fact that you later admit to being fine wearing watches.

Adding weight? Are you so weak that a watch hampers you that much? Real watches aren't feather-light either. At least not the kind that matter. This like complaining about early tablet weight. Sure, lighter products exist, but you're not going to wear yourself out over the weight. As for sweat and moisture, my wrists don't really sweat, and I can't say that I know anyone with sweaty wrists. Loosen the band a touch.

I think this is the one legit thing you've said. And it's being addressed in a lot of the gen 2 hardware.

At least during this post, you finally added the critical language. They're not for you. That's much easier to digest than a wholesale dismissal. Your reasoning is still not good at all, but at least you've made it more clear that they don't suit your personal preference. Now, if you could stop blanket pooping on the concept with ridiculously poor reasoning, that would be great.

Especially since you've admitted to being fine with regular watches, which have pretty much all the same complaints as a smartwatch. They are not that different, after all. You still have to put them on and take them off, for example.

These are not major downsides, I admit, but neither is taking out your phone to take a look at the time, so they are comparable. If you are carrying a phone anyways, a smart-watch is redundant.
BTW, I don't generally wear a regular watch either. I used to wear it as men's jewelry piece when going out once in a while, but not so much now.

 

[Commodus]

Which ones do canned text?

Right now, the Apple Watch is the only one I know of. It uses contextual awareness to offer replies that make sense. For example, if someone asks "what would you prefer, blue or green," you can reply with "blue" or "green." No idea how well it works in real life, but if it does, it could be supremely convenient.