Wristwatch Journal
Is it time for the modern wristwatch?
Concern was expressed for watchmakers recently that modern devices such as mobile phones, Blackberries and iPods have become more popular. In addition to their core functions, these devices are capable of telling time and any display shows digital, and therefore consumers are less inclined to buy a dedicated watch. The MSNBC Web site carried details of an investigation conducted by Experian Simmons Research, which found that U.S. spending on watches last year was $ 5.9 billion, down 17% compared to 2001.
This trend became more apparent among adolescents and young adults. The results of a survey conducted by the Minnesota and the investment bank Piper Jaffray last year, reported by the Wall Street Journal online, found that nearly two-thirds of teens never wear a watch, against half in 2005. In addition, the survey revealed that only about one in 10 is a daily. Market Research also say that when young adults do not wear watches, it is more like a fashion accessory rather than to control time.
Max Kilger, chief scientist behavior at Experian Simmons, was quoted on the MSNBC Web site as saying: "It's an anchor point – and this is the end of it. A cell phone is a notch above that, it begins to help you manage your time. And a BlackBerry is one level higher from there. "In response, watchmakers began to include a greater element of design of their watches, with a few bracelets that resemble more traditional watchmaking. Other watches offer additional functions, such as GPS trackers, monitors heart rate and, believe it or not, the capabilities of PDAs.
Many manufacturers have also begun to diversify their product range to include clothing, handbags, belts, jewelry and sunglasses. According Investors.com, the year latest fossil watches has seen 65% of their revenues from watches, leather goods 20%, handbags, including and 7% of the jewelry. This diversification means watchmakers were designed to be more of a lifestyle brand with hits like the centerpiece, and recent research indicates that it has been a successful move. Investors.com also reported that fossil saw its earnings increase of 31% year on year to 21 cents per share and sales are growing 18% to $ 306.5m in the second quarter of this year.
After all, for all the features of an iPod or a Blackberry, a wristwatch offers simplicity and convenience. The wrist watch needs a bearer only to lift his arm and look down to check the time, something that children later on the block is not. Admittedly, having to hand in a bag or jacket just to check the weather must be frustrating for those who do not have wristwatches, which was the reason for the decline of pocket watches in the early the 20th century. Watches, unlike iPods, Blackberries and mobile phones are also acceptable to have exposed in a workplace or in any conference. Finally, the watch needs a battery change much less often than iPods, Blackberries and mobile phones must be charged, which means time is not immediately wristwatches.
About the Author
Andrew Regan is an online, freelance author from Scotland. He is a keen rugby player and enjoys travelling.
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