Watch the blind-side...

I actually think this might pose more of a threat to the watch industry than immediately meets the eye. We have to remember that this is just the first iteration, and it may have been rushed to market for bragging rights. Eventually they will get smaller, more comfortable and better... It is not inconceivable that at some point, the market would want the "watch" part without the accompanying bulk of the "phone" and they will figure out how to do it.

If we frame it as a "real-estate" issue, then the question really is: "If the wrist is designated to telephony (whilst still telling time in sleep mode!), where will that leave luxury mechanical time-pieces?" Paradoxically, I think the high end/independents would fare okay, if not better. However, it could be quite a different story for the mass market.

Recalling the impact of the quartz movement, consider that this time the challenger comes bundled with a host of other functions that have become essential to everyday life. Couple that with the ubiquity of smart phones and the implications are huge. We're not talking about an alternative time-piece; the threat is replacement by another device altogether.

The watch went from the pocket to the wrist and stayed there. Why would the phone not do the same?

Samsung Galaxy Gear watch - some wrist shot pictures

By: AnthonyTsai : October 11th, 2013-08:22

I didn't play with the Samsung Galaxy Gear watch that much and mainly tried it on the wrist to see how it fits. I was tired of seeing pictures on the web and also on TV of women trying on this watch. Every time on CNBC I see the watch, it's a lady with a ...

One word: Huge!

By: nilomis : October 11th, 2013-10:18

Thanks Anthony for the first pictures that I see of this "watch" on a regular wrist. I go to see one "in metal" early next week (a geek friend just acquired one) and I will try to capture a picture wearing it. So far, not my cup of coffee or tea. Cheers, ...

I chose not to get one. maybe the next one will be worth having.(nt)

By: Ronald Held : October 11th, 2013-15:38

Not so good.....

By: N.AA : October 12th, 2013-03:36

I think that i'm more confortable wearing a Rolex watch and play on my iPhone.....

Not really "smart" yet?

By: KIH : October 12th, 2013-15:18

... a bit awkward to actually wear..... just IMHO.... Thanks for the first wrist shot, Anthony! Now I know I won't jump on the wagon :-) Ken

agreed

By: ei8htohms : October 14th, 2013-05:50

I think I could actually wear this with regards to the size alone, but the reported lack of good integration with key apps (no Gmail support, really?) and limited functionality are deal breakers. _john

Watch the blind-side...

By: secretlife : October 13th, 2013-15:52

In as much as I don't like the aesthetic

By: Tim Jackson : October 15th, 2013-19:53

I have to agree with you about wrist real estate, and the ramifications for the "more mass market wristwatch" I'm pretty sure the narrow niche of most of what appeals to us, will remain ok, but I'm not sure about the majority of wrist watch wearers. Time ...