This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
12/05/2018 11:00 PMSometimes it seems Apple is poised to take over the world, dominating every market they choose to enter: music, phones, and now, watches? With industry experts projecting the Apple iWatch to outsell the entire Swiss watch industry in 2018, is there still a market for traditional timepieces?
Steve Rumanoff, owner of Rumanoff's Fine Jewelry and Design in Hamden, says yes.
"Smartwatches and traditional watches fulfill very different consumer needs and can co-exist in the marketplace and in our lives."
The smartwatch fulfills our seemingly insatiable desire for data about ourselves, each other, and the world around us. In addition to telling time, making phone calls, and sending emails, these mini-computers can track how many steps you've taken in a day, pay for coffee, provide directions — even alert you to an irregular heart pattern before you are aware of it! The range of functions a smartwatch straps to your wrist is truly remarkable.
Conversely, traditional watches fulfill our desire to surround ourselves with beautiful things. Like a pair of diamond earrings, a sports car, or a good bottle of wine, mechanical watches appeal to our appreciation of care, precision, and provenance. If smartwatches help us keep up with the pack, then traditional watches help set us apart.
Traditional watches come in an impressive array of shapes, sizes, colors, and materials – each making a unique statement about the wearer. Perhaps that is why actresses, politicians, and reality stars still sport traditional watches.
Former President Barack Obama wore a Rolex Cellini at the unveiling of his national portrait, not an iWatch. Jordan Peele made a statement when he wore an understated Montblanc Star Classique to accept his award for Best Director, and Kate Middleton dons her Ballon Blue Cartier, a gift from her husband, almost every day.
In our increasingly frenetic, screen-centered world, a traditional watch projects calm sophistication. It will never interrupt with a phone call or an email alert. It does not blink or buzz. It has no sync issues, no loading spinner, no tap targets. It won't require recharging, and it won't become obsolete when the newest upgrade hits the market. For these reasons, traditional watches are likely to continue to elegantly adorn our wrists for decades to come.
All offerings seen here can be purchased at Rumanoff's Fine Jewelry and Design in Hamden, Connecticut. Pricing is not guaranteed and is subject to change.