As a self-proclaimed smartwatch enthusiast and proud owner of a titanium Apple Watch Series 10, I rarely consider wearing anything else. However, when preparing for MWC 2025 in Barcelona, I made the conscious decision to leave my smartwatch at home. Surprisingly, I didn’t regret it. Here’s why.
The Charging Conundrum
alt=Titanium Apple Watch Series 10 with a Milanese Loop band and Solar watch face
Weeks before my trip, I began pondering the logistics. Smartwatches, while convenient, require daily charging. My Apple Watch Series 10, while fantastic, wouldn’t last two full days without a top-up, and its proprietary charger adds another item to my travel kit. While workarounds exist, I prefer minimizing extra hardware. Multiple phones are less cumbersome as they often share charging cables. The OnePlus Watch 3, a strong contender and a common sight at MWC, boasts impressive battery life, potentially lasting the entire four-day trip. However, even that prospect didn’t sway me.
Beyond Battery Life: Taming the Notification Tsunami
alt=OnePlus Watch 3 on a table
Trade shows are notorious for the constant barrage of emails and messages. I often prefer to address these communications when I have dedicated time, particularly during meetings and interviews. While Do Not Disturb mode exists, it’s another step to remember, one I’m prone to forgetting until it’s too late. I decided to simplify things: if anyone needed me urgently, they would have to wait.
For activity and sleep tracking, my trusty Oura Ring 4 sufficed. This unobtrusive ring provides the data I need without occupying valuable wrist real estate. Years of use have built a reliable data history, fostering a level of trust exceeding my newer OnePlus Watch 3. While my Apple Watch offers similar tracking, its charging needs prevent consistent sleep monitoring.
The Allure of a Traditional Timepiece
alt=Oura Ring 4 on a finger
My desire to wear a traditional watch stemmed from a deeper, more sentimental reason: the creation of memories. While I appreciate the sleek modernity of my Apple Watch, there’s a unique charm to a non-smartwatch. It becomes an integral part of your outfit, an extension of your personal style. This is precisely the experience I sought for my travels.
Choosing the Right Companion: The G-Shock x ASRV DW-6900
alt=Nomad Base One Max charging station with an iPhone and an Apple Watch
Barcelona, particularly during MWC, is known for its pickpocketing issues. Safety concerns led me to choose a Casio G-Shock, a rugged and understated watch. I opted for the G-Shock x ASRV DW-6900 limited edition, a relatively new addition to my collection that hadn’t seen much wrist time. I enjoy associating specific watches with trips and adventures, forming lasting connections. For instance, my G-Shock GW-9500 Mudman reminds me of off-roading escapades in a Land Rover Defender.
alt=G-Shock x ASRV DW-6900 watch on a wrist
Reflections on a Smartwatch-Free Experience
alt=G-Shock x ASRV DW-6900 watch on a wrist
Returning from Barcelona, I felt no regrets about leaving my smartwatch behind. While I appreciate the daily utility of the Apple Watch, OnePlus Watch 3, and Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, the G-Shock DW-6900 ASRV now carries the memories of my Barcelona trip. This personal connection creates a special bond, one I haven’t experienced with a smartwatch.
