Samsung Galaxy Gear: Are Smartwatches In or Out? Why Wristwatch Experts Are Turning Up Their Noses

The Samsung Galaxy Gear-Samsung's highly talked-about smartwatch that is set to hit electronics stores in the United States this week, a Samsung exec declares:

 "I believe it will become a new fashion icon throughout the world."

However, actual wristwatch connoisseurs think otherwise. Experts seem to be turning up their noses despite the $300 dollar price tag on the Samsung Galaxy Gear.

One might think that nobody even wears watches today, but think again: the market for high-end luxury wristwatches remains surprisingly strong.

Experts are keeping an eye out for the Samsung Galaxy Gear, albeit with an almost dismissive air. What do they think about the Samsung Galaxy Gear's fashion icon potential?

"That's a stretch," sniffs Benjamin Clymer. He is the founder of Hodinkee, an online magazine that does reviews of only the highest quality, high-caliber watches (recent entries featured the $4,425 dollar Tudor Heritage Chrono Blue).

Experts don't think the Samsung Galaxy Gear is even remotely stylish, saying they still just look "like cellphones on your wrist," which does not really offer anything much beyond the novelty of having a tiny smart-device wrapped around your wrist. And besides that, the screens are huge. The Samsung Galaxy Gear is still in its early stages of development, so despite its $300 dollar price tag it still looks like a clunky, outdated device that doesn't seem to have a lasting look, the kind that will last generations.

Experts and collectors are also more focused on more traditional things-the entrancing, intricate mechanism and technology of Swiss watchmaking and timing, not apps. Experts favor the  simplicity of design of luxury wristwatches and treasure, above all, the "art of machinery."

But experts insist that they don't hate the Samsung Galaxy Gear, or any other new smartwatch for that matter.

 "When it comes down to it, smartwatches have leaps and bounds to go in terms of utility and especially style," says Ariel Adams of A Blog To Watch, "We love the segment. But we're still really waiting for it to mature."

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