The technological revolution has undoubtedly changed the world. Some say this change is for the better, while others prefer to stick to the old ways.
One area where this can be seen is in the world of watches and timekeeping pieces.
Of course, normal analog wrist watches are still very popular, and among high-end consumers, luxury watches are a go-to option.
However, with the introduction of technology-rich smart watches, the landscape is quickly changing.
If you are thinking about buying a new watch, you might be torn between getting a traditional, stylish luxury watch, or a tech heavy Apple Watch.
So, what’s the real difference between an Apple watch vs luxury watch?
Apple Watch vs. Luxury Watch
Style and Design
One of the main differences that you will see as soon as you look at an Apple watch and a luxury watch side by side is that they look like two totally different things.
Luxury watches can take many different forms, whether round or square, and they can be made out of various materials, usually very expensive ones.
With a luxury watch, it’s not uncommon for them to be made out of precious metals or even near pure gold, with various jewels such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and more.
There is no doubt that luxury watches look the part. They are designed not only to keep time, but to be a status symbol, a statement.
On the other hand, the Apple watch, whichever model you look at, is much less stylish and flashy. Some people like that basic, sleek, and square design, but it just doesn’t look as impressive and bold as a high-end luxury watch.
Yes, there are some limited addition Apple watches made of gold which cost thousands of dollars, but they just don’t have the same elegance that you get with a luxury watch.
Remember, the whole point of the Apple watch is to bring technology to the table, to attach what is essentially a computer to your wrist. If it is purely aesthetics that you are going for, the luxury watch is the clear choice.
Durability and Longevity
The next factor to consider when choosing between a luxury watch and an Apple watch is how durable each is.
For example, there are many luxury watches which are 100% waterproof, and even designed for divers who descend tens of meters below the surface.
However, this is not something you can do with an Apple watch. According to Apple’s spec page, the Series 5 Apple Watch has a water resistance rating of 50 meters and can be used for “shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or ocean.”
It isn’t suitable for “scuba diving, waterskiing or other activities involving high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depth.”
Moreover, when you integrate electronics and circuitry into something like a watch, it automatically becomes much more delicate; there is a lot more that can break on an Apple watch than on a luxury watch.
Apple watches have fairly delicate screens, and a single drop from a decent height can ruin the interior electronics.
Let’s not forget the fact that although luxury watch makers often release new models, this does not mean that the older models are forgotten or even discontinued from production.
Purchasing luxury watches is also about creating a collection, which includes the old just as well as the new.
This sort of longevity is not something that you will see with an Apple watch.
When Apple creates the next watch, the older watch is usually discontinued, with only the newest model being the focus. Apple watches don’t have the same durability, longevity, and timelessness as luxury watches.
Power Source
Another difference has to do with the power source. Luxury watches are usually powered by a spring that needs to be wound.
Although it may not be technologically advanced, it is reliable, and if the watch runs out of power, powering it back up is as simple as winding it. This kind of watch will never die; as long as you keep winding it, it will keep functioning.
On the other hand, an Apple watch has a certain battery life, and when it dies, it needs to be recharged. So, for one, this means that you need to have a source of electricity to charge it, which some might see as convenient, while others not.
Moreover, Apple watch batteries have a limited lifespan and may only last for a few years. Once the battery is done, it needs to be replaced by an authorized Apple technician.
Technological Features
One of the biggest differences is in terms of what these watches can do. A luxury watch, besides being a fashion statement, tells the time, and that’s it. Some might tell you the date, and some may have select other features too, but past that, there’s not much else to a luxury watch.
Now, just think about everything that can be done with an Apple watch.
You can make and accept calls and texts, stream and play music, check your email, get a weather report, and so much more. It’s literally a small computer strapped to your wrist, not to mention that most of them come with advanced fitness tracking functions.
If you want something versatile with tons of features, the choice is quite clear.
Cost
Yet another big difference between Apple watches and luxury watches concerns the price. Apple watches cost anywhere from a couple of hundred to a thousand dollars at the most.
There are some specialty Apple watches, such as those made out of gold, but these are more for show, not for the average consumer. Basically, an Apple watch can be purchased for a fairly reasonable price.
On the other hand, high end luxury watches can cost tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. A luxury watch is more of a long-term investment, whereas an Apple watch is not.
Holding Onto Value
The final thing to consider is that a high-end luxury watch, if it is well maintained, and especially if it is from an exclusive line, will hold or may even increase its value over time.
However, an Apple watch will start to depreciate in value the second you take it out of the box.
Related read: Most Famous Luxury Watch Brands for Men and Women
Conclusion
The bottom line is that if you want a feature-friendly watch that is virtually like a computer, and you don’t want to pay an excessive amount of money for it, an Apple watch is probably the better choice.
However, if you want something stylish, high in quality, durable, and long-lasting, it’s a luxury watch that is the winner.