I was once a snobby watch collector. I’m not even kidding. This was before the watch scene became a cesspool of Rolex an AP resellers. My first “luxury” watch was purchased in 2007. I got super into horology and trading in 2010. By 2015, I had already traded over 30 pieces and over $300,000 in watches. Then out came the Apple Watch and I turned my nose up at the thought of buying one. In my mind, it was just a cheap and simplistic toy, unworthy of being in the same category as my beloved mechanical watches.
By 2017-2018 the watch scene was shit. It was filled with degenerate watch flippers that went to Google university solely for their watch knowledge to make a quick and easy margin. At this point, I sold almost all my pieces and completely left the scene. But then in 2022, something unexpected happened – I bought an Apple Watch 7, and I actually fell in love with it. Skipping 6 generations of this watch later. Besides my phone, this is truly one of the most practical items I own.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I still adore mechanical watches. There’s something truly special about the craftsmanship and mechanical complexity of a well-made timepiece. But the truth I’ll never admit to anyone, a mechanical watch isn’t always practical for everyday use. I feel like its betrayal to admit this. I probably won’t make this post public.
But the reality is, my mechanical watches are delicate and need regular maintenance. Most of my pieces are bulky and heavy, which can be uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time. Plus, with their intricate movements and intricate designs, they’re not exactly suitable for rough and tumble activities like when I hit the shooting range or perform manual labor.
In contrast, the Apple Watch is a practical and versatile companion for everyday life. Plus, it has a bunch of features and apps, it can do everything from tracking my fitness to paying for stuff with tap. It’s customizable so you can make it look like a retro Casio watch while still see messages and take calls. I have to admit, there’s something boujee about just paying for something with my watch by tapping it. I am low key excited to switch out the band with something cool.
So, while I’ll always have a soft spot for my mechanical watches, I have to admit that the Apple Watch has won me over. It may not have the same level of craftsmanship and artistry, but it’s a practical and versatile timepiece that’s perfect for everyday use. And for a snobby watch collector like myself, that’s not something to sneeze at.
