Do you want to buy a new watch for yourself? Are you wondering whether to buy a smartwatch or a regular watch?
Don’t worry, I will help you make a decision. In this smartwatch vs regular watch article, I am going to tell you what is a smartwatch and what is a traditional watch. I will also share the detailed differences between the two so that you can make an informed decision.
So keep reading!
Quick Navigation
- What Is A Regular Watch?
- What Is A Smartwatch?
- Smartwatch Vs Regular Watch
- Will Smartwatches Replace Traditional Watches?
- Traditional Watch Vs Smartwatch: Which One Should You Buy?
- FAQs
What Is A Regular Watch?
A regular or traditional watch is a watch that has a dial with hour markings and there are multiple hands to point out the right time.
We are seeing these types of watches for ages. They come with 100s of different watch parts and a watch movement that is responsible for running them. The roots of traditional wristwatches go way back to the 1860s and ever since people are wearing these watches.
What Is A Smartwatch?
Smartwatches as the name suggests are the smarter versions of wristwatches. They can do a lot more than just help you in keeping time. Smartwatches can track your health, and body fitness, make and receive calls, show you phone notifications, and much more.
It took the world more than 100 years to make a smartwatch after making the first wristwatch. It is believed that the first smartwatch was made in the 1980s. So when it comes to heritage, regular watches have a very rich one as compared to smartwatches.
Smartwatch Vs Regular Watch
Both watches and smartwatches have pros and cons. Let us now look into those in detail and see what differentiates a smartwatch from a traditional watch so that you can know which one you should buy.
1) Design
The first thing that differentiates a regular watch from a smartwatch is the design. Where regular watches are bulky in appearance, smartwatches are sleeker in design. You will find regular watches in different shapes like round, rectangles, squares, triangles, etc. On the other hand, smartwatches are mainly round or rectangular in shape.
Regular watches have traditional dials with different types of watch glass protecting them, smartwatches have a touch display on top of them. Smartwatches mainly come with silicon straps but regular watches come with a variety of straps from leather, stainless steel, silicon, etc.
If you like big and bulky watches then you can choose a traditional watch. But if you like sleeker-looking watches then you can opt for smartwatches.
2) Life
When it comes to longevity then regular watches have the upper hand. Regular watches can last for ages and can be passed on to generations. However, the same cannot be said for smartwatches, they typically last for around 3 years. Therefore if you want a watch that you can pass on to the next generation then you should buy a regular watch.
3) Features
When it comes to features then regular watches cannot beat smartwatches, smartwatches come loaded with features. They can do the following things:
- Measure your heart rate, sleep, stress, SpO2, etc.
- Track your workouts
- Set alarm
- Show your phone notifications
- Make and receive calls
- Reply to emails from the watch, and much more.
Having said that, regular watches do come with some basic features which are as follows:
- Show date and day
- Chronograph
- Tachymeter, etc.
If features are what you are looking for in a watch then you should buy a smartwatch.
4) Style
When it comes to style and charm then again smartwatches cannot match regular watches. Traditional watches have a feel and charm that is just missing in smartwatches.
Smartwatches look good with sports or gym outfits. On the other hand, regular watches look good with casual as well as formal outfits. They also look particularly good in dresses and suits. Therefore if you are looking for a watch that you want to wear to parties or functions then a conventional watch is for you.
5) Price
When it comes to price then you can find a decent smartwatch or a traditional watch at the almost same price. Good smartwatches generally cost in the range of $250 – $500. Whereas a good traditional watch from a good brand can cost as low as $300 and can cost as high as a hundred thousand dollars. Therefore, I think it is safe to say that regular watches cost way more than smartwatches.
And if you want to ever sell your old watch then obviously a traditional watch can fetch you a much higher value than its original value. On the other hand, nobody purchases a second-hand smartwatch at a higher value or even at its original price.
6) Battery
Smartwatch is a gadget so it comes with an inbuilt battery that needs charging. Typically battery life of a smartwatch lasts for 2-3 days. If we talk about big brands like Apple or Samsung then their smartwatch’s battery lasts for only a day. However, there are smartwatches with a good battery life that can last for more than a week.
When it comes to conventional watches then there are actually two types. One that does not come with a battery and the other that come with a non-rechargeable battery. The ones that do not come with a battery are called mechanical watches and the ones that come with a battery are called quartz watches. A mechanical watch can take power from the movement of your wrist and can run for eternity if you keep wearing it every day. On the other hand, the quartz watch’s battery cannot be charged and needs replacement usually after 2 years.
If you do not like to charge your watch every day in order to use it then you should not choose a smartwatch.
7) Water Resistant
Smartwatches generally come with a 50M water resistance rating which is only good for taking them to swimming sessions. Whereas, traditional watches can have up to 1000M or even more water-resistant ratings.
Therefore if you are into water sports then you should consider buying a regular watch. A smartwatch will be able to track your swimming sessions as long as you are in a swimming pool. But the moment you decide to do snorkeling or diving then it will not hold up.
Will Smartwatches Replace Traditional Watches?
No, I think smartwatches cannot replace traditional watches. Smartwatches sure offer a great number of features but they come with some drawbacks too. Other than features, they just cannot beat regular watches in terms of design, style, battery, etc. And I think a true watch aficionado will never prefer a smartwatch over a conventional watch.
Traditional Watch Vs Smartwatch: Which One Should You Buy?
I think you should buy both. You should have a smartwatch and you should have a traditional watch as well. Everyone should be fit and healthy, that is the only way you will be able to enjoy life, right?
You should buy a smartwatch that can help you get healthy and stay fit. And you should buy a regular watch to complement your outfits. Whenever you are in the gym or doing workouts, you can wear the smartwatch and whenever you are going out or going to parties then you can wear the traditional watch. There is no rule that says you have to wear a single watch the whole day, right? So why not own both? You can even wear a regular watch and a smartwatch at the same time if you want.
FAQs
Are Smartwatches Better Than Normal Watches?
Yes, in some aspects, smartwatches are better than normal watches.
Is It Worth Wearing A Smartwatch?
Yes, it is worth wearing a smartwatch. It can help you stay fit and healthy.
Do People Still Wear Traditional Watches?
Yes, majority of the people today still use regular watches.
Can you Wear Smartwatch Every Day?
Yes, you can wear a smartwatch every day, provided it has enough charge.
Are Traditional Watches Still Popular?
Yes, traditional watches are still popular.
