We let an AI review three of the most iconic watches. Here are the results

Zach Blass

“It seems probable that once the machine thinking method had started, it would not take long to outstrip our feeble powers… They would be able to converse with each other to sharpen their wits. At some stage, therefore, we should have to expect the machines to take control.” – Alan Turing. Whenever I think of artificial intelligence, and the doomsday scenario, I think back to my childhood watching the 2004 film iRobot starring Will Smith. I was 10 years old when the film was released, so I by no means fully understood the nuances of AI and the theories behind its use and potential dangers. Quite frankly, I still would not consider myself an expert on the subject. But, recently more and more people are getting to engage with AI due to a released playground platform that allows people to test such technology out – chatting with it, or giving it prompts to answer. One common fear regarding automation and artificial intelligence is the notion that such technology can take the place of humans in the workplace, ultimately putting individuals out of their jobs. So, naturally, as a watch editor I was curious to see if I should be worried about AI taking my job in the near future. I decided to test the AI platform, giving it three iconic watches to try its hand at reviewing.

Prompt to the AI: Review the Rolex Submariner Date

The Rolex Submariner Date is one of the most iconic watches ever made. It has been a staple of the watch industry since its introduction in 1954, and its classic style, reliability, and quality construction have made it a favorite of watch enthusiasts around the world. The Submariner Date is waterproof to depths of up to 300 meters, making it ideal for diving and aquatic activities. It features a unidirectional rotating bezel, which can be used to track elapsed dive time, and a date window at 3 o’clock. The Submariner Date is powered by the Rolex caliber 3135 automatic movement, which is renowned for its precision and reliability. The watch is crafted from stainless steel, and is available in a variety of finishes and colors. The Submariner Date is a timeless classic, and is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a classic, reliable, and stylish watch.

My notes: It is kind of scary how accurate this brief overview is. It is by no means 100% correct, for example it mentions the previous generation calibre 3135 rather than the current 3235. The language is quite generic, in that this sort of copy is much for fitting for a brand’s product page rather than a publication’s review. This could be the result of how the AI learns and pulls data, as well as the fact that the tier we are using the platform at does not exceed an output of 300 or so words.

Prompt to the AI: Review the TAG Heuer Monaco

The TAG Heuer Monaco is an iconic timepiece from the Swiss watchmaker. It is a classic and timeless design, featuring a square case and distinctive blue dial, and has become an iconic symbol of the luxury watchmaker. The watch is powered by a Swiss-made quartz movement, and features a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The watch is water resistant up to 100 meters and features a date window at the 6 o’clock position. The watch also comes in a variety of styles and materials, including stainless steel and gold. Overall, the TAG Heuer Monaco is an iconic timepiece that has stood the test of time. It has a classic design that is both timeless and sophisticated, and features a reliable Swiss-made quartz movement. The watch is highly durable and water resistant, and comes in a variety of materials and styles. For those looking for a classic and iconic timepiece, the TAG Heuer Monaco is a great choice.

My notes: Once again the AI does a great job at putting together product page-like copy, the sort of language you might find in a buying guide. But, again, not 100% of the details are correct. The glaring mistake here is when it writes: “and features a reliable Swiss-made quartz movement.” The claim to fame for the Monaco, of course, is that upon its debut in 1969 it was the very first waterproof, automatic chronograph in a square case. To the best of my knowledge, the Monaco does have a 37mm time and date only quartz model. But, as for the true icon itself, the chronograph, there is no quartz model to be had. Perhaps providing a reference number in the prompt would have resolved this.

Prompt to the AI: Review the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A

The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A is one of the most iconic luxury watches on the market. It is a stainless steel sports watch with a 40mm case, a blue dial, and a date display at the 3 o’clock position. The Nautilus 5711/1A is powered by the Caliber 324 S C self-winding movement, which offers a power reserve of 45 hours and a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. It also features a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and is water-resistant up to 120 meters. The watch has an elegant, classic look that will never go out of style. Its timeless design and robust build quality make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable, luxurious timepiece.

My notes: This is probably the most accurate copy produced of the three examples. It also goes more into the specs here, accurately noting both the calibre used (at least a calibre used for a tenure throughout its production run) and its power reserve. Once again, however, the language surrounding the more technical sentences is very generic filled with horological platitudes like ‘icon’.

Final thoughts

At this stage I feel rather confident in my job security, so the threat of artificial intelligence replacing watch editors does not seem imminent. The other factor is would readers even care about the sentiments of an artificial intelligence that cannot actually wear a watch, or even build an equivalent emotional connection to the product. Seeing the AI’s output on each of the three watches does, however, push me to put my best writing forward. Because I can recognize some of the sort of “autopilot language”, for lack of a better phrase, that we can be guilty of utilizing at times across the industry as a whole.