Let’s face it: in a world where we can check the time by glancing at our phones or smartwatches, you’d think traditional wristwatches would be, well, relics.
But instead, they’ve stuck around, and not just stuck around—they continue to thrive.
So how did these tiny mechanical marvels manage to stay relevant for over a century?
A Brief Spin Through Watch History
Once upon a time, there were pocket watches. Fancy, but annoying to fish out of your waistcoat every time you needed to check the time. Then came the wristwatch revolution, driven by practicality (thanks, World War I!), and suddenly everyone wanted one. What began as a military tool for synchronizing attacks became a style statement, and soon brands like Rolex, Omega, and Patek Philippe turned these little gadgets into status symbols.
Watches weren’t just about telling time; they became emblems of achievement. That’s why they’re still the go-to gift for marking big moments—graduations, weddings, promotions, you name it. And while our gadgets have evolved, the wristwatch has managed to hold its ground.
Sure, a smartwatch can track your heart rate and even send texts, but can it make you feel like James Bond or make you look like one of his Bond Girls? Exactly.
Smartwatches vs. Traditional Watches
Let’s be real—smartwatches have brought a lot to the table. Fitness tracking, notifications, GPS, and more, all neatly wrapped around your wrist. They’re a tech lover’s dream, and it’s no surprise they’ve captured the younger, gadget-obsessed market. But while smartwatches can give you the weather forecast, they’re not exactly built to last. They need to be updated, recharged, and replaced every few years. Meanwhile, a good old-fashioned mechanical watch can be passed down through generations, still ticking strong.
For many, the appeal of a traditional watch lies in its craftsmanship and durability. These aren’t just accessories; they’re mini-engineering masterpieces. It’s like comparing a sleek vintage car to the latest electric model—both have their perks, but one has a story, a soul. Traditional watches are about style, legacy, and that satisfying “tick-tock” that reminds you of simpler times
So, Why Are Watches Still a Thing?
They Mark Milestones: You don’t gift a smartwatch at a retirement party; you give a classic timepiece. Why? Because it’s a symbol of time well spent, and one that doesn’t come with a user manual. A well-chosen watch is personal, timeless, and full of sentiment
Style Over Tech: You can swap out your smartwatch band all you want, but it’s not going to feel as sophisticated as a sleek, minimalist watch that matches your outfit. Traditional watches speak to those who appreciate the art of design and the charm of an analog world in a digital age.
Simplicity & Durability: There’s something to be said for simplicity. No notifications, no distractions—just time, pure and simple. Plus, a mechanical watch is like a reliable friend. Treat it well, and it will last forever
Watch Republic’s Life Beyond the Clock
To keep the magic alive, brands have to do more than just make pretty watches—they have to create experiences. And that’s exactly what Watch Republic did with their “Life Beyond the Clock” event at One Ayala Mall. Held from September 27 to 29, the watch fair was all about showcasing how watches can be fun, stylish, and still relevant in today’s fast-paced world
Themed Zones for Every Lifestyle: Watch Republic set up different zones to appeal to every type of watch enthusiast. From the “Work” zone, where Timex let you customize tote bags to celebrate classic design, to the “Play” area featuring Fastrack’s quirky, bike-powered juice blender (yes, you read that right), the event wasn’t just about showcasing watches—it was about bringing people together and making memories
New Brands, Classic Charm: They didn’t just stick to the usual suspects like Guess and Police. The event also introduced fresh names like Daniel Wellington and Fastrack, showing that even within the realm of traditional watches, there’s room for innovation and youthful energy. Guess had a mirror booth, because who doesn’t want to see their stylish self reflected while trying on a snazzy new watch?
Digital Meets Analog: Police took things up a notch with VR experiences, blending the world of traditional watchmaking with a taste of the future. You could try on their new smartwatches, dabble in some VR games, and still get a taste of their iconic, bold designs. It was like getting the best of both worlds, proving that there’s space for collaboration between traditional and tech.
LifeBeyondtheClock is in partnership with Zalora, Asia’s online fashion destination, to connect with online customers, not only beyond the clock but also beyond platforms. Panco Cafe is also bringing elevated coffee beverages to the watch fair as the event’s official coffee partner.
Featured brands include Timex, Axis, Police, Titan, Guess, and more. Watch Republic is also introducing two new brands to the roster, building on the vision of speaking to every lifestyle and expanding their lineup of high-end watches with Fastrack and Daniel Wellington.
They will be featuring their Fall Winter collections in their distinct styles, seamlessly blending the
Work.Play.Indulge.
To complete the event, Watch Republic OneAyala shop offered discounts on regular items for the duration of the event. Zalora will also be extending this offer on their platform for their 10.10 Campaign happening on October 8-16. The new Fall-Winter watch collections will also be available in-store and online.
As we move forward, it’s not about traditional vs. smart—it’s about finding that balance. Traditional watches will always have that unmatched sense of history and craftsmanship, while smartwatches offer convenience and connectivity. And hey, why not have both? After all, there’s a time and place for everything.
In a rapidly changing world, traditional watches have proven that they aren’t going anywhere. They’ve adapted, evolved, and continue to charm people of all ages. Whether you’re an old-school analog lover or a digital dynamo, there’s a watch out there that speaks to you. Events like the Watch Republic fair at One Ayala are proof that these timeless pieces still have a lot of life left in them, and they’re not just ticking away—they’re making every moment count.
