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Swatch CEO Says iWatch Isn't the Next Revolution

Wednesday March 6, 2013 9:09 am PST by Juli Clover
Swatch CEO Nick Hayek does not believe that the a potential iWatch could replace the iPhone, reports Bloomberg. At a press conference in Grenchen, Switzerland, Hayek implied that an Apple smart watch would be a flop because of its small display size.
"Personally, I don't believe it's the next revolution," the chief of the largest Swiss watchmaker said at a press conference on annual results in Grenchen, Switzerland. "Replacing an iPhone with an interactive terminal on your wrist is difficult. You can't have an immense display."
Hayek also mentioned that consumers buy watches as a fashion item and prefer versatility, a statement that may be off base considering the current popularity of smart watches like the Pebble.

Swatch used to sell its own version of a smart watch through a partnership with Microsoft. The Swatch Paparazzi offered users news headlines, sports, weather, horoscopes, and stock quotes.

paparazzi

The company has been in contact with Apple for several years, said Hayek, speaking about "materials for products and so-called energy harvesting technology that would generate energy from physical movement."

There are no concrete hints on what Apple's iWatch might look like, but a patent application suggests that Apple might be considering a wraparound design with a touchscreen and a flexible glass display. The watch is rumored to run the full version of iOS, but a release date remains unclear.

Related Roundups: Apple Watch, watchOS 5, watchOS 6
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Caution)
[ 221 comments ]


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TheGreenBastard
84 months ago
What? Who said it was supposed to replace the iPhone? Jeez. :rolleyes:
Rating: 41 Votes
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iNVERSE
84 months ago
I think the CEO is missing the point. I don't believe the iWatch is supposed to replace the iPhone, but instead complement the iPhone.
Rating: 35 Votes
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profets
84 months ago
Just like in 2006 when palm said apple had no chance to be successful with a phone.
Rating: 33 Votes
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arcite
84 months ago
Oh I get it! So Swatch and Microsoft couldn't make a successful iWatch which means....Apple's efforts are doomed? Right.... :rolleyes:
Rating: 27 Votes
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The Bulge
84 months ago
Last time some guy said so (many guys actually) … didn't end well for their respective companies.
Rating: 17 Votes
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baryon
84 months ago
I agree with Swatch, and I would also add that the iWatch would not be able to replace hybrid cars, either, so it's definitely not going to be a revolution. It also won't replace toasters, which is a shame. Come on Apple, it's time to innovate!
Rating: 13 Votes
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chukronos
84 months ago
Famous last words?
Rating: 10 Votes
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AppleGuesser
84 months ago

Just like in 2006 when palm said apple had no chance to be successful with a phone.


Wow, so many people are beating me to this :) I was thinking the same thing.


Right on! :apple:
Rating: 9 Votes
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G51989
84 months ago
Of course it can't replace a phone. Its a watch. Will never be able to do what a smartphone can.

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Famous last words?


You think Swatch is going anywhere? They're the largest watch company in the world, and they make some of the best watchs in the world. I highly doubt they'll go anywhere.
Rating: 8 Votes
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salmon
84 months ago
This bodes well for Apple stock, if its competitors are underestimating them again!

Of course it wouldn't 1 for 1 replace the phone, dummy. But I'd rather have a watch (for simple interactions, and the communications) and a tablet (for more detailed content) that work well together, than a phone.

Really, smart phones are kind of occupying that "netbook" place right now. We want to be continually connected, but the phone screens are awkward. Watch and tablet is a good model, IMO.
Rating: 8 Votes

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