I wonder though if beautiful functional wearables will convert people who just want something nice on their wrist into repeat customers that upgrade every 3-5 years though. Quartz movements aren't exactly heirloom pieces.

I have a Hamilton Ventura that I absolutely love, but every time I wear it I can't help but think how much it exists solely as a fashion accessory that has essentially zero functionality. I think the Apple Watch for instance, looks easily as good (I suspect I may have odd taste in watches though) and I could see myself unquestionably choosing something like that to fit the role of "look good on wrist" if it does that plus offers a shit-ton of functionality to boot. If I was buying today I'd definitely choose the Apple Watch for instance.

Maybe smart watches will capture a large part of the sub 1k watch segment, but maybe they'll be like Starbucks was too coffee shops, expanding the market in the end (devouring many existing players whike enabling more new ones).

I guess I just wonder if watch buyers at this price range buy to "collect" or hang on to for a long time. I myself don't really care about that.