IMPRINT 2020
The Apple Watch, which debuted in late 2014, was one of the first prominent pieces of wearable technology. It boasted all of the features of a mobile phone and a wristwatch, including the ability to tell the time, message, make phone calls, link to other Apple devices and even count your steps. Many people grew to wonder: why would I wear a watch if I could have this? Certainly, it was more useful and productive, and the price also attracted consumers. Its launch price was $349, which, in comparison to the average price of a Swiss watch that year at $803, was also definitely a factor in its initial appeal. Smartwatches marked a new era in the watch industry that was most likely one of the biggest causes of the decline of the traditional wristwatch.
I know lots of people who would immediately say no. For many, the watch holds a certain possessive significance to them, as a phone might. It becomes part of them. It becomes a routine to take it off every night before bed and put it on in the morning, and it feels strange to not have it around their wrist. For many men, who still don’t feel comfortable embracing more stereotypically feminine jewellery such as rings, bracelets and necklaces, the watch is their own jewellery and their way to express themselves. Certainly, it is also most likely a symbol of wealth for people, as a watch such as a Rolex can have a value of tens of thousands of pounds. Perhaps to own a watch feels like a statement, both as an expression of one’s self in a more conservative and less traditionally feminine manner, but also of wealth and status. For them, the watch is more than just some cogs and screws: it is precious.
As more and more wearable technology was introduced, more and more people reached for a watch that could ‘do it all’ over a comparatively simple analogue watch. In 2015, there were 96.7 million wearable technology sales worldwide, while sales for 2020 are expected to be closer to 600.6 million, showing just how much sales have skyrocketed over the last 5 years. Furthermore, with such a range of wearable technology now on the market, there really is something for everyone. From a health-conscious Fitbit that calculates steps and heartbeat with a corresponding stopwatch and timer, to watches that can even measure blood pressure for more medically inclined consumers, the wristwatch is becoming lost in the growing enormity and popularity of technology.
MISTER @PEXELS
tch that I g either not found a wa Sadly, I can’t relate. Havin hout losing wit for longer than a week like, or not owning one watch as a h wit ess e level of closen it, I’ve never felt the sam l much fee I y wh is this s . Perhap I’m sure many experience But perhaps . ind beh tch wa the ve lea more ready than most to I am willing to leave. tch wa the y onl not is it
1889
1889
THEREFORE, I ASK, IS IT TIME TO LEAVE THE TRADITIONAL WATCH BEHIND AS WE MOVE ON IN OUR TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT? When the school first opens, there are only 15 pupils.
03
I believe that technology is a powerful, driving force that we could not stop even if we tried. Our curiosity has grown: walls have been broken and ideas have been made in the millions. This isn’t something we have to view in fear, but rather something that we should embrace. There are new solutions to nearly every inconvenience we can think of, new equipment to help us every day and get us everywhere, and this is without even mentioning the growing ability that we, as humans, have with the assistance of technology. However, if we cling to items from the past, we are inevitably going to slow our progress down. My view is that if you want to move forward, you need to be willing to leave things behind. Much like how we embrace each new update or announcement for our mobile’s new and ever more imaginative features, we should embrace the direction in which watches are heading. Sure, you may leave an old watch behind, but what amazing technology are you going to be able to get instead? Of course, it takes time for people to adapt to something new, but as the saying goes, you have to step outside of your comfort zone for the magic to happen. Who knows how magical watches could be in 20 years’ time? Are you going to find out and experience the new innovations of what technology will have to offer or are you going to stick to the old-fashioned watch?
I KNOW WHERE I WILL BE.
I ONLY HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE WITH ME. The first school sports are hockey and tennis.
