That is why I would prefer a hybrid watch like the Kairos, 5 to 7 days. Unlike a completely color digital display that will only get a quarter of that time.
That looks pretty sweet. I don't wear watches anymore, but if I did that might be something worth considering.
The mobile phone industry had nothing to worry about from the iPhone.
Microsoft, Nokia, Palm, RIM. They predicted its doom right from the get go.
This was the mindset of the time, seven years ago:
<iframe width="640" height="385" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/eywi0h_Y5_U" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
Boy was he way way off. What he predicted for the iPhone happened to them. Zune DoA. Was interesting times back then.
There must be a reason Apple hired a sales exec from a luxury Swiss watch maker.
Honestly I don't see Apple doing anything like the Moto 360. As I've said elsewhere the Moto 360 reminds me of those home make over TV shows where a designer is given $1000 to redesign the house and they try to make something look expensive on the cheap. I've seen the kind of watches Jony Ive wears. You can't make a $199 or $299 version of those.
You're right, the Moto 360 is not it. The Apple watch will make it look completely silly, just like mobile phones from 2006. All existing smart watches will look that way after this Fall.
Think about how Apple redefined what a smartphone was in 2007 and apply that to watches. That's what's coming.
I don't see the point of the Swiss watchmakers getting in bed with Apple. Different target markets.
Swiss watches are renowned for their mechanical movements, for one, and you won't see LED displays. Let alone, a screen.
A Swiss watch is a fashion statement. An iWatch is an everyday tool. Nobody is going to cross-shop a Rolex and an iWatch.
On the flip side, given the way that all things Apple are made in China, nothing would hurt those Swiss brands more than endorsing some smartwatch made in China. They are smart to stay out of this.
In your shadow could any watch be seen as being beautiful? Metal and plastic can not compete with grace and elegance.
The flick was interesting but is that an actual shipping product? Until such a product actually ships and Apple's product ships, it will be hard to compare the two. Given that I suspect Apple iWatch will lean more towards the concepts alluded to in that video then some of the mock ups we have seen so far. I see no point in slapping an iPhone like screen on ones wrist. What such a watch needs is a transparent display panel that resides above the hands of the watch.
That is if we support the idea that a mechanical watch is needed at all. I'm still of the opinion that people who wear these mechanical watches are the types of people I'd rather avoid in life. Spending huge amounts of money on a watch that can't keep time any better than a $2.00 refrigerator magnet, just for the snob appeal, is just a huge turn off for me. So while Apple may lean towards the mechanical solutions I don't really see any serious value in such an offering.
One possibility though that just came to mind. What if Apple came up with a wind up generator that solves or supplements it's battery problems? Instead of a hairspring driving a watch mechanism it instead drives a tiny electrical generator. I'm sitting here wondering if that would even work and what sort of energy storage you could achieve with such a mechanism.
I chose the Kairos because it's an actual product that will ship and doesn't cost a fortune, starts in at 550 dollars. Though I'm not a big watch person myself when I do wear one it's usually for the sense of fashion over functionality. I have a phone that tells time very well however I am starting to see the appeal of a smart-watch but if I'm going to wear one it will defiantly have to look as close to an ordinary watch as possible, I don't like wearing things that look like gadgets. The Kairos is the closest thing to that wish, it's also a hybrid which means the liquid display isn't on all the time, just when you need it or receive a notification, which means the battery life will defiantly be longer. I said that I will wait at least a year to make up my mind as I am in no hurry, Things like this are strictly a luxury item, a toy, nothing else. Like you said we need to actually see these things up close and be able to compare them. It's still fun discussing in the mean time.
That is why I would prefer a hybrid watch like the Kair<a href="https://kairoswatches.com/" style="line-height:1.4em;font-size:16px;" target="_blank">os</a>
, 5 to 7 days. Unlike a completely color digital display that will only get a quarter of that time.
That looks great. If Swiss watchmakers can put out that sort of smartwatch I think everyone else, including Apple, will have a hard time competing. I think they did pretty much everything right, including not making it an app device. My only concern is the lack of wireless charging which could be great if you could take it off and without having to use a plug be able to charge it. That said, the battery life is decent and they at least made it magnetic. I'd also like to see more biometrics but better to perfect simple and then build into complexity.
Apple would never promote its products as Swiss made. Swiss products envoke quality and tradition, while California's products are high-tech, cool and revolutionary.
There's a regulatory standard to call your products "Swiss made". Nothing Apple makes would ever qualify.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Frood
I can see merit to both sides perspectives having credibility in this. Apple would want the iWatch to be 'Swiss Made' because that evokes quality and craftsmanship. Buying an iWatch means Apple has to get buyers to give up their 'bodily retail space' (aka wrist) and trade out their watches for it. Since Apple generally likes the more affluent crowd it has to get them to give up their elegant high quality watches in favor of the iPhone. 'Made by Foxconn' in China is a hurdle many of those wouldn't view as a 'plus' when giving up their wrist space. The iWatch may have enough merit on its own to overcome that, but I believe it raises the bar substantially.
From the Swiss manufacturers turning down Apple is almost a no-brainer. Apple is the big dog and likes to be in control of any relationships it enters. None of them want to be the 'Foxconn of Switzerland' and being viewed as a trite manufacturer for Apple would irreperably damage their brand.
They are just not a good match for each other.
Exactly this. It makes no sense at all. All benefit to Apple. No benefit to them.
Quote:
Originally Posted by RadarTheKat
The existing paridigm of luxury watches invoking bygone days of aviators and naval frogmen will be seem quaint and outdated the moment Apple introduces its wearable. As previous generations were fond of exclaiming, "You can set your watch by that!"
Quote:
Originally Posted by DanielSW
So get ready, everyone, for Apple to set the Swiss watch industry on its ear, just like it set the mobile phone industry on its ear.
I haven't worn a watch for a good while now since I've had my iPhone with me all the time. But it's admittedly a little awkward to have to haul my iPhone out of my pocket and press the button to see the time.
I also still have a bit of a yearning to have a classy-looking timepiece on my wrist for myself and others to admire. But whenever I look at a Rolex, Movado, TAG/Heuer, etc. it's making less and less sense to drop that kind of coin on a timepiece that still has to be wound/worn/calibrated in order to show anywhere near the accuracy of time that my iPhone displays for free.
I think Apple has the right idea to create a wrist-worn device that displays not only accurate time, but most likely a lot of other information with the uniquely ready-access that such a form factor affords—and in a form that Sir Jonny has had a hand in designing.
Pretty exciting!
Nothing is going to happen the Swiss watch industry. Maybe the loss of some low hanging fruit....like the Wenger I wear everyday. You think people are going to cross-shop a Movado and an iWatch? One is a timeless piece that you can actually pass on. The other is a (very nice) disposable electronic item.
Those luxury Swiss watches hold their value. Electronics don't. A 2007 TAG has value. A 2007 original iPhone only retains value as a historical curiosity.
I don't see the point of the Swiss watchmakers getting in bed with Apple. Different target markets.
Swiss watches are renowned for their mechanical movements, for one, and you won't see LED displays. Let alone, a screen.
A Swiss watch is a fashion statement. An iWatch is an everyday tool. Nobody is going to cross-shop a Rolex and an iWatch.
On the flip side, given the way that all things Apple are made in China, nothing would hurt those Swiss brands more than endorsing some smartwatch made in China. They are smart to stay out of this.
If you watched the video I posted of the Kairos, a Swiss watch maker by the way, you will see that it is possible for the likes of Rolex to add a transparent display on top of a mechanical watch in a elegant way. Right now these hybrid watches are pretty thick but in a few years when the technology has improved luxury watch makers would defiantly benefit from this. Imagine what they could do with dive and sailing watches, it's only a matter of time.
I'm still of the opinion that people who wear these mechanical watches are the types of people I'd rather avoid in life. Spending huge amounts of money on a watch that can't keep time any better than a $2.00 refrigerator magnet, just for the snob appeal, is just a huge turn off for me. So while Apple may lean towards the mechanical solutions I don't really see any serious value in such an offering.
Do you also avoid friendships with anybody who drives a BMW?
Indeed, the same argument can be made of anybody who owns Apple products. After all, a Windows PC and an Android phone can do the job just fine. So why do you own an $800 iPhone and a $1200 Macbook?
Personally, I avoid people who are judgemental. They always think they are better than everybody else.
If you watched the video I posted of the Kairos, a Swiss watch maker by the way, you will see that it is possible for the likes of Rolex to add a transparent display on top of a mechanical watch in a elegant way. Right now these hybrid watches are pretty thick but in a few years when the technology has improved luxury watch makers would defiantly benefit from this. Imagine what they could do with dive and sailing watches, it's only a matter of time.
I saw the video. Nice concept. Still not something that Rolex should get in bed with to dilute their brand. Swatch maybe....
iWatch can be the modern day Flik Flak with millenials.
I saw the video. Nice concept. Still not something that Rolex should get in bed with to dilute their brand. Swatch maybe....
iWatch can be the modern day Flik Flak with millenials.
1) I imagine that the same was said when watch batteries were first coming to market.
2) Rolex has done digital watches in the past.
3) Swatch Group is huge and I believe makes watches that are more expensive and of higher quality than Rolex.
4) The beauty of Kairos is that it looks like a standard watch because of the the translucent display.
5) The reason many state "I haven't worn a watch in years" is because the utilitarian need for a watch ended with the pocketable cell phone, but with a wrist-worn device that adds utility that isn't offered in a cellphone I can see people moving back to wearing them again. If the utility outweighs the fashion then Swiss watchmakers that don't modernize will not be able to get these customers. How well did Vertu fair after the iPhone came out?
What if it's not a watch, but a watch band? What if Apple is doing is MARRYING the old and the new? They probably will offer a "watch" to go with the band, but what if you can also just get the band and put your own watch on it?
What if it's not a watch, but a watch band? What if Apple is doing is MARRYING the old and the new? They probably will offer a "watch" to go with the band, but what if you can also just get the band and put your own watch on it?
That would definitely be different. That would definitely resolve the issue of the luxury watch market, although perhaps not the luxury watchband market (if there is such a thing) which may affect the sale of certain watches or watch types. The watch band definitely touches the skin which would be important for sensors.
My concerns are how bendable it would be with the included electronics, how thick it would be, and it would be charged.
1) I imagine that the same was said when watch batteries were first coming to market.
2) Rolex has done digital watches in the past.
3) Swatch Group is huge and I believe makes watches that are more expensive and of higher quality than Rolex.
4) The beauty of Kairos is that it looks like a standard watch because of the the translucent display.
5) The reason many state "I haven't worn a watch in years" is because the utilitarian need for a watch ended with the pocketable cell phone, but with a wrist-worn device that adds utility that isn't offered in a cellphone I can see people moving back to wearing them again. If the utility outweighs the fashion then Swiss watchmakers that don't modernize will not be able to get these customers. How well did Vertu fair after the iPhone came out?
Completely agree and is kind of exciting to see what pops up in the coming year. Don't hate me too much but I actually have a Vertu phone, the Vertu Constellation Quest. My husband received two when he was promoted at work, one of which was meant for his spouse, me yaaaayyy, which was lucky for him as I would have killed him in his sleep if he didn't bring one home for me. The Vertu is actually more then a phone but a sort of concierges service, a service that has proven to be more then useful on a number of occasions, actually it's pretty friggen fabulous and if you can afford it I can not recommend it enough. Services like getting into impossible restaurants and clubs that are not only booked but are very exclusive, finding hotels, planes, car rentals and booking them literally hours before arrival, tailors, shopping assistance(they can literally find anything you want and have it delivered to your hotel the same day, an escort dressed like Mary Poppins, no problem), emergency transport(say your in Kenya on Safari, break a leg, a helicopter will be sent to your location), the list goes on and on. My husband had a Vertu corporate account for 4 years before it was canceled about a year ago for a new service. So I don't think the iPhone treaded on Vertu's territory as much as you think, different clientele all together.
What if it's not a watch, but a watch band? What if Apple is doing is MARRYING the old and the new? They probably will offer a "watch" to go with the band, but what if you can also just get the band and put your own watch on it?
That would definitely be different. That would definitely resolve the issue of the luxury watch market, although perhaps not the luxury watchband market (if there is such a thing) which may affect the sale of certain watches or watch types. The watch band definitely touches the skin which would be important for sensors.
My concerns are how bendable it would be with the included electronics, how thick it would be, and it would be charged.
I think it could be something like a smooth metal band that's sized to your wrist, with a standard attachment for the watch on the top. Available in silver, gold, or possibly enameled colors for the high end, colored plastic a la iPhone 5C for the low end. The "watch" part may be fairly easily removed/exchanged, permitting various watches for various occasions (dress, informal, deep ocean diving, etcetera).
As regards charging, I expect that, and all uploading/downloading, to be completely wireless. That''s the best way to make it completely waterproof.
What if it's not a watch, but a watch band? What if Apple is doing is MARRYING the old and the new? They probably will offer a "watch" to go with the band, but what if you can also just get the band and put your own watch on it?
Yeah, see that falls a little to much on the gadgetry side for me and something that I wouldn't wear personally, I guess maybe a little too young for my taste. I know my kids will go gaga over something like that though, which will probably be Apples target group anyway, young teens to mid twenties. With of course the exceptions, like wearing one during exercise but to be honest Timex and Garmin sell some pretty great workout watches with all the bells and whistles like heart monitor and GPS trackings for less then 150 bucks with batteries that pretty much last forever. So it might be a hard sell for Apple if their going to charge 300 for theirs and require an iPhone to get a GPS signal.
I'm sure Apple's design will be nice but I think it will defiantly look more like a gadget then a luxury watch. Which is why I'm going to wait a year or so to see what companies like TAG, Vertu and Kairos release. If I'm going to wear a watch I don't want something that was designed for the masses but a watch that is truly beautiful, unique and with enough functionality to be useful.
This is what I'm looking for in a SmartWatch;
Hadn't seen this but it's along the lines of what I envision Apple releasing... High concept design.
Comments
That looks pretty sweet. I don't wear watches anymore, but if I did that might be something worth considering.
There must be a reason Apple hired a sales exec from a luxury Swiss watch maker.
Honestly I don't see Apple doing anything like the Moto 360. As I've said elsewhere the Moto 360 reminds me of those home make over TV shows where a designer is given $1000 to redesign the house and they try to make something look expensive on the cheap. I've seen the kind of watches Jony Ive wears. You can't make a $199 or $299 version of those.
You're right, the Moto 360 is not it. The Apple watch will make it look completely silly, just like mobile phones from 2006. All existing smart watches will look that way after this Fall.
Think about how Apple redefined what a smartphone was in 2007 and apply that to watches. That's what's coming.
I expect iWatch will veer toward a traditional timepiece appearance-wise concealing its IOS capabilities.
Nope
Swiss watches are renowned for their mechanical movements, for one, and you won't see LED displays. Let alone, a screen.
A Swiss watch is a fashion statement. An iWatch is an everyday tool. Nobody is going to cross-shop a Rolex and an iWatch.
On the flip side, given the way that all things Apple are made in China, nothing would hurt those Swiss brands more than endorsing some smartwatch made in China. They are smart to stay out of this.
In your shadow could any watch be seen as being beautiful? Metal and plastic can not compete with grace and elegance.
The flick was interesting but is that an actual shipping product? Until such a product actually ships and Apple's product ships, it will be hard to compare the two. Given that I suspect Apple iWatch will lean more towards the concepts alluded to in that video then some of the mock ups we have seen so far. I see no point in slapping an iPhone like screen on ones wrist. What such a watch needs is a transparent display panel that resides above the hands of the watch.
That is if we support the idea that a mechanical watch is needed at all. I'm still of the opinion that people who wear these mechanical watches are the types of people I'd rather avoid in life. Spending huge amounts of money on a watch that can't keep time any better than a $2.00 refrigerator magnet, just for the snob appeal, is just a huge turn off for me. So while Apple may lean towards the mechanical solutions I don't really see any serious value in such an offering.
One possibility though that just came to mind. What if Apple came up with a wind up generator that solves or supplements it's battery problems? Instead of a hairspring driving a watch mechanism it instead drives a tiny electrical generator. I'm sitting here wondering if that would even work and what sort of energy storage you could achieve with such a mechanism.
I chose the Kairos because it's an actual product that will ship and doesn't cost a fortune, starts in at 550 dollars. Though I'm not a big watch person myself when I do wear one it's usually for the sense of fashion over functionality. I have a phone that tells time very well however I am starting to see the appeal of a smart-watch but if I'm going to wear one it will defiantly have to look as close to an ordinary watch as possible, I don't like wearing things that look like gadgets. The Kairos is the closest thing to that wish, it's also a hybrid which means the liquid display isn't on all the time, just when you need it or receive a notification, which means the battery life will defiantly be longer. I said that I will wait at least a year to make up my mind as I am in no hurry, Things like this are strictly a luxury item, a toy, nothing else. Like you said we need to actually see these things up close and be able to compare them. It's still fun discussing in the mean time.
That looks great. If Swiss watchmakers can put out that sort of smartwatch I think everyone else, including Apple, will have a hard time competing. I think they did pretty much everything right, including not making it an app device. My only concern is the lack of wireless charging which could be great if you could take it off and without having to use a plug be able to charge it. That said, the battery life is decent and they at least made it magnetic. I'd also like to see more biometrics but better to perfect simple and then build into complexity.
Apple would never promote its products as Swiss made. Swiss products envoke quality and tradition, while California's products are high-tech, cool and revolutionary.
There's a regulatory standard to call your products "Swiss made". Nothing Apple makes would ever qualify.
I can see merit to both sides perspectives having credibility in this. Apple would want the iWatch to be 'Swiss Made' because that evokes quality and craftsmanship. Buying an iWatch means Apple has to get buyers to give up their 'bodily retail space' (aka wrist) and trade out their watches for it. Since Apple generally likes the more affluent crowd it has to get them to give up their elegant high quality watches in favor of the iPhone. 'Made by Foxconn' in China is a hurdle many of those wouldn't view as a 'plus' when giving up their wrist space. The iWatch may have enough merit on its own to overcome that, but I believe it raises the bar substantially.
From the Swiss manufacturers turning down Apple is almost a no-brainer. Apple is the big dog and likes to be in control of any relationships it enters. None of them want to be the 'Foxconn of Switzerland' and being viewed as a trite manufacturer for Apple would irreperably damage their brand.
They are just not a good match for each other.
Exactly this. It makes no sense at all. All benefit to Apple. No benefit to them.
The existing paridigm of luxury watches invoking bygone days of aviators and naval frogmen will be seem quaint and outdated the moment Apple introduces its wearable. As previous generations were fond of exclaiming, "You can set your watch by that!"
So get ready, everyone, for Apple to set the Swiss watch industry on its ear, just like it set the mobile phone industry on its ear.
I haven't worn a watch for a good while now since I've had my iPhone with me all the time. But it's admittedly a little awkward to have to haul my iPhone out of my pocket and press the button to see the time.
I also still have a bit of a yearning to have a classy-looking timepiece on my wrist for myself and others to admire. But whenever I look at a Rolex, Movado, TAG/Heuer, etc. it's making less and less sense to drop that kind of coin on a timepiece that still has to be wound/worn/calibrated in order to show anywhere near the accuracy of time that my iPhone displays for free.
I think Apple has the right idea to create a wrist-worn device that displays not only accurate time, but most likely a lot of other information with the uniquely ready-access that such a form factor affords—and in a form that Sir Jonny has had a hand in designing.
Pretty exciting!
Nothing is going to happen the Swiss watch industry. Maybe the loss of some low hanging fruit....like the Wenger I wear everyday. You think people are going to cross-shop a Movado and an iWatch? One is a timeless piece that you can actually pass on. The other is a (very nice) disposable electronic item.
Those luxury Swiss watches hold their value. Electronics don't. A 2007 TAG has value. A 2007 original iPhone only retains value as a historical curiosity.
A Swiss watch is a fashion statement. An iWatch is an everyday tool. Nobody is going to cross-shop a Rolex and an iWatch.
Indeed. Highly crafted gemstone encrusted timepieces are not mass consumer items.
I don't see the point of the Swiss watchmakers getting in bed with Apple. Different target markets.
Swiss watches are renowned for their mechanical movements, for one, and you won't see LED displays. Let alone, a screen.
A Swiss watch is a fashion statement. An iWatch is an everyday tool. Nobody is going to cross-shop a Rolex and an iWatch.
On the flip side, given the way that all things Apple are made in China, nothing would hurt those Swiss brands more than endorsing some smartwatch made in China. They are smart to stay out of this.
If you watched the video I posted of the Kairos, a Swiss watch maker by the way, you will see that it is possible for the likes of Rolex to add a transparent display on top of a mechanical watch in a elegant way. Right now these hybrid watches are pretty thick but in a few years when the technology has improved luxury watch makers would defiantly benefit from this. Imagine what they could do with dive and sailing watches, it's only a matter of time.
I'm still of the opinion that people who wear these mechanical watches are the types of people I'd rather avoid in life. Spending huge amounts of money on a watch that can't keep time any better than a $2.00 refrigerator magnet, just for the snob appeal, is just a huge turn off for me. So while Apple may lean towards the mechanical solutions I don't really see any serious value in such an offering.
Do you also avoid friendships with anybody who drives a BMW?
Indeed, the same argument can be made of anybody who owns Apple products. After all, a Windows PC and an Android phone can do the job just fine. So why do you own an $800 iPhone and a $1200 Macbook?
Personally, I avoid people who are judgemental. They always think they are better than everybody else.
If you watched the video I posted of the Kairos, a Swiss watch maker by the way, you will see that it is possible for the likes of Rolex to add a transparent display on top of a mechanical watch in a elegant way. Right now these hybrid watches are pretty thick but in a few years when the technology has improved luxury watch makers would defiantly benefit from this. Imagine what they could do with dive and sailing watches, it's only a matter of time.
I saw the video. Nice concept. Still not something that Rolex should get in bed with to dilute their brand. Swatch maybe....
iWatch can be the modern day Flik Flak with millenials.
Aaaah screw it, I'm just going to get a Nixie watch and call it a day, Woz likes his.
1) I imagine that the same was said when watch batteries were first coming to market.
2) Rolex has done digital watches in the past.
3) Swatch Group is huge and I believe makes watches that are more expensive and of higher quality than Rolex.
4) The beauty of Kairos is that it looks like a standard watch because of the the translucent display.
5) The reason many state "I haven't worn a watch in years" is because the utilitarian need for a watch ended with the pocketable cell phone, but with a wrist-worn device that adds utility that isn't offered in a cellphone I can see people moving back to wearing them again. If the utility outweighs the fashion then Swiss watchmakers that don't modernize will not be able to get these customers. How well did Vertu fair after the iPhone came out?
What if it's not a watch, but a watch band? What if Apple is doing is MARRYING the old and the new? They probably will offer a "watch" to go with the band, but what if you can also just get the band and put your own watch on it?
That would definitely be different. That would definitely resolve the issue of the luxury watch market, although perhaps not the luxury watchband market (if there is such a thing) which may affect the sale of certain watches or watch types. The watch band definitely touches the skin which would be important for sensors.
My concerns are how bendable it would be with the included electronics, how thick it would be, and it would be charged.
1) I imagine that the same was said when watch batteries were first coming to market.
2) Rolex has done digital watches in the past.
3) Swatch Group is huge and I believe makes watches that are more expensive and of higher quality than Rolex.
4) The beauty of Kairos is that it looks like a standard watch because of the the translucent display.
5) The reason many state "I haven't worn a watch in years" is because the utilitarian need for a watch ended with the pocketable cell phone, but with a wrist-worn device that adds utility that isn't offered in a cellphone I can see people moving back to wearing them again. If the utility outweighs the fashion then Swiss watchmakers that don't modernize will not be able to get these customers. How well did Vertu fair after the iPhone came out?
Completely agree and is kind of exciting to see what pops up in the coming year. Don't hate me too much but I actually have a Vertu phone, the Vertu Constellation Quest. My husband received two when he was promoted at work, one of which was meant for his spouse, me
yaaaayyy, which was lucky for him as I would have killed him in his sleep if he didn't bring one home for me. The Vertu is actually more then a phone but a sort of concierges service, a service that has proven to be more then useful on a number of occasions, actually it's pretty friggen fabulous and if you can afford it I can not recommend it enough. Services like getting into impossible restaurants and clubs that are not only booked but are very exclusive, finding hotels, planes, car rentals and booking them literally hours before arrival, tailors, shopping assistance(they can literally find anything you want and have it delivered to your hotel the same day, an escort dressed like Mary Poppins, no problem), emergency transport(say your in Kenya on Safari, break a leg, a helicopter will be sent to your location), the list goes on and on. My husband had a Vertu corporate account for 4 years before it was canceled about a year ago for a new service. So I don't think the iPhone treaded on Vertu's territory as much as you think, different clientele all together.
I think it could be something like a smooth metal band that's sized to your wrist, with a standard attachment for the watch on the top. Available in silver, gold, or possibly enameled colors for the high end, colored plastic a la iPhone 5C for the low end. The "watch" part may be fairly easily removed/exchanged, permitting various watches for various occasions (dress, informal, deep ocean diving, etcetera).
As regards charging, I expect that, and all uploading/downloading, to be completely wireless. That''s the best way to make it completely waterproof.
Something Horace Deidu says in this interview makes me think Apple may be about to do something really different. http://www.asymco.com/2014/07/02/apple-lessons-in-self-destruction-richard-gutjahrs-blog/#disqus_thread
What if it's not a watch, but a watch band? What if Apple is doing is MARRYING the old and the new? They probably will offer a "watch" to go with the band, but what if you can also just get the band and put your own watch on it?
Yeah, see that falls a little to much on the gadgetry side for me and something that I wouldn't wear personally, I guess maybe a little too young for my taste. I know my kids will go gaga over something like that though, which will probably be Apples target group anyway, young teens to mid twenties. With of course the exceptions, like wearing one during exercise but to be honest Timex and Garmin sell some pretty great workout watches with all the bells and whistles like heart monitor and GPS trackings for less then 150 bucks with batteries that pretty much last forever. So it might be a hard sell for Apple if their going to charge 300 for theirs and require an iPhone to get a GPS signal.
I'm sure Apple's design will be nice but I think it will defiantly look more like a gadget then a luxury watch. Which is why I'm going to wait a year or so to see what companies like TAG, Vertu and Kairos release. If I'm going to wear a watch I don't want something that was designed for the masses but a watch that is truly beautiful, unique and with enough functionality to be useful.
This is what I'm looking for in a SmartWatch;
Hadn't seen this but it's along the lines of what I envision Apple releasing... High concept design.