Part 2: What is the Use of a Smartwatch?

More distraction

I am obviously between the first and the third group of Migicovsky. Because even if I walk half of the day my smartphone in hand (and the other half sitting in front of my laptop), notifications on the smartwatch, I found them annoying. An extra screen can only generate additional distraction at unexpected times. If I do not want to see messages, I just put my phone in a corner, but it's harder with a watch.

Because a smart watch offers a few other features, you use it, especially for messages. There are no games, and we can not call (or it seems embarrassing as if we call Kitt of Knight Rider) and as the screen is so small, the manipulation of the keys n ' is not really comfortable. This is a kind of T9 keyboard known from old GSM - there is a reason why it is not used anymore!

When I started wearing the Samsung Gear S2I had activated all the notifications, in order to fully experience. But the more I wore it, the more I turned off notifications. At first, my wrist vibrated with each notification, but this feeling was not pleasant, like an electric shock. So I deactivated the function from the second day so that the watch just turned on in case of notification. But as I am in several Whatsapp groups where we sometimes talk a lot, it distracted me at unexpected times, especially in the car. Because in the car, we neglect the phone quite easily, but a watch that turns on, it's more annoying, especially in the dark. It is not only irritating but also quite dangerous because we want to check the notification.

What is the use of a smartwatch?

When I finally turned off Whatsapp notifications too, not to be too bothered, there was not much left. As a mail or other messages 'push', we do not read them in detail on a watch. Only brief notifications are useful. If a notification takes more than 2 seconds of your time, better take your phone out of your pocket. This mainly results in a scan of a notification to then seize the phone: rather useless. The smartwatch is ultimately only a second screen. If you do not like to take your phone, it's convenient. For the rest, it does not help (for most users).

Health enthusiasts

Was the month so nil? Still not. The wearing of the smart watch offers some small benefits. As I already wrote, I enjoyed reading the time on my wrist. Normally, I use my phone to do this, but it also causes a distraction - which can also be the case with a traditional watch. Another advantage of the smartwatch is the 'health' feature. The watch controls your pulse and measures your steps, giving you an idea of the physical efforts made during the day. It also vibrates briefly, when you sit for an hour, which happens quite often. So, I went to the drinks distributor a little further or I telephoned walking - moving even in a meeting room can still make a lot of steps. For those who care about their health, there is still the Fitbit, which is designed for this and costs only a third of the price (but is less elegant).

Place for growth

Since the arrival of Apple, the smartwatch market is growing. This year, Apple Watch 2 is expected to release more people, according to Pebble CEO Migicovsky: "If Apple is in any way consistent with itself, it will be his message. " But as he himself has already said, the utility of the smartwatch still escapes the general public. More people will buy a smartwatch, but it will temporarily be nothing more than a nice gadget.

Part 1: What is the Use of a Smartwatch?

Now that Samsung and Apple have seriously entered the smartwatch market, expectations are very high, but sales figures are disappointing. Many people do not see (yet) the usefulness of such a watch.

I wore a smartwatch for a month and every morning when I wrap it around my wrist it was against my will. I do not like wearing a watch too much. So having something around my wrist was not natural to me, but that was not the problem. During this month, what I liked the most, it was simply to watch the time. The usefulness of the 'smart' part of the watch escaped me completely. And I'm not the only one, by far, thinking that way.

Last year, only 30,000 smartwatches were sold in Belgium, according to GfK figures. In comparison, the first year sold 50,000 tablets, and Apple was the only supplier at the time. This time, the roles are reversed: the smart watch has existed since 2013 already when the pioneer Pebble launched one on the market via a very successful campaign on Kickstarter - Apple only followed last year with his Apple Watch.

Reserved for fans of the first hour?

The founder of Pebble, Eric Migicovsky, wiped the plaster in 2012 and wanted via Kickstarter collect $ 100,000 with his smartwatch, but the counter panicked and quickly reached $ 10 million. His Kickstarter campaign quickly became a big success, but who were the buyers? Nothing but nerds? Only early adopters?

The general public does not seem interested yet. 30,000 copies sold during the third year that a series of products exists, it is not much, even very little. This number would eventually grow with the introduction of the Apple Watch and the Samsung Gear S2, the two best-connected watches of the moment. Both were released in October, so the last quarter of 2015 contributed significantly to total sales for the year, according to GfK figures.

"Following the launch of these products and the fact that it was the last month of the year, Sales grew strongly in December," says Jürgen De Mesmaecker of GfK. "In the last quarter of the year, we make about 50 percent of the turnover and the last month, about 25 percent of the annual figure." Because according to De Mesmaecker, the smartwatch was in 2015 the ideal Christmas present. "In 2014, the last quarter accounted for about 40 percent of the total, and in 2015 half, so the last month of 2015 has become more important."

Niche product

But it still remains a small group of products, according to De Mesmaecker: "If 30,000 copies are sold, it is still a niche product. The smartwatch is not yet intended for the general public, although the number of copies per year increases. " The manufacturers themselves see it too.

"Some people probably do not need a smartwatch," the 29-year-old CEO told The Telegraph newspaper recently... "It's rare for a company to admit that everyone does not need their products, but I think that's true." According to him, three groups are interested in the smartwatch. The first includes people who still want to be connected, who are actually addicted to their smartphone. The second group is made up of health-conscious people, who use a smartwatch to keep everything up to date, as a kind of Fitbit. And the third group is made up of people who do not want to be connected. They want to put some distance between their phone and the rest of their lives. "Maybe they activate some notifications, but nothing else."

10 Good Reasons to Wear a Watch

Attaching a watch to one's wrist is for sure a natural movement part of the daily routine. But if you're one of those who does not, here are 10 reasons to wear a watch.

1. For the aesthetics.

The range of jewelry that a man can wear is quite limited, compared to women. The watch is one of those that can be worn without attracting too much attention. A beautiful watch does a lot in a man's outfit, it can be used to demonstrate your taste and style.

2. For the professional world.

In some professions, it is necessary to show success in a visible way. For example, if you are a professionally successful consultant, a watch on your wrist can show your clients that you are a seasoned professional. Success and its brands are always trusted, though you should not go too far.

One would think that a customer would be put off by knowing that the fees he pays you to spend on such expensive accessories and that he would prefer to consult someone more economical. But in fact, the opposite is often true. The subliminal message of a beautiful watch is very often the following: " you can trust my professional opinions because you pay a lot for them ".

3. For the style.

You can also wear your watch as a statement that would say "I do not consult my phone to determine the time. On the contrary, I believe that time is important enough to justify a unique measuring device.

4. To invest.

A good watch will not depreciate a lot, and may in turn gain value. It is for example possible to find at an auction a used model Yazole watch.

5. To remember the past.

Watches are objects that are often transmitted during an inheritance. A particular object, they are always imprint of the personality of their carrier (a model is bought according to his tastes). When they are transmitted from father to son, they make this personality pass from one generation to another. Wearing them is like honoring their memory.

6. To remember someone.

Offering a watch is a great opportunity to associate with a person. For example, during an engagement, the custom certainly wants the woman to receive a ring, but also that the man is offered a watch. An appropriate inscription can be added to the back of the watch to engrave the occasion.

7. To join the story.

Some models have become legendary through their passage through history, wear them also to commemorate such an event. For a model presentation that has made history, I recommend this article.

8. To show your belonging.

The watch is an opportunity to show his profession or his belonging. One can imagine that an astronomer wears a watch that displays astronomical data such as lunar phases, or that an athlete has a chronograph model. A doctor may also choose a watch with a second hand to take the pulse of a patient.

9. To shorten a boring conversation.

Everyone has already found themselves in a boring conversation that we would like to cut short. But difficult to do without vexing the opposite person. However, watching his watch can be a signal for the other, so that he understands that it is going to be time to go. This gesture actually works quite often with the subliminal message it sends.

10. To test others.

Codes and affiliations are very often finely perceptible. They do not always see each other at first glance and it may be necessary to look at them several times in order to gauge someone. For example, does it wear cufflinks? Tie clip? Is his costume of good quality? The watch is part of the clues that must be studied.

If you wear one, you will be able to observe if the person opposite is an observer: it lingers a little on your watch, the answer is positive. Particularly in the business world, it is important to know who you are talking to.

The wrist calls the watch, do not turn a deaf ear!

Part 2: The Top 10 Wristwatches in The World

5 - Patek Nautilus

It shocked the critics when it was released in 1976 with its original curves and steel case, but today it has become a popular cult watch with a timeless design. This square with rounded shapes in the shape of a transatlantic porthole and octagonal bezel remains a model reserved for a small clientele of wealthy enthusiasts. It is worn with everything, but especially at the controls of your Wally 118!

4 - Zenith El Primero

In 1971, the Zenith factory was sold to an American company that ended in 1975 the production of mechanical movements, quartz being at the time a revolution! It took the courage of a passionate watchmaker, Charles Vermot, to save the plans, machines, stamps, and tools dedicated to El Primero. It was in 1982 that the workshops of the Manufacture Zenith found the path of success by providing mechanisms Rolex Daytona. Here is the legacy of a successful brand saved. A model that can be worn with all your outfits.

3 - Rolex Submariner

The story begins in 1953 when the Rolex Manufacture launches the first wristwatch that can plunge up to 100 meters deep and whose luminescent hands and indexes offer perfect reading comfort. Equipped with a rotating bezel (which allows the diver to calculate his dive time), it will be marketed first under the reference 6204 but it is on the wrist of James Bond that the 6538 and its NATO strap Black-Red-Khaki will become mythical. A timeless model that I prefer with a casual outfit.

2 - Jaeger the Reverso Coultre

With its original mechanism that allowed polo players to protect the dial of their watch, this Art Deco flagship watchmaking created in 1931 has not aged. In addition to rotating its case to 180 °, it is also the possibility of engraving the back that seduces fans of this elegant watch. My favorite model is the "tribute to 1931" pictured below. Under a suit or jeans, it can be worn with everything without worries.

1 - Omega Speedmaster

As beautiful as a leather or steel strap, the "Speed" is a timeless and chic watch that can be worn with anything. Beautiful wrist and perfectly designed, she won her legendary watch stripes for being the only watch that was worn on the moon and the only one to be approved for all manned NASA flights. This should be suitable for our astronaut readers! Yazole watch is a brand like this. If you do not have enough budget, it is very suitable for you.

Here is the beauty of the list of 10 watches that must be in his collection (it's all the good that I wish you!). I was limited to 10. If you want to know more about watches, please contact us.

Part 1: The Top 10 Wristwatches in The World

We would like to have 10 wristwatches to be able to wear them all at the same time, or to wear several on each arm like Nicolas Hayek! Here are 10 mythical watches or simply beautiful that you must know.

10 - Tag HeuerTag Monaco

Created in 1969, this chronograph entered the legend one year after its release, on the wrist of Steve McQueen in the movie "Le Mans". In addition to having benefited from the aura of the actor, let's not forget that Monaco was first the world's first automatic square chronograph, and the first square waterproof case. Wear with a casual outfit during a weekend on the circuits.

9 - Panerai Radiomir

It was in 1938 that the story of the Radiomir began, in the workshop of Guido Panerai. The watchmaker will realize this year the first models of this legendary watch for the military of the Royal Italian Navy, after testing the first prototype two years ago. With its 47mm waterproof case and radiomir-treated indexes (fluorescent substance), it was the perfect watch for those extreme divers. It was not until 1998 that the brand really regained the models we know today. The Radiomir is a thick watch that we recommend only to big wrists on pain of seeming to carry a clock.

8 - Portuguese IWC

It will not have marked the history by feats or firsts, but it still remains today one of the chronographs with the most harmonious curves and homogeneous which exists. This Portuguese IWC has the heritage of the "Portuguese" watches of the 30s and the modernism of a clean and discreet chrono. This watch has been for more than a decade the most popular chrono of the brand. A versatile model that can be worn with all your outfits. CURREN watch provides men wristwatches like the Portuguese IWC provides. However, it is cheaper than Portuguese IWC is. If someone like this brand but does not have enough budget, CURREN watch may be the good choice for you.

7 - Cartier Tank

English, French or American, a Tank will always be a Tank. A square watch with rounded shapes, tiny hands and Roman numerals that revolve around a central rectangle. The lines of this legendary watch marketed since 1919 are pure and elegant. A strong identity that will hide under a suit or casual outfit.

6 - Piaget Altiplano

In 1957, after years of research, Piaget invented its first ultra-thin movement called the 9P, which measures only 2mm thick. Almost 30 years later, Piaget launched the "Altiplano" - inspired by the 1957 model - with clean lines and ultra-flat morphology. This model remains today a reference for those looking for a fine watch that disappears under a shirt or under the sleeve of his wedding suit.

Smart Watches: At The Moment of The Trend

Relay the smartphone, the smartwatch or the connected watch, equipped with even more innovative features, is a jewel of technology. The market for these little toys continues to see new models arrive and major brands such as Apple, Samsung, LG or Motorola and many others are tearing up the biggest part. For the time being, these gadgets are also constantly evolving as regards their functionality as well as their aesthetics.

Smart watches: the features

The era of the smart watch is far from the time when a watch was just showing the time. Now entering the world of connected objects, the connected watch can track physical activities such as heart rate, kilometers traveled or sleep quality, but also receive SMS and mobile notifications. You can also listen to his playlists with his connected watch. Smart watches are now on the must-have list to stay on top of the trend. They have become more and more accessible to the same rank as other connected objects such as fitness wristbands, helmets, and smart glasses.

Smartwatches continue to be more innovative

Many manufacturers and startups such as Samsung, LG and Motorola have now launched into the smartwatch market by offering their own innovations. Among the latest developments in the sector are Forgings, a Swiss creation. Entirely analog and equipped with tactile glass, this connected watch allows tracking down its sports activities. As for Sony's smartwatch 3d, it offers you the possibility to follow your sporting prowess by being connected to a smartphone or not. For example, it is sufficient to make a voice command to indicate a route or an address. This feature is really convenient especially when driving. Manufacturers of the objects of the new technology are constantly innovating to try to stand out. While some rely on a return to the source by developing connected watches that follow the codes of the watchmaking of yesteryear, others rely on new features such as online payment or the management of a connected residence.