Are you looking for a smartwatch for fitness purposes to help you to track things easily and quickly? Or do you just want to wear the watch for fashion or time purposes? Then, is a regular watch right for you? I break down the differences between the two that will assist you to make a better decision.
So, let’s explore the difference between a smartwatch vs regular watch one by one!
What is a Smart Watch?
Smartwatches are wrist-worn computers connecting to your smartphone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. They usually feature built-in pedometers, step-counting apps, fitness tracking apps, and reminders. These devices give a quick snapshot of the day’s activities and trends. All in one, you can view your steps, calories burned, heart rate, and sleep quality.
According to counterpoint, 33.7 million units of smartwatches were sold in the first quarter of 2022. At the same time, these numbers show people's interest in smartwatches.
If you’re considering getting a smartwatch, you may have many questions. Keep reading to learn about smartwatch features and functionality you may not know. Let’s find out first:
Benefits of Smart Watch
The benefits of smartwatches are countless. First, they allow you to respond to calls, texts, and emails without picking up your phone. More notably, the best part is that they can help you keep track of your daily schedule and stay organized.
Let's explore its benefits in detail
Built-in GPS
It is one of the main reasons why smartwatches have become popular. With a built-in GPS, you can track running or other activities without relying on mobile GPS.
Likewise, you can know how far you have walked or run to monitor your progress.
Fitness Tracking on the go
In order to stay motivated and remind yourself of a workout. Smartwatch is a portable device to monitor fitness activities. For most, there are more than enough Workout Modes, such as:
-
Walking
-
Running
-
Swimming
-
Badminton
-
Cricket
-
Free Style
-
Cycling
-
And many more…
Smartphone Integration & Notifications
By connecting your Android or IOS mobile, you can get more help. For example, you can see the message content as you receive it.
Sleep Monitoring
Sleep is essential for health. Many people have insomnia. It is vital to know the reasons why you are having trouble sleeping. For example, many individuals have difficulty falling asleep.
In order to deal with this problem, a smartwatch is ideal for monitoring your sleep. In addition, it will help you to maintain a good sleep cycle. You can use it to help you to wake up at the right time.
Voice Commands
Nowadays, intelligent assistants are very trendy. For example, Smartwatch has the Voice Assistant feature; you can say “Hi Google,” and the smartwatch will start listening. You can also say other words like “What is the weather?”.
Drawbacks of Smart Watch
In contrast, if I talk about some of the drawbacks of Smartwatches. They’re expensive and a little bulky. At the same time, they have.
Short Battery Life
When it comes to battery life, smartwatches can’t beat regular watches since they have to display high pixels on the screen. Therefore, the battery timing is low, and it has to charge frequently.
Not Waterproof
You may hear that fitness bands are waterproof. That’s true. But when it comes to smartwatches, they aren't good enough for that. There are so many reasons why smartwatches are not waterproof.
For one, most of them have tiny screens that cannot handle water. Another problem is that they can't handle sweat or rain. Nevertheless, many people have experimented with testing whether their watches are waterproof.
However, they failed. Their attempts to check their watches were unsuccessful. As a result, they can’t use it for swimming.
Sensitive Body
Lastly, sensitivity is much higher in smartwatches. However, a regular shock or accident can cause damage. Therefore, it must be worn intentionally because a little mistake can result in losing your favorite wrist-worn.
What is a Regular Watch or Traditional Watch?
The word "regular" describes watches made by the same company every year. On the other hand, a "traditional" watch uses traditional methods to make. The watchmakers may use different materials, but the process is still the same.
Meanwhile, the only difference is the amount of creativity that goes into the watch. That’s one of the reasons quartz watch production is declining over time.
Similarly, a traditional watch has been around for a long time, and people are still wearing it. Watches are a form of timekeeping, but they have evolved into a status symbol. Many people wear a traditional watch because they associate it with wealth, sophistication, or status.
In this day and age, only some want to be regular watch collectors. Therefore, the brands like Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe, and Tag Heuer have all embraced the digital watch movement.
Yet, the brand’s design aesthetic is evolving to appeal to consumers of today’s generation. The new generation of luxury watches is far more practical than the old guard. While the new watches are not just as aesthetically pleasing, the designs are also more functional.
Regular Watch Benefits
Regular watches have been around for over 200 years. They are easy to understand and have a timeless appeal. Since so many watches are available today, finding one that fits your style can take time and effort. But once you explore its benefits, you can easily make your decision:
Long Lifetime
Above all, I’m sure you’ve noticed that traditional watches are expensive. But have you ever wondered why? It’s because no other material can withstand watches' wear and tear. They can bear the heat, cold, water, humidity, dirt, and mechanical shock.
As a result, the materials used in branded watchmaking are far better than any mediocre watch. Because of this, an expensive watch is a long-term investment.
Classic Looks
Secondly, regular watches are timeless pieces that never go out of style but don’t necessarily stand out from the crowd. Classic watches consist of stainless steel or a similar metal, but a wide variety of materials to build the body of modern watches.
In addition, today, some watches are crafted from titanium, ceramic, or plastic, among others. Yet, the overlapping factor is: they all have a classic and elegant appearance.
Luxury or Status Symbol
Thirdly, regular watches are trendy in wealthy countries. Individuals seek to have it in their hands in a meeting. Brands use simple but powerful strategies to attract potential customers. They are known as Luxury Watches & a status symbol. The watch is an affordable luxury item.
Furthermore, a person who is looking for a luxury item may choose to buy a classic watch to showcase his lifestyle.
Drawbacks of Regular Watches
- Only a time-telling device
- Not suitable for teens and adults
- A bit matures designs
- They are Expensive
What do Trends say?
If you’re thinking, will Smartwatches Replace Traditional Watches completely?
Then the answer is straightforward “not at all.”. Traditional mechanical and quartz watches will always be in demand in the watch community. Google Trends can also show us this increase in interest.
According to the chart below, the search interest around "Rolex" has remained constant and has risen over time. However, since 2015, you can see a rise in interest in the term "Smartwatch," as evidenced by the red line.
Although the smartwatch is beating the others due to its traditional legacy, there is a constant but improving trend over time. So after analysing it, I can confidently say that regular watches aren’t going anywhere.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a smartwatch can be a valuable tool for people who work long hours and need to keep track of many different things simultaneously. However, a smartwatch is not a replacement for a traditional watch. They are the extension of a regular watch, not replace it.
I recommend you to select the watch as per your use. Like if you want to use it for fitness and health tracking purposes. I would say that go with the smart watch and if you want to wear for just time and fashion then a regular watch will be a good option. Rest is up to you!
FAQs
Why do people use smartwatches?
People use smartwatches for several reasons. They help people track their activity, check their messages, and even call friends.
How do smartwatches work?
Wearers' information is collected by sensors in smartwatches. Additionally, they have a screen that displays weather and time information.
Do I need to buy a smartwatch if I already own a smartphone?
It is optional to buy a smartwatch if you already own a smartphone; you don't need a smartwatch. It might be worth considering purchasing one.
How should I choose a smartwatch?
Many different types of smartwatches are available, but the two most popular are the Apple Watch and the Samsung Gear S.
Do I need to be a tech expert in using a smartwatch?
Actually, you can be a tech expert in using a smartwatch.
What's the difference between a smartwatch vs regular watch?
A smartwatch is a wearable computer that can track your health, fitness, and more. An excellent feature of a smartwatch is that it does more than tell time.
While a regular watch only tells the time and counts as a status symbol.