During the COVID-19 pandemic, the watch industry saw a surge in popularity due to lockdowns and increased disposable income. However, the landscape is shifting as smartwatches become more prevalent. The Swiss watch industry initially underestimated the threat of smartwatches, but with nearly 71 million units manufactured in 2023, this segment is growing rapidly.

Smartwatches offer numerous features and seamlessly integrate into our digital lives, while mechanical watches provide a luxurious analog escape from constant notifications. The watch industry now has a unique opportunity to adapt and innovate, focusing on simplicity and timeless appeal.

My piece, The Opportunity for Watchmakers, focused on how smartwatches provide a seamless user experience. As an industry, it is our responsibility to educate first-time buyers and seasoned collectors about how to take care of their mechanical watches, and ensure they know when, where, and how to get their watch serviced.

Something Benoît Mintiens said in our recent interview on my podcast Forward Momentum, really stood out to me. I asked him whether he felt a pull to protect the craft of watchmaking. His response floored me.