As for the comparison, I'm sure that was a bit tongue and cheek. No one buys a > $1k watch for functionality. Anyways, if you ever get a chance to attend Basel World, I highly recommend it.
I think you hit on the key point so many are missing; apparel is rarely about functionality.
Technologists understand the comparative value of functionality; they generally do not understand the value of fashion.
For example, I see so many techies thinking people are "stupid" to keep buying "shiny Apple stuff". That only shows a shallow understanding of "software is eating the world". People spend WAY more money on apparel than they do tech. The next wave of tech growth is much less about smart refrigerators, and much more about smart socks & belts.
Just like everyone wears shoes, EVERYONE is going to have a smartphone, soon. This is a profoundly new thing.
As for the comparison, I'm sure that was a bit tongue and cheek. No one buys a > $1k watch for functionality. Anyways, if you ever get a chance to attend Basel World, I highly recommend it.