One for the first-time Apple Watch buyer

The Apple Watch Series 9 feels like some older editions, yet it's better than you may think

- Shouvik Das

I have always argued against buying a smartwatch, let alone one that costs more than twice the average price of a smartphone. Yet the covid-19 pandemic accelerated the demand for these devices. More individuals started taking exercise and well-being more seriously and multiple home-grown brands took this opportunity to offer health features through Apple Watch's design-often at a minuscule fraction of its price. Today, especially in urban circles, you will find most individuals wearing a smartwatch-and, in upmarket circles, you may struggle to find anyone not wearing an Apple Watch. In such a market, the Apple Watch Series 9 looks and feels exactly like some of its older editions. Yet, somehow, it is in many ways a better product than you may think.

WHY (NOT) A SMARTWATCH?

At the price of the Apple Watch Series 9-154,900 for this unit-you can buy a range of exquisite wristwatches and chronographs. Some of the choicest options include the Balmain Madrigal, Frederique Constant Classic, Tissot Carson, or Victorinox Maverick. Each will last an eternity, lend definition and personality to your character, and will eventually become an heirloom. The Apple Watch, or absolutely any smartwatch today, will last you five years at the most and give no unique identity to your wrist-wear.

But the foundational argument in favour of smartwatches is standardisation of technology. Smartwatches have become ubiquitous in the way they work, and their overall feature set. In their journey to popularity, they have had a subliminal effect on gamifying exercise and popularising wellness tracking in various ways.