Early speculations in the media seem to be divided but, like it or not, the impending presence of smartwatches is being deeply felt.
Ever since Apple announced the debut of its Apple Watch slated for April 2015, the question hanging in the air is: how will this impact the watch industry as a whole?
It is a known fact that Apple Inc has had a great track record of revolutionising industries that it has entered into, from computers, smartphones and even the music industry. One can’t blame industry watchers to speculate on the effect of the Apple Watch in the long-term and whether they should expect a sweeping change to occur after this wearable Apple product makes its debut.
The Apple Effect
Early speculations in the media seem to be divided; some are of the opinion that this watch could be a possible flop while others are convinced that Apple’s compelling influence will prevail at the end of the day.
But then again, smart watches are not a new concept before Apple; the Kickstarter-funded Pebble and Samsung’s Galaxy Gear are amongst the many products that have circulated in the market even before Apple’s Tim Cook confirmed the making of the Apple Watch in his address in September 9, 2014.
Yet, despite this, one will be hard pressed to find many smart watches worn on the wrists of Malaysians when out in public places. Could Apple Watch change that? That remains to be seen.
Technology and Haute Horology
In the perspective of the watchmakers, like it or not, the Apple effect is felt deeply by leading conglomerates, especially since it was announced that the industry closed on a negative note last year despite reaching a record high in sales. Swiss-made smart watches are already quickly mushrooming as well, vying for a piece of the market pie.
Like how the quartz movement changed the watch industry, will mechanical watchmaking prevail in the long run? Executives for leading watch brands are now pondering: do they face this possible market change head-on or do they watch and see.
Some brands have tackled this possible tide head-on, anticipating that in order to thrive, they have to adapt and prepare. For instance, the legendary Jean-Claude Biver, the head of watchmaking for LVMH, has shared with Bloomberg that Tag Heuer is working on a smartwatch to be launched this year.
Last month, Montblanc has also introduced the TimeWalker Urban Speed e-Strap, marrying a highly functional e-Strap with contemporary TimeWalker timepieces. The e-Strap is an interchangeable strap, with an integrated technology device that offers an activity tracker, smart notifications, remote controls and Find-Me functions. It connects, via Bluetooth Low Energy, to selected Android and iOS smartphones. This is so that one will be able to wear a mechanical timepiece with highly useful digital functionality. This collection extension will contain three new models including a chronograph and a UTC.
Without a doubt, 2015 will be an interesting year for watchmaking indeed now that smartwatches are on everybody’s mind.
(Photos: Apple, Montblanc)
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