Smartwatches vs Traditional Watches

By Worthy Staff | Nov 9th, 2022

We’ve seen the question of smartwatches vs. traditional ones quite a lot lately. Smartwatches are convenient and useful, and let’s admit it – they’re fun to wear. Designers are adding sleek, stylish touches, making them more attractive than the original designs, and some companies are offering hybrid smartwatches that offer an appealing combination of features from both types. Here, we take a closer look at the smartwatch vs. luxury watch, digging deep into the benefits of each.

Mechanical Watch vs. Smartwatch Technology

A Quick History of the Smartwatch

Wearable technology has evolved by leaps and bounds since the first smartwatches were introduced by Seiko in 1984. Early wrist computers could help their wearers take memos, schedule meetings, and do basic calculations. By 1994, when the Timex Datalink was introduced, smartwatches could communicate with PCs via wireless data transfer mode. Seiko introduced the first watch/phone combination in 1999, and the pace quickened. By 2013, most computing companies were deep into research and development.

Apple’s first smartwatch was released in 2015 and Samsung’s water-resistant Gear S2 made its debut the same year. 2016 saw the introduction of an updated Samsung smartwatch, the Gear S3, along with the TAG Heuer Connected, which is among several watches powered by Android Wear.

As time passes, smartwatch features become richer and technology improves. Several models function as standalone phones that are compatible with popular apps, and others are scaled-down for a sleeker, more luxurious appearance.

Smartwatches vs. Traditional Watches: Features and Benefits

There’s absolutely no doubt that smartwatches are here to stay – and we think they’re going to get even better over time. For those who love interacting with the latest technology, this is fantastic news. It’s very exciting for everyone else too; when you stop to consider the potential for wearable tech and the many useful functions it provides, it’s very easy to see that the benefits are numerous.

There are a few drawbacks to smartwatches besides small screen size and limited (but improving) battery life – primarily, technology evolves rapidly and electronic devices have limited lifespans. This means that wearers will find themselves needing a new smartwatch at about the same rate as they need a new smartphone; depending on their needs and the devices they choose, that might be annually or every few years. This is no problem for people who enjoy technology – in fact it can be a lot of fun to shop for a new phone with exciting, updated features that make life more convenient.

Traditional watches are technological marvels in their own right. Tiny moving parts fascinate the eye and luxurious features add a welcome touch of class to the wearer’s wardrobe. Sparkling diamonds, precious metals, and intricate features provide even more visual appeal. Just like a beautiful piece of jewelry, a luxury watch is unique, special, and long-lasting. A collector may enjoy keeping several different watches that hold their value in his or her wardrobe and wear them for different occasions and varying purposes, and there is something beautifully nostalgic about the simplicity evoked by a traditional watch.

A well-designed watch never looks outdated – in fact, some of the best can last an entire lifetime and even be passed from one generation to the next. Almost all luxury watches can be accurately described as wearable art, and most come with a very interesting history attached.

Luckily for smartwatch aficionados and fans of traditional wristwatches alike, there’s plenty of room for the latest smartwatch tech and old-fashioned watches to coexist, along with exciting potential for combining features that appeal to an even wider base of those who appreciate fine timepieces.

Some companies are blurring the lines by encouraging customers to enjoy wearing an Apple watch and a regular watch on the same wrist. It’s remarkably easy thanks to bands that accommodate both the standard watch and the smartwatch; you wear the traditional watch on the upper portion of the wrist as usual, and keep the smartwatch on the underside of the wrist. Viewing either one is easy depending on which way you rotate your arm. This way, you can continue to enjoy the style offered by your favorite watch as well as the convenience of instant access to notifications and other features.

Many well-rounded individuals continue to enjoy wearing traditional watches at least part of the time, and swapping them out for smartwatches on an as-needed basis. It’s a lot like deciding which traditional watch to wear with a certain clothing style or for a certain occasion, and just as much fun. While smartwatches don’t hold their value like traditional luxury watches do, there’s certainly a place for them in nearly any wardrobe.