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by unexistance 3222 days ago
it seems modern smartphone/watch still can't compete with most complications[0]... Or am I not looking hard enough?

[0] https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Complication_(horology)

2 comments

Given that a modern smartwatch has on the order of millions of times as many components, arranged very close to the theoretical physical limits of the materials, I don't know how any watchmaker could compete with a silicon lithographer on complexity.

Aside: I don't really care for either smartwatches or complex mechanical watches. I want my wristwatch to tell time, and all else being equal, to look good on my skin along with clothing I wear. To me, complexity should drive function and performance, and on that front, nothing competes with a quartz watch with a standard battery (or solid electromechanical drive) in a hand-opening case.

Complexity and complication are not the same thing.
I'm not following you... what complications do you think an app on a smartphone couldn't replicate? I love mechanical watches, but a smartphone could perform the same work as any complication, as far as I know.