Dubai: Don’t think ‘smart’ watches represent the new face of the watch industry.
For horology enthusiasts with long memories set the record straight -- “Smart watches are an offshoot of digital watches -- the category has existed since the 70s when ‘databank’ watches with very limited programmable memory began to appear on the market,” said Jason Saundalkar, editor of the Horlogyme blog. “Like digital watches of the past I believe current -- and future -- smart watches will only appeal to a select group of individuals; people who just want ‘a watch’, those that are interested in a cool/geeky watch or those that genuinely want the utility they offer.
“These individuals generally play within a certain pricing envelope where you’re only likely to find very basic quartz watches. So companies whose bread-and-butter are entry-level watches may come up against stiff competition if they don’t evolve.
“Beyond this I don’t believe that companies who craft proper mechanical watches have anything to worry about for the foreseeable future; these watches are purchased for hundreds of reasons but the common thread is that they stir, or are linked to, people’s emotions. They’re gifts on special occasions, are bought to commemorate life events and show status and, more often than not, are acquired because the buyer has fallen head over heels for a particular watch or even the complication it offers. Functionality in this case is just about the watch being wearable.”
But there are many who are counting down the days before the watch becomes available here. Baiju Kurieash, managing director of Buz Marketing, counts himself one of them. “The technology embedded in each element will further enable consumers to enhance their lifestyle and also brings in a whole new meaning to the wellbeing industry. Facilities such as basic information on pulse rates and steps that could be linked to apps will help curb our ignorance on important health aspects.”