Because of Apple Watch, Jony Ive thinks Swiss watch makers are screwed. Even Swatch’s inventor agrees. But Switzerland’s top athlete isn’t sold quite yet.
When asked whether he think athletes will embrace Apple’s wearable, 17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer said he’s interested to check out Apple Watch, but he doesn’t use “those type of things” and doubts “it’s going to have a big impact on the Swiss watch industry.”
“I don’t quite understand how much you need to know about all of these little things—about how much energy you burn, about how much spin you put on the ball,” Federer told CNBC. “I think it might be interesting to some people, but at the end of the day I believe in hard work.”
Watch the full interview below:
Keep in mind that Federer is sponsored by Rolex AND swiss watchmaker Tag Heuer, so I doubt we’ll see him rocking the Apple Watch at Roland Garros this year, especially considering his rival Rafa is rocking timepieces on the court that make the gold Apple Watch Edition look like a peasant’s watch.
Apple has touted the fitness tech that Apple Watch brings to the masses with movement and heart-rate tracking. The company even brought out marathon runner Christy Turlington Burns to talk about the benefits of training Apple Watch at yesterday’s keynote, but it looks like the company still has a tough sell with some of the world’s top athletes.
Buster Hein is a freelance writer who lives in Phoenix, Arizona. Twitter: @bst3r.
10 responses to “Will athletes use Apple Watch? Roger Federer says no”
a real athlete shouldn’t use the apple watch. Maybe a Garmin or something more advance. I was laughing when they invite the marathon runner on stage and she said the apple watch change her life. Like, really? not any of the real sport watchs out there that dont need a phone to work?
+1 this isn’t targeted toward “real” athletes doing pro sports. I run around 1500 miles a year and will wear this in a heartbeat… no longer needing to futz around with my iPhone then try get it into its holder as I’m starting and ending my run = priceless. I already get audio feedback, now maybe I can turn that off as well and just glance at the watch when I need data vs. having it force fed. This will be absolutely used by the non-pro athlete.
Christly Turlington is a “normal” woman which did run a few marathons as many do (not me for sure). She is not a professional athlete (or what you call a “real” athlete, whatever it means)
Roger’s an old timer. I would expect the dude to rely on the position of the sun to tell time. Hell… he still uses rackets made out of lamb skin.
“I believe in hard work. And my team of trainers. And my gym filled with countless pieces of hi-tech equipment. But in the meantime let me take a pot shot at the people who can’t afford all of these luxuries, but can get some tools with the Apple Watch for $350.”
Douchebag.
I’m picturing Federer playing in Wimbledon with his iphone strapped to his arm so his watch will work. LOL!
Isn’t Federer sponsored by a Swiss watch manufacturer? Not that I’m bothered either way whether he’ll wear one or not – it won’t change my opinion on whether I’ll wear one or not.
You mean the Swiss citizen who is sponsored by a Swiss watch manufacturer. You’re kidding.
“Federer is sponsored by Rolex AND swiss watchmaker Tag Heuer” So this “interview” is a PR move by the swiss watchmakers.
Exactly! And Murray is sponsored by Rado and Nadal sponsors the $650,000 Mille watch brand. Maybe this isn’t a story. But it is some desperate PR.