others would probably be more tolerant of Apple using their stuff if Apple were more tolerant of others using their stuff. as it is, Apple seems to think it has the right to ‘steal’ whatever it wants from whomsoever it wants, for free, but can then sue the arse off of everyone for the slightest possibility of something they claim as theirs being used by someone else. let’s face it, the only reason Apple have been so aggressively getting Samsung products banned and removed is because the products are better than what Apple puts out. i seriously wonder whether there would have been so many iphone5’s sold if Apple had’ve had to compete on a level playing field with Samsung?

Anyone that is arguing that “it’s just a clock!” doesn’t know much about horology in general. I don’t mean that to be derogatory, just stating my opinion that there’s more to it than ticks and shapes.

If Apple had used the dial (face) and hands of a Rolex Submariner – which you might not all know by heart, but would certainly recognize in a lineup – do you think this would be a bigger issue in the public’s eye? Other iconic pairs would be the Panerai Radiomir, Bell & Ross BR01, Omega Seamaster, Movado Museum, among others. Apple would be in hot water if they sourced from those.. wouldn’t they?

Swiss Rail has been using this clock, not just one like it, since the 1940’s. It’s in 3,000 terminals, and the large pip on the red second hand allows for high-visibility from a distance, so that travelers know if their train is ready to depart within the minute.

SBB needs to make an example of Apple, such that something with such rich history doesn’t just get scooped up and claimed by whoever feels like it. Apple went with a design that hasn’t been touched in decades, so that they figured they’d have a viable claim. Don’t call it “just a clock.”