Smartwatches are all the rave in the tech world at the moment. Every OEM in the industry seems to be racing towards an unmarked finish line of having the first "real" smartwatch. The truth is the smartwatch is nothing new. Sony, Motorola, and Fossil have all had a previous turn in this market. So why have we still not seen a successful model?
The problem with the trend thus far is the manufacturers are looking at the watches from the perspective of the wrong market. Watches are not a piece of technological wonder. They are a fashion statement. They are the ultimate accessory with functional purpose. OEMs should be making this the first hierarchy of need when considering a smartwatch. If the thing looks like a brick on a rubber band, then no one will be interested in what smartphone-like features it has on board.
Many have argued that the smartwatch will not officially arrive until Apple produces one. I tend to believe this statement is a correct one. Apple has a knack for making their devices look like something a jeweler would be proud of holding. Say what you want, the iPhone 5 is still one of the best pieces of industrial hardware design on a smartphone. People want to own an iPhone. It is a fashion accessory just as much as it is a phone.
Smartwatch makers have two huge hurdles to be successful. One, convincing consumers that they actually need a smartwatch. And two, recognizing that their biggest competition is the likes of Citizen and Rolex. The latter may be the opposition that provides the push to overcome the necessity issue. Making a fashionable product, that people would wear regardless of the added functionality, may just be the key to make the market a legitimate one.
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