This paper will discuss the way technology is attempting to also elapse into the timepiece world and revolutionize the watch industry. Currently smartwatches are being described as a “niche.” As smart as these watches may be, they cannot compete with timepieces for many reasons. This paper will also discuss how smartwatches in my opinion are not better than timepieces such as Rolex. Timepieces are a form of art, not another product that is meant to be taken over by technology. First, I will start by talking about the history of watches. Watches have been around for over 600 years of our lives. Watches and clocks can be regarded as one of the oldest devices that were created by our ancestors in the birthplace of modern civilization, Babylon. …show more content…
Before we were introduced to watches that were attached to pocket chains or strapped to our wrists, all mechanical clocks and watches were big static table or wall clocks that were very expensive, slow to manufacture, and most importantly very inaccurate. When small watches were introduced that could be carried wherever an individual wanted to go, this fashion was quickly adopted by consumers. This inspired countless innovators, engineers, scientists, manufacturers and fashion designers to embrace watches and ensure their continuous evolution and growth. This is how the art form of watches was created. The popularity and high demand of timepieces that could be portably taken anywhere drove innovations, fueled minds of inventors. This further enabled the creation of small, reliable, easy to produce, easy to use, and cheap time keeping devices that truly managed form the basis of the modern civilization in which we live today. Timepieces have had a large and permanent impact on civilization and the economic markets throughout the entire …show more content…
More so, that people will become comfortable with the features of a smartwatch and wear traditional watches less and less. Currently, I can’t think of too many ways for the watch industry to combat this. In a sense, they just need to sit back and allow the consumer public to get excited about the Apple Watch, potentially buy one, and then wait until that consumer is ready to mix it up with something different on their wrist. Of course, luxury watch brands could invest in designing their own smartwatch, which I think would be a terrible idea. Rolex and all the other luxury brands aren’t known for technology, they are known for mastering the craft of creating elegant and complex timepieces. Though Rolex made a short entrance into quartz technology, it stuck to its roots and continued to market their now old fashioned craft. A typical quartz watch has 50-100 parts, but a typical Rolex has around 220 parts, and takes up to a year to make. Rolex proved that true craftsmanship could still have value when coupled with a rock solid brand image. Another thing that Rolex did to keep this image was that they never made any other products. Many other makers of luxury items tried to extend their good name to other high end items. The result may have been temporary profits, but the value of the brands name was often dilute. Thus, Rolex is