Why I Decided to Ditch My Smartwatch

I have been using my Garmin smartwatch for over 2 years, but now I no longer see the need for it. Instead, it has become an obsolete electronic gadget that requires frequent charging.

Initially, I was fascinated by the metrics that a smartwatch could provide: oxygen saturation, VO2 max, and heart rate variability. After each run, I would eagerly review a detailed report, which provided insights into my performance according to my smartwatch.

However, I soon realized that when I skipped a run, the device became irrelevant. I did not need a performance report filled with statistics on my daily activities. The only useful function in my daily life was step counting. Even when I achieved a new personal record during a long run, I lost interest in sharing it on my social media. Additionally, it became a hassle to remember to charge the watch regularly. I attempted to incorporate my smartwatch as a fashion accessory, but it simply did not complement my everyday outfit. Instead, it looked out of place and somewhat awkward.

Due to these reasons, I found myself using my smartwatch less frequently. It was during this time that I stumbled upon a newfound interest in mechanical watches.

The reasons I sought a good mechanical watch were the complete opposite of why I chose not to use a smartwatch. Mechanical watches are timeless pieces of art that do not require rechargeable batteries and can last for years on end. Unlike their disposable counterparts, they are not wasteful products destined for the landfill. Mechanical watches also hold a significant place in the world of fashion. Adorning one's wrist with a quality mechanical watch can elevate the owner's appearance. Witnessing the intricate workings of a mechanical watch is awe-inspiring. It represents the pinnacle of fine engineering. Despite their core technologies dating back centuries, the harmonious collaboration of countless tiny and complex components to accurately tell time continues to captivate. The fact that traditional techniques and the art of watchmaking still apply today adds a sense of heritage and history to these small wristwatches.

I have already purchased a mechanical watch for everyday use—the Khaki Field Titanium Automatic model from Hamilton. This model pays homage to the design of the US military field watch from the 1960s. I was drawn to its simple and robust bezel design, the unique color of the dial, and the harmonious combination of a green dial and a brown leather strap.

Another model that has caught my attention for a future purchase is the Longines Spirit. It comes in different case sizes, and I believe the 37 mm case size would be a perfect fit for my wrist. The pale champagne gold color of the dial exudes a unique and elegant charm. The Arabic hour markers are bold and sizable, precisely defined with exquisite finishing. Both the diamond-shaped markers, filled with luminous material, and the seconds hand share the same shape. It's a visually striking sight when the seconds hand sweeps across the diamond-shaped markers.

homage: ˈä-mij, ˈhä-mij
exquisite: ek-ˈskwi-zət, ˈek-(ˌ)skwi-
pinnacle: ˈpi-ni-kəl 피나클 아니고 피니클
robust: rō-ˈbəst, ˈrō-(ˌ)bəst 롸버스트 아니고 로우버스트
prod·uct: ˈprä-(ˌ)dəkt 프로우덕트 아니고 프롸덕트
ex·ude: ig-ˈzüd 물씬 풍기다, 흘리다

no longer see the need for it 필요를 느끼지 못하다
provide insights into
become irrelevant 상관없어지다, 무용지물이 되다
hassle 귀찮은 상황
look out of place 어울리지 않다.
it was during this time that
that 이하~를 하게 된 것은 이 때였다. (이 시기에~ that 하였다.)
stumble upon 우연히 발견하다
a newfound interest 새로운 관심
for years on end 몇년이고 계속
destined for the landfill 버려질 운명인
adorn 꾸미다
elevate the owner's appearance
date back centuries
continue to captivate
add a sense of heritage and history
pay homage to
be drawn to ~에 끌리다
catch one's attention
a perfect fit for
exquisite finishing 정교한 마감처리
sweep across 휩쓸고 지나가다