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I have no doubt that you're right that UX is easier to do on a rectangular screen than a circular one. The problem is that a watch is an object of fashion firs
by nilkn 12y ago
I have no doubt that you're right that UX is easier to do on a rectangular screen than a circular one.
The problem is that a watch is an object of fashion first and foremost. That's why you can find people willing to pay $10k for a Rolex Submariner or, say, an Omega Speedmaster "Dark Side of the Moon". They're the ultimate status symbols. That's what watches have become -- status symbols.
Apple clearly understands that with their Edition edition (though they didn't think through that name very well) and the general high-end finish of all the watches (even the Sport edition has a stainless steel frame around the watchface), but I think it was a mistake for them to choose a rectangular screen. I personally had hoped Apple would be the first company not just to make a circular smartwatch, but to also design a custom UI for a circular screen as well (as opposed to just slapping on Android Wear like the Moto 360 does).
- RankingMember 12y agoBingo.
- sbuk 12y agohttp://www.tagheuer.co.uk/int-en/luxury-watches/monaco-watch http://www.tagheuer.co.uk/int-en/luxury-watches/monaco-watch
- nilkn 12y agoYes, there exist expensive square watches. They are not even remotely as popular as circular watches. I don't personally know a single watch aficionado who wears a square watch.
- sbuk 12y agoAnecdata is anecdotal. What I'm trying to highlight is the, frankly ridiculous notion that high end watches aren't square. The Monaco is a desirable time piece.
- nilkn 12y agoEven the majority of TAG Heuer watches are round. That's not anecdata. The Monaco is clearly the exception, not the rule.
- sbuk 12y agoAnd therefore so are other square watches! It means that the form factor isn't unprecedented. The notion that a watch face can only be aesthetically pleasing or fashionable, which is what is being argued, is absurd. There are plenty of precedents from watchmakers such as Patek Phillippe and Omega.