Smartwatches vs Mechanical Watches
While many tech reviewers might point you toward smartwatches like the Apple Watch and Huawei Watch GT, watch enthusiasts will always guide you toward watches with mechanical movements. Now, both these reviews are biased as they are based on personal preference. But we are here to end this debate by giving logical and practical reason behind picking up one watch over the other.
Everyday Hassles
Most smartwatches only last for a day or a maximum 2 days on a single charge. Yes, there are some fitness watches from the likes of Garmin that can last for a week on a single charge. But at the end, you will always have one more device besides your phone to charge frequently. This also means that whenever you go on a trip, you will have to carry an additional charger. And if you go on trekking or any other adventure, you will not be able to charge your watch.
Mechanical watches on the other hand are easy to maintain on a day-to-day basis. Once you pick up a watch with a self-winding movement, you just need to wind it once. After that, the watch keeps winding itself. These watches even have a power reserve which means even if you leave the watch unattended for a couple of hours, it would not go out of charge. But if you leave your watch in just a box for 48 hours or more, you will have to wind it again.
Servicing and Repairs
This is a part where a smartwatch can take a slight edge. Usually, smartwatches do not require any type of servicing. However, these watches might need a battery replacement or display replacement if anything goes wrong.
Mechanical watches on the other hand require a service every few years to allow them to run smoothly. There are also several types of watch repairs that you might encounter over the years of ownership of the watch. These repairs can include part replacement, adjustment of certain parts inside the watch and more.
Even though mechanical watches need servicing every few years, they still take the crown by lasting for decades if taken care of properly. Smartwatches on the other hand have a maximum life span of about 5 years. So, if you want something that can be passed on to your grandkids, you need a mechanical watch.
Smartwatches vs Mechanical Watches: Settling the Debate
To end the debate, I would say that over a long run mechanical watches can prove to be a worthwhile investment. A good mechanical watch can cost you 5 times the cost of an Apple Watch Ultra. But the good thing is that a mechanical watch, if maintained properly, can last you a lifetime.
So, if your priorities are getting notifications on your wrist and keeping track of your fitness, then you should get a smartwatch. However, if you want something that can be a part of your journey, you should look towards mechanical watches.
