I have worn a smartwatch (actually 2 of them) for over 5 years and am done with it. I have decided to move back to a watch. Call this post a bit of a rant but I have been contemplating this for a while.

While I profile mechanical clocks on my blog, I also have a small collection of watches and have always enjoyed their simplicity. I’ve been a watch enthusiast for many years, but I decided to give a smartwatch a try. Now I am done!

My Smartwatches typically needed to be charged once a week, whereas most of my watches can run for at least a year on a single battery and up to 10 years on my Citizen Eco-drive. The lack of dependency on frequent charging will be a relief.

Watches are timeless accessories that can complement various outfits and occasions. A watch that’s 20 years old looks just as fantastic today as it did back then. They offer a sense of style and elegance that some find lacking in smartwatches, which can appear more utilitarian. In fact, some look like wearing a small smartphone on your wrist.

Smartwatches, with their myriad features and apps, are overwhelming and distracting. After years of being constantly connected through a smartwatch, I appreciate a break from technology. There is also a side benefit of reducing the dependency on an invasive digital device. Do I need to know how many steps I take in a day, my blood oxygen level, resting and active heartbeat, whether it will rain or not, and of course, the nagging notifications?

Watches tell time without any distractions or notifications, which can be a relief from the constant connectivity of smart devices.

Watches are more durable and reliable in terms of longevity and resistance to wear and tear compared to smartwatches, which can be fragile and prone to breakage. Although my smartwatches are said to be waterproof I am quite sure that I have shortened their life with the odd dip in the pool. Furthermore, after a year or two, the manufacturer informs you that your smartwatch is obsolete due to “new and improved” features.

My journey from smartwatches back to traditional watches has been a return to simplicity, reliability, and elegance. While smartwatches offer convenience and just about any feature you could ask for, they come with the constant need for charging, distractions from notifications, and a sense of impermanence as technology swiftly advances.

In contrast, traditional watches not only excel in durability and longevity but also embody a sense of style and craftsmanship that withstands the test of time. As I reconnect with the analog world of horology, I rediscover the joy of wearing a piece of art on my wrist that tells time without the noise of modern connectivity.

For those of you who regard the smartwatch as indispensable, have at it, you do you. For me, it’s a personal choice rooted in appreciating the functionality of a well-crafted watch, free from the pressures of technological obsolescence and the constant digital chatter. Call me rebellious but I don’t think I’m alone!