For the longest time, the watch served as not only an accurate timekeeper, but an extension of the wearer’s identity. Especially for men, watches were appreciated for its intricate movement (harnessing kinetic energy), bezel and lug make up, along with its ability to fit into various occasions. The smartwatch on the other hand is less diverse in its range of cosmetics, but it makes up for it with cutting edge software that is designed to meet the needs of the wearer at any given time. Tracking sleep, counting steps and measuring heart rate are just some of the utilities provided. But can smartwatches replace traditional watches? The Appeal Of Traditional Watches Design Range As mentioned, traditional watches are widely appreciated for the representation it has of the wearer. Designs are by the thousands and identifying the perfect combination of size, material, dial, movement, shape and brand can create something truly unique to the wearer. Certain designs like the Diver watches are a decent blend of formal and informal, while dress watches are clearly for the former. Rubber and nato straps typically gravitate towards casual settings, which allows consumers to have the luxury of starting a collection based on their needs, rather than getting a smartwatch which is made to be used everywhere. Read: COLMI P8 Pro Smartwatch Review: Health Fitness Tracker with calling option Class and Status Sometimes, watches serve as more of a flex than a personal timepiece. Getting a Rolex on the wrist can be equivalent to getting an expensive car in the fashion world, and many have gravitated towards this style of watch collection which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. When prestige and luxury are thrown into the mix, precious metals, crystals and movement start elevating the watch’s overall quality that can compete with the accuracy and image of smart watches. Like its appeal on the design front, the traditional watch is all about making a statement - with precise timekeeping still being important, but not at the forefront. Read Is the Playstation 5 Worth It? The Appeal Of Smart Watches Good For Almost Every Situation In terms of practicality, it’s hard to argue against a watch that gives you the time, along with a million other benefits to boot. Pedometers, sleep trackers, music, calls and alot of other applications are crammed into the little device and it’s hard to appreciate a traditional watch if you’re an incredibly practical person. Fitness aficionados, music lovers, avid planners and all sorts of categories of people will find a place for this watch in their lives. Samsung and IPhones occupy the majority of the mobile market and there are dedicated smartwatches for the respective brands; however if you do not own either mobile phones, Garmin and Fitbit have selections for you too. Also Read: 'Huawei Watch Fit' coming to Bangladesh Accuracy When Apple built their smartwatch line, they also created a Network Time Protocol (NTP). This operates through a server that is placed in different locations all over the world. This server emulates the time of Stratum 1 which sets the benchmark of accurate timekeeping digitally. Stratum 1 servers are directly linked to dependable sources of UTC time such as CDMA transmissions, GPS and WWV. Without the need to manually wind the watch ever, it’s easy to see why many consumers are gravitating towards the most accurate timepiece on the market, rather than an outdated mechanical tool that is slowly becoming a thing of the past. Read Books VS Kindle: Which Is Better For You? Defining A Watch While smartwatches are mentioned in the same breath as traditional watches in the market, it is arguable that both could be interpreted as two different pieces of equipment altogether. Both certainly meet the definition of being timekeepers, with even the likes of Samsung’s watch using a bezel just like any other watch. Straps and lugs are other staple watch components, however, the two main aspects that are in a traditional watch that are not in smartwatches are dials and movement. Some may argue that the heart of the watch is in its movement and dials that can come with subdials, moonphase, cyclops and other features are truly defining characteristics that set watches apart from each other. Read How to buy men’s watches: A beginner’s guide In the same debate, some have also argued that smartwatches are more of a wrist-mounted smart device rather than an actual watch. With apps that are parallel to the mobile phone and a reliance on bluetooth (as well as other technology), it’s easy to draw these similarities away from traditional watches. It emulates the appearance of a watch, but its function completely differs from its traditional counterpart. Which segways us to the most important question. Which Watch Is Right For You? The smart watch is an affordable (relatively) option for the contemporary consumer that addresses almost every practical need out there. Despite its array of straps, “dial” interface and colour options, smartwatches are gated behind its specific dimensions to house the delicate hardware inside to ensure protection and efficiency. Because of this, it is barred from the customizability that traditional watches have. If you’re indifferent about craftsmanship, identity and status symbols, the smartwatch is the perfect pick for you. Read FPS On Mobile: Is It Worth It? Traditional watches on the other hand may not always hit the mark when compared to the smartwatch in timekeeping, but its place as an accessory with function allows it to be a niche of its own. Composed of intricate movements, a variety of designs and even extra functions;(depending on the category), there will always be a timepiece that perfectly resembles your personality and artistic taste for any occasion. In conclusion, the essence of a traditional watch has never only been about timekeeping and there is no direct answer as to whether a smartwatch can truly replace everything a traditional timepiece represents. If you want accuracy and practicality, go smartwatch. If you like flare, style and meaning, the traditional watch will still be relevant for years to come. Read Effects of Video Game: Benefits, and risks of too much gaming