Old Tech Refuses to Be Replaced


Obsolete products don’t disappear if they solve a different kind of need. Luxury watch sales have been climbing again. Rolex, along with brands like Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet, continues to post strong demand despite the obvious, ironic reality. A smartphone is more accurate, and infinitely more useful. Both make an analog watch completely unnecessary. And yet, the category is growing. This isn’t a tech story, but a meaning one that marketers and product makers struggle to get their...