Swatch Boss Not Bullish on Apple's 'iWatch'

[Michael Essany]

With a growing number of industry watchers watching out for Apple's rumored iWatch, there is rampant speculation about the device's potential market impact.

Will consumers flock to a "smart watch" with the same gusto observed upon the release of Apple's iPod touch, iPhone, and iPad? One credible name in the field of wristwatches doesn't expect any seismic shifts in his industry.

Swatch Group CEO Nick Hayek revealed his thoughts on the matter at a company press conference in Grenchen, Switzerland today. The gist of his remarks: don't expect the iWatch to lead the next smart device phenomenon.

"Personally, I don't believe it's the next revolution," the chief executive officer of the prominent global watchmaker said. "Replacing an iPhone with an interactive terminal on your wrist is difficult. You can't have an immense display."

Since the start of 2013, we've heard persistent rumors that Apple has dedicated a team of 100 product designers and engineers on a project to designed and prepare the iWatch for market introduction possibly before the end of the year.

Source: Bloomberg

[Albut]

The Iwatch will prove to be a complete failure for Apple. Wait and see!

[clive.weller]

The LED/LCD fashion in watches dwindled 20 (or more) years ago and we have all returned to analogue.
If you have a mobile or iPod or something similar that is carried around all the time, then I see no point in repetition.
There are a dozen other reasons why this watch is already doomed but I see no point on labouring the point any further.

[kalpesh78]

The Iwatch will prove to be a complete failure for Apple. Wait and see!

I so agree with you. Its 'that' time for apple again.

[RandyTG]

The mobile phone boom has reduced the number of people who wear watches, because every phone now comes with a built in clock and one that is very accurate. There are already companies out there that are doing "smart watches", but the best concept so far is this company https://www.slyde.ch/en/, they have a digital display that is meant to simulate mechanical watches. Very nice, but also very expensive.

Has anyone stopped to think that maybe iWatch is the name of the rumored Apple TV that was supposed to be released last year?

[Zokunei]

Has anyone stopped to think that maybe iWatch is the name of the rumored Apple TV that was supposed to be released last year?

Haha that would be hilarious.

[unison999]

I want a watch from Rolex, Omega, Bvlgari etc

I might want a digital watch if I am a kid, but I'm not so no way I am spending lots of money for something like this.

[carlbgc]

I think it could be a great product.

Your phone is in your pocket and you receive an email. You pull the phone out of your pocket, check the notification and discover it is just a spam email.

Wouldn't it be easier to just check the notification on your watch?

They would just need to revolutionise how it charges. I don't want to be charging my watch every night.

[tekwiz]

HAHAHA, Swatch, used to be so big/in style and where are you now? Nowhere. Maybe because you think of stupid things such as that people would REPLACE their phone with the watch rather than augment it. You....and the other moron doubters here, will eat your feet soon.

[Aumz]

This will not fail.....not because it is a great product but because Apple have built up a following of moronic imbeciles that will simply purchase anything with the Apple logo on it regardless if they need it or not or even if there is better for cheaper out there.

I think it could be a great product.

Your phone is in your pocket and you receive an email. You pull the phone out of your pocket, check the notification and discover it is just a spam email.

Wouldn't it be easier to just check the notification on your watch?

They would just need to revolutionise how it charges. I don't want to be charging my watch every night.

Precisely I want something stylish and classy on my wrist not something from the 80's era....

[Donnutt]

I want a watch from Rolex, Omega, Bvlgari etc

I might want a digital watch if I am a kid, but I'm not so no way I am spending lots of money for something like this.

I agree. I want a nice analog self winder with a chronograph.
But, apple doesn't necessarily design products for us older people, kids go nuts over them!

[RandyTG]

HAHAHA, Swatch, used to be so big/in style and where are you now? Nowhere. Maybe because you think of stupid things such as that people would REPLACE their phone with the watch rather than augment it. You....and the other moron doubters here, will eat your feet soon.

The Swatch Group is the largest watch maker in the world and they own some of the oldest and most prestigious mechanical watch brands available: Breguet, Blancpain, Glashütte Original, Harry Winston, Jaquet Droz, Léon Hatot, Omega, Longines, Rado, Union Glashütte, Tissot, Calvin Klein Watches + Jewelry, Balmain, Certina, Mido, Hamilton, Swatch, Flik Flak, Endura and Tourbillon.

While the Swatch watch isn't as trendy as it used to be, the Swatch Group is the most powerful single entity currently in the Swiss watch market.

I think it could be a great product.

Your phone is in your pocket and you receive an email. You pull the phone out of your pocket, check the notification and discover it is just a spam email.

Wouldn't it be easier to just check the notification on your watch?

They would just need to revolutionise how it charges. I don't want to be charging my watch every night.

Pebble (http://getpebble.com/) and other recent products do exactly what you want today.

[carlbgc]

T



Pebble (http://getpebble.com/) and other recent products do exactly what you want today.

So it does, very nice!

Thanks.

[mwhite67]

I have the new Pebble watch and its awesome being able to read texts and control your music and see whos calling you on your wrist. I'm really glad I got one. I assume the iwatch will be like that except much cooler looking and with more features. I will probably get one if its in the sub 200 dollar range.

[Roadw3]

Apple just needs to price it high enough. Like 299 for entry and 399, 499 for bells and whistles. Those things will fly off the shelves.

[*T*]

The Swatch Group is the largest watch maker in the world and they own some of the oldest and most prestigious mechanical watch brands available: Breguet, Blancpain, Glashütte Original, Harry Winston, Jaquet Droz, Léon Hatot, Omega, Longines, Rado, Union Glashütte, Tissot, Calvin Klein Watches + Jewelry, Balmain, Certina, Mido, Hamilton, Swatch, Flik Flak, Endura and Tourbillon.

While the Swatch watch isn't as trendy as it used to be, the Swatch Group is the most powerful single entity currently in the Swiss watch market.



Pebble (http://getpebble.com/) and other recent products do exactly what you want today.

I never knew Swatch owned Omega! That's very interesting, thank you for posting that.

[Mrteacup]

I don't know why people actually think there will be an iwatch. That's not apple AT ALL. This rumor has gained so much unnecessary traction. If anything it's just going to be a more feature packed iPod nano watch case..

Also if this was to be made it wouldn't be made to replace an iPhone.. Smh

[demdudes954]

I can't wait for the iWatch jailbreak to be released!!!

[CZroe]

The iWatch doesn't replace it. It taps into it. That's what I've always said was so misguided thous Android watches. They shouldn't be trying to replace the powerful device in your pocket with one that's even more size/space/storage limited: they should be complementing it.

[back2thebeatof84]

Has anyone stopped to think that maybe iWatch is the name of the rumored Apple TV that was supposed to be released last year?

I would award you 100,000 Internetz if that happened.