You can choose a classic wrist accessory for yourself in our general catalog. A wide range of smart watches awaits you at the following link. We also recommend that you read the material “Smart watches and fitness bracelets: what is the difference?”.

What is the specialty of regular wristwatches?

Regular watches are considered classics, in other words, devices that are out of fashion, trends and even time. Wrist models were actively used in the last century and even at the end of the 19th century. And the first mention of watches on the wrist was in 1571.

Some may say that the peak of popularity of traditional wrist models has already passed and, supposedly, in the 21st century they are not so relevant. But that's not true. Even now, this is a truly important status accessory that can say a lot about its owner — his sense of style, business acumen and ambitions and, of course, his level of income. It is no coincidence that many reputable manufacturers have limited versions of wristwatches in their lines.

Plus, do not forget about the presence of characteristic distinctive features that distinguish mass solutions from more exclusive and most prestigious ones, namely:

  • simply the Swiss origin of the brand (after all, this country has a special place in watch making);
  • the more iconic “Swiss Made” mark on the dial;
  • chronometer certificate (yes, not any classic watch can be called so — the perfect accuracy of the movement is confirmed in the Swiss organization COSC).
A classic watch is a status accessory.

Rich watch traditions have a lot to offer, and when it comes to status and recognition, conventional Apple or Samsung smart watches have space for growth and aspirations. Traditional watches, seen as collectibles, hold a special place. Exclusive and iconic models double as investments, while the most dependable ones become cherished heirlooms passed down through generations.

It is also worth saying briefly about the appearance. Undoubtedly, "classics" looks good, otherwise many smart watch manufacturers would not try to imitate it, both in terms of shapes and materials of the case and dial designs. In the range of conventional models, if we are talking about design, you will definitely be able to find a solution for every preference — whether it is minimalism and super-laconic or, on the contrary, special charm and finishing with precious stones, including diamonds.

Popular wristwatches

What is the appeal of modern smart watches?

Smart watches are very popular now. For example, many young people (teenagers and even a little older) do not consider classic models at all; for them, the question of choice comes down to brands of smart devices and nothing more. In general, having this accessory on your wrist is both a tribute to fashion and an indirect confirmation that you are a progressive person, keeping up with technology and trends in the digitalization of society.

Smart watches boast extensive capabilities, serving as a complement or alternative to specific smartphone functions like contactless payments, music control, app notifications, and even handling voice calls. Additionally, they play a crucial role in monitoring various health metrics, acting as a valuable assistant not only in amateur but also professional athlete training.

Smart watches are a faithful assistant in the modern digital world.

In various situations, a smart watch enhances user convenience and overall quality of life. It ensures you won't miss important calls when your phone is on silent mode in your bag. Conversely, you can decline unknown calls with peace of mind, especially when you can't talk immediately (while driving, speaking in front of an audience or engrossed in work). Smart watches also remind you to stand and move if you've been sitting at the computer for too long, motivate physical activity and healthier sleep, and can help relax you through breathing exercises when your heart rate rises unexpectedly.

If you use this wrist device wisely, you will be able to use your smartphone less and improve your time management skills, while staying in touch with the world, friends, colleagues and family when you really need it.

Popular smart watches

What are the similarities and differences between regular and smart watches?

The main common point is that these wrist accessories are fixed on the wrist, providing a main body with a dial and a strap with the usual buckle or other fastening options.

In terms of design, regular and smart watches can be very similar or completely different. What really makes them similar is that the variability of models in both places is quite large, so choosing an accessory that suits your appearance is not difficult. Although in general, the “classics” have a wider range, of course.

It is not always clear from the outside whether it is an regular watch or a smart watch.

Distinguishing between the design, styles, and appearance details of regular and smartwatches won't be a focus here, as these preferences are subjective. Generally, traditional watches often feature a round dial due to historical reasons. However, in the realm of smart devices, there's a balance between round and rectangular displays, with Apple playing a significant role in this.

Otherwise, smart and regular watches really have a lot of differences. They are different in almost everything - filling, autonomy, functionality, reliability, etc. We will go through these and other points in more detail.

Battery life

Smart watches require charging. Yes, today there are models with solar battery, but these elements only increase the operating time without power supply from the network. Typically, devices from Apple and Samsung need to be charged literally every day. Smart watches from Garmin and various popular Chinese brands are a little more autonomous — weeks are counting. But if you use the device’s functionality to its fullest, including frequent training with an active GPS module, then you need to be prepared to connect it to a power outlet (power bank) regularly.

“Classics” is much better in terms of battery life. Mechanical watches are generally completely energy-independent, but require winding. Quartz models are powered by a battery that lasts for several years. This option is ideal for those who want a “put on and forget about it” accessory. Plus, users who lead an active lifestyle — they move a lot — may be interested in self-winding watches.

Mechanical watches need to be wound, but do not need to be charged at all.

Dial type and data readability

In smart watches, the role of the dial is usually performed by an electronic color display. And it is based on a matrix with additional LED backlighting (TFT, IPS) or self-luminous pixels (OLED or AMOLED). In the dark, there are no problems with data readability, but in bright light there may be nuances.

For regular watches, the most popular dial is the hand dial. There is a background, mechanical hands, and an additional element may be backlighting, such as a luminescent coating. The readability of such screens in the daytime is usually good. But at night, it all depends on the presence and quality of backlighting.

Among traditional watches, there are often models with a monochrome display or a combination of hand and electronic dials. They almost always have a backlight specifically for the dark. In bright light, the readability of data is affected by many different factors, such as the color of the background.

By the way, among smart models there are occasionally dials with mechanical hands. These solutions in terms of design are very similar to the “classics”. In this case, the base here can also be a display.

Smart watch with hands

In terms of data readability, smart watches and conventional wrist accessories in general can be equated. At the same time, the color displays of smart devices, as a rule, allow you to use different designs, even creating them yourself. As a result, the appearance of the watch is very variable: on one day the user can set an imitation of an hand dial, and on another — an electronic one.

There can be a lot of information on the display of a smart watch, but this is not always an advantage.

True, there is also a downside to the colorful displays. Some models may become overwhelmed with information, diminishing the primary function of displaying the current time for the user. Traditional watches, especially in their classic form, usually avoid this issue. The exception might be the most extravagant models with colorful backgrounds, numerous indicators, dials, or distinctive design features like skeletons.

Functionality

In terms of capabilities, smart watches, of course, are significantly superior to conventional models. In addition to displaying the time, almost all smart wrist devices can:

  • notify about calls, SMS and application notifications;
  • measure heart rate;
  • count steps;
  • determine time and other parameters of physical activity;
  • track sleep indicators;
  • determine the user's location and carry out tracking
  • outdoor training (if you have your own GPS);
  • collect various training data;
  • control your smartphone's music player.
The Casio G-shock is a functional regular watch, but its capabilities are still less than that of smart models.

Advanced models offer greater functionality, including the following:

  • receiving Bluetooth calls or the ability to talk without a smartphone at all (if you have a SIM card);
  • support for voice assistants and the ability to quickly respond to messages;
  • contactless payment;
  • advanced collection of health indicators, including blood oxygen saturation, stress level assessment, blood pressure measurement, etc.;
  • virtual trainer and much more.

For classic watches, the main task is to demonstrate time. Many models also have a stopwatch, alarm clock and timer, can show a day of the week and date (day of the month). Additional functions and sensors, such as a pedometer or barometer, are quite rare.And in general, the capabilities of smart analogs are certainly a long way off. Although the Japanese manufacturer Casio is actively experimenting with innovations, for example, offering a large selection of models with built-in Bluetooth for notifications and/or phone search.

Durability and waterproofing

When it comes to resistance against mechanical impacts, there's no clear superiority in any wrist device category. The durability depends on the materials and protective crystal used for the dials. While traditional watches often feature metal constructions, smart wearables can also boast extremely reliable titanium cases. Both categories may use sapphire crystal for scratch protection. "Classics" offer a broad range of shockproof solutions, while smart watches frequently adhere to the military standard MIL-STD-810.

For diving you can find different classic watches and only a few smart models.

Water resistance varies across both ordinary and smart watches, but traditional watches often hold a certain advantage. Many conventional models boast high water resistance values, like WR200M, making them suitable for diving. While numerous smart watches are suitable for swimming, they typically have a maximum of WR100M, allowing for shallow dives. This difference is attributed to the more moisture-sensitive internal components of smart watches. Exceptions exist, such as the Garmin Descent G, designed specifically for diving.

Shockproof wristwatches

Durability and relevance

Both types of wrist accessories can work properly for a long period of time. But here, of course, the “classics” are one step ahead — after all, the corresponding devices appeared earlier and have proven their durability in practice. There are many examples when ordinary watches are passed from grandfather to father, then to his son, and he plans to give them to his heirs. There are also “long-livers” among smart watches, although we are, of course, not talking about decades.

Regular watches do not lose their relevance and are collectibles.

The main difference is not even the ability to operate for many years, but relevance. And here, of course, traditional wrist accessories have a significant advantage. They are literally timeless, especially when it comes to mechanical models. Mechanical watches will live as long as there are specialists left who can service and repair it.

Like any device with both hardware and software components, smart watches become obsolete primarily in terms of functionality. Software updates eventually cease, and the processor quickly becomes outdated shortly after its release.

Prices

The price difference between traditional and smart watches is substantial, with some notable trends. Basic traditional watches (quartz + Chinese production) are generally more affordable than their smart counterparts from China. This makes entry into the "classics" category more accessible. However, in the budget range, one should not expect extensive features like high durability, waterproofing, and long-term relevance.

Flagship smart watches are significantly more affordable than the most expensive traditional watches, not limited to luxury brands like Rolex or Patek Philippe but extending to more accessible brands like Maurice Lacroix, TISSOT and even Seiko.

What to choose — regular or smart watches: general recommendations

The preferred wrist accessory for a particular person depends not only on which of the criteria listed above are more significant and important. You need to take into account age, lifestyle and even basic clothing style. It is also worth evaluating the main advantages of both devices.

Why and who should choose a regular watch?

The main arguments in favor of a traditional wrist accessory are:

  • more autonomous and not tied to an outlet;
  • can be an important element of status;
  • maximally variable in terms of design;
  • do not lose relevance over the years;
  • may have increased water resistance;
  • suitable for collecting;
  • may be considered an investment;
  • There are models for literally any budget.

Taking into account these advantages, we can recommend a regular watch:

  • connoisseurs of traditions and those who are not enthusiastic about new technologies (including older people);
  • investors;
  • for those who want a “put on and forget about it” time control accessory;
  • collectors;
  • those who need to emphasize their status;
  • divers.
When choosing, you should consider various factors, including preferences and hobbies.

Why and who should choose a smart watch?

The strengths of these wearable smart gadgets include the following:

  • complement the smartphone and fully replace it in some cases;
  • collect data about the user’s health;
  • help track physical activity, from walking to various types of workouts;
  • have expanded functionality, including contactless payments and a virtual fitness trainer;
  • can improve the user's quality of life;
  • allow user to change the dial design;
  • are quite variable in terms of prices, materials of manufacture, etc.

We can recommend smart watches to the following users:

  • connoisseurs of modern technologies and gadgets (including young people);
  • fans of an active lifestyle and those who want to achieve this (for those in sedentary professions);
  • people who are not always comfortable using a smartphone — drivers, coaches, blue-collar workers;
  • sports enthusiasts;
  • those who need to track health indicators (smart watches are not a medical device, but they can identify some alarming signals);
  • people who cannot afford several watches, but want a device with different watch dials for one occasion or another.

In conclusion, it's essential to avoid simplifying the choice between traditional and smart watches into clichés. The decision is highly individual, and there's no reason one can't enjoy both types of wrist accessories. For instance, wearing a classic watch for formal occasions and opting for a smart device during activities like jogging or family walks provides a versatile approach.