A Less Discussed Victim of the Digital Revolution

Watches are headed for horse whip territory according to Chartreuse and I think he's right.

I personally hate watches and have never worn them, even before cell phones and PDAs.

I used to rely on my gut instinct aided by checking the time every time I saw a clock anywhere.

And rarely was late.

Now I rely on my phone for the time which works great and I don't even have to adjust it when I fly or daylight savings time comes and goes.

I love digital technology.

Comments

[tcv]

You _hate_ watches? HATE?! That seems rather harsh, but I've always liked watches.

When I was a kid, I loved those Casio Data Bank watches. They seemed like they could hold everything you could ever want to keep with you. I even had the model that had dial tones in it so you could dial.

Of course, I didn't have any friends and nothing to store, but I digress.

[Diane Ensey]

Watches need to be cool again. I'd love to be able to design a laser etched watch and screened watchband online. In fact, I'd probably buy a bunch.

Someone suggested bluetooth capability for your watch. Have it buzz on your wrist and show who is calling on your phone - maybe answer it - so you don't lose the caller while fumbling through your purse.

[Geoff Wilson]

Rather than being a nessessity to tell the time, watches can be enjoyed purely as an artform.

Personally, as I spend most of my time with computers, I enjoy mechanical things, so have a watch that winds itself. I like the mental picture of hundreds of little cogs spinning around every time the second hand ticks.

As a kid, I loved having a watch, then went through a phase of carrying no time piece, or phone. In the last few years, I've gone back to wearing a watch for the fun of it.

[Bill Geiser]

Watches headed for horse whip territory? I wouldn't be to quick to bet the ranch on that happening.....

Technology can certainly disrupt industries. On the other hand, technology can create new opportunities for growth. It really depends on how (and how fast) industries react.

Chartreuse and others see people telling time with cell phones or other personal digital devices and jumped to the conclusion this trend will continue unabated. What they fail to see is the potential (technology-enabled) synergy that exists between watches and these devices. This synergy represents relevant new services and will simplify and enhance the relationship between a person and the digital devices (ie cell phone) they carry.

It might be prudent to give the watch industry a little more time before you give it's eulogy.

[Giordano]

Until the day when Vacheron Costantin will launch a mobile phone, I don't think I'll abandon watches. :) And with me, hundred of thousands of collectors, who love to decide in the morning wheter to wear a Panerai or not, and to observe mechanisms in action.
Sure, the funcional watch is on the way to extinction (that's why I wouldn't advise to buy Swatch stock), but there will always be a huge request for upmarket (or simply nice) watches.
Watches are, at their best, works of art. And they will remain so, whatever technology comes along... handmade will always be the only choice for discerning people.

[chris]

Our company makes a patented watch with a build in magnifying lens and flashlight. It's mostly for baby boomers and kids but it's doing well and people say they can't live without it. Watches aren't over, they're just starting.

[Zoli Erdos]

Oh, c'mon, millions are wearing watches as a piece of jewelry... and not exactly Timex, or Swatch brands :-)

Functionally, rings, bracelets, neklaces ..etc are also unnecessary...yet they are here to stay.

[AWilhem]

Yea, Zoli is right. I think you're thinking way to practical, Fred. A watch for anyone under 40 (and not a pilot) is a fashion statement.

They aren't going anywhere...and I can't wait until my "watch" contains my mobil phone.

http://www.cellular.co.za/phones/siemens/2001/siemens_wristphone.htm
http://www.simonperry.org/dst/archives/001565.html

[ispivey]

Have to chime in in support of Fred, actually. I'm of a similar mind, and most college-age folks I know do the exact same thing -- use a cell-phone instead of a watch. Anecdotally and unscientifically, more than two thirds of young twenty-somethings I know don't have a watch.

[Mark]

I, too, don't wear watches... use my smartphone for telling time. I'm a late-40's something.

But I do have a number of watches in my "collection". I'm fascinated by the engineering and precision in mechanical watches- Breitling, Rolex, VC, JLC, etc., but rarely wear them (or any jewelry). Once in a while I pull one out and wear it just for the heck of it. I also carry a fountain pen in my briefcase and use it for the pleasure of writing a special note on occasion.

Maybe I just can't let go??

[Justin]

I think watches are more of a fashion accessory now than ever before, rather than a daily necessity for it's basic timekeeping function (I still enjoy one when travelling abroad). The only times I ever wore a watch were times when I wanted an extra fashion accessory -- in high school it was a shiny gold Guess watch, and in 3rd grade it was a Transformers timepiece (the Autobot face, which split open to reveal the watch -- I think I purchased it using points collected from the boxes of Transformer figures). And I had a pocket watch for a couple weeks post-undergrad (then the chain broke). Now it's only my cell phone on a daily basis, although I most enjoy the days where I don't refer to a clock (or a phone, or the Web) at all.

But I still see guys wearing watches during formal occassions and agree that it's a good look -- maybe when you need a little extra 'bling' but don't want to wear rings, necklaces, earrings. (A "blingy"? -- a thingy you wear that exhibits bling-ish qualities.)

[matthew]

I find this all very interesting as I designed a line of watches that are more design fetish items than timepieces. wrist watches are accessories and should be something that reflects your design aesthetic. i think the nooka watches are for everyone who uses their cell phone to tell time. nooka.com