With smart watches on a serious charm offensive, one can’t help but wonder if the writing’s on the wall for mechanical watches. Honestly, we think not. In fact, we believe in the opposite, which is that smart watches have helped the mechanical watch industry in ways nobody foresaw.
Certain segments such as mid-range and poorly differentiated brands have been affected but in the grand scheme of things smart watches expanded the luxury market so that now there’s more room for everyone to compete. If anything, smart watches brought more attention to what we put on the wrist at a time when millennials are happy to wear nothing more than friendship bands and trendy bracelets.
And who says that you have to choose between the two? Just because someone owns a Patek Philippe doesn’t mean he or she wouldn’t enjoy wearing a Montblanc Summit. So here are six of the latest smart watch offerings in town that balance luxury with technology.
Photography: Gabe Chen
Styling: Eugene Lim
Special thanks to Nanyang Technological University, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Professor Ooi Kim Tiow, Professor Phạm Quang Cường and the Control Robotics Intelligence group.
