I had almost forgotten about it - this simple, sturdy watch from the 90s. In 2016 I switched to the digital future with the Apple Watch Series 2. And today?
Today I have it back, my G-Shock. No smart notifications, no ping when movement goals are reached, no unnecessary functions - just the time. Why did I say goodbye to the supposed future?
The beginning: The Apple Watch Series 2
It was 2016: Apple introduced its second Apple Watch, and I, still in possession of my worn-out '90s G-Shock, had no idea why I should switch to a smart watch. Ultimately, the Apple Watch cost several hundred euros - far too much for something I didn't actually need.
But, as is often the case with me:I let myself be tempted by the technology. I spent hours dealing with the watch and then the order button was pressed.
So the Apple Watch Series 2 moved in with me. At first I was excited - the ability to receive messages and calls directly on my wrist was new and exciting. But the enthusiasm faded after a few weeks.
The clock was sluggish, apps opened painfully slowly, and apps that were useful to me, such as the DHL app or Facebook, kept stopping. A standalone app for the Apple Watch was apparently no longer worthwhile.
Second attempt – The Apple Watch Series 4
Two years later, I was close to selling the Apple Watch and going back to my G-Shock.
What was holding me back?The Apple Watch Series 4. A larger screen, improved performance. So I gave the smartwatch a second chance. And at the beginning it actually felt good. I also started to look into the sports functions.
I was very motivated for the first few months. I closed the rings every day, pleased with the messageLongest winning streak
and was proud of the progress. I even went outside in the downpour just to quickly collect my steps. That worked for around six months.
But then one day I wasn't paying attention:Longest winning streak broken. It failed because of three missing calories! The frustration was great.
Return to the G-Shock
I wore the Apple Watch for a few more months. I also tried to build up such a movement range again. But then I discovered something in my drawer that reminded me of the past, of a simpler time. Of my G-Shock days.
So I dug the old, yellowed clock out of the drawer. At first I was a little hesitant, but then I discovered something that I had apparently lost:The focus on the essentials. The time.
Because that was exactly what bothered me about the smartwatch besides the movement ring thing: the constant notifications! The vibration on your wrist, the glance at the watch for fear of missing something. It pulled me out of the present and entangled me in a web of perceived obligations.
There was also another thing:Even after several years of using the Apple Watch, my mother kept asking me if I had to go because I was looking at my watch while drinking coffee. “No, mother, I just got a message.”
Somehow that also triggered something in me - it's just rude to look at the clock when I'm visiting or have visitors. But if it vibrates, I just have to check.
The step back – and why it’s good for me
I don't want to badmouth the Apple Watch.It's a great smartwatch and many people love it. It helps with training, monitoring health and organizing everyday life.
But for me? At some point the motivation was gone. The clock even demotivated me.
So I did the only right thing for me:I bought a new G-Shock at the beginning of 2022 and still wear it every day to this day. It can do next to nothing compared to the Apple Watch and guess what? I think that's fantastic! I can give my mother full attention and, even before the smartwatch days, I moved without the movement rings.
Technology, yes – but not everywhere
I don't refuse technology.My robot vacuum cleaner is great, as is my smart lock. But somehow I'm at the age where I select what really gives me an advantage, and the topic of sustainability also plays a role for me.
The battery on my Apple Watch Series 4 still has a capacity of 78 percent and the watch just about gets me through the day when I do wear it again. The button cell in my G-Shock, on the other hand, lasts for several years and can be replaced for a few euros.
My Apple Watch Series 2 and my first AirPods are now electronic waste, but my Aiwa Walkman from 1995 still plays my favorite tape.THAT is what I call sustainable!
And yet – a small spark still glows
But:I have to admit that the announcement of new Apple Watches still gets me, most recently the Apple Watch Ultra. A siren? Satellite communication? Can I dive with it? All things that I never need, but somehow want. So, who knows, maybe I'll hit the order button again at some point.
Have you had similar experiences and switched from a smartwatch back to a classic wristwatch? What were your motives? Please let me know your opinion in the comments.
