I don't always have a clock in immediate view.

The only time I "needed" to know what time it was when I didn't have access to a clock or a computer screen was when I was heading to the bus stop or train station.

But all it did was stress me out trying to make the next bus or train.

My life became much happier and relaxed when I ditched the watch and just got to the station without rushing and just took the next bus or train that showed up.

I either know there are no visible clocks or I don't know if there are any visible clocks, and I want to be able to check the time without digging in my purse for my cell phone.

Also, I have some what I consider to be cute watches and I wear them to complement my outfits. It's not as if they get in my way. They don't weigh enough for me to even notice I'm wearing them until I look at my wrist.

Because my Dad gave it to me ?

Force of habit for the last 60+ years ?

Because there isn't always a clock nearby ?

where you can look at a watch more discreetly than at a clock or your phone. Work meetings, church, etc.

Time pieces important.

And as the other poster said, I'm not always in sight of a clock.

I also have sentimental reasons. In the late 1970's, I entered nursing school, and I was required to have a watch with a sweep second hand. I told my husband about this and I asked for one as a birthday present. He bought me exactly the right and perfect watch.

I have worn it all these years, even though I am now retired. It means a lot to me. When I look at it, I remember days and nights when I was working, all the trials and triumphs I experienced.

By no means is it dead weight. It is part of my living memory.

It sounds like you've had a wonderful career and husband, too.

love this reason for wearing a watch.

as one of many examples. I don't like digging out my cellphone -- it's a lot slower than a glance at one's wrist. I risk dropping it or having it stolen out of my hands (happens a lot around here).

(Unfortunately, unlike a poster upthread, if I miss a bus, the next one is 2 hours later (some routes 1 hour, some 1/2 hour at best), so I can't just be Mr. Cool and go bee-bopply up the the station any ol' time I feel like bee-bopplying to the station (anyway I don't live near a "station" anyway, its a fucking unsheltered bus sign, and we freeze to death after about 15 minutes.)

I'm not always at my computer, or driving by the bank (whose clock is as often wrong as right), I don't watch TV and my setup doesn't display the time (I'm glad it doesn't), I don't drive that much etc. etc.

I prefer being on time, but maybe that's considered being stuffy nowadays.

I don't wear my phone (it's either in my bag, across the room, in the other room). My stove clocks are seldom set right, my car usually is, but I don't live in the car. My wrist is ever present, night and day.

say nice talkin to ya
gotta run ...

✌🏼

But riddle me this-why do watch wearing people choose a mechanical watch when a Quartz watch keeps infinitely better time & is far more reliable.

Because we like them. I prefer mechanical watches. I buy them broken & repair them if I can. That is because I can't afford better pieces & it keep me busy.

When I worked in the 60's-90's everyone wore a watch-everyone. So there is tradition.

It is also a style & statement piece for some. The high end mechanical watches go for 6-7 figures I kid you not. And they are not starving for clientele.

But for me it is because as a kid I was never allowed to touch my Fathers pocket watch without permission & guidance. It was a prized possession that I now own.

There was a entire industry of very talented mechanical craftsmen thrown asunder when the quartz watch was finally perfected. Till then millions were employed in repair manufacture & sales of these complicated timepieces. Railroad standards also began a competition for accuracy that was required to prevent accidents.

In the earlier years a accurate timepiece was the only way to navigate distances at ocean and be able to do so accurately. This also started a competition that is a long historic story I don't have time to type-but it is all in the google.

I wear a wrist-and pocket watch at times. Because they make me happy.

...remind me of a science fiction novel I read some years back. Aliens had invaded the Earth and began the invasion with an EMP that knocked out all our electronics. Everybody had electronic battery- and solar-operated watches and of course none of them worked any more, so nobody could tell time. Mechanical spring-driven wind-up watches were rare, almost nonexistent at that point, but anybody who had one could tell time, and consequently the gadgets were very valuable, almost priceless. I forget the name of the novel, but in case somebody's wondering, no, it wasn't The Fifth Wave. I read that one, too, but it was another one.

-- Ron

Awesome features.

Also they aren’t constantly telling me to breathe and get up and walk around when I am on a long car ride....

I feel naked. Something is missing.

And if I want to know the time it's the first place I look, not at my phone, because I don't have to take it out of my pocket or purse. I feel naked without a watch.

If the bailiff sees a juror's cell phone it will be confiscated. Not all courtrooms have a visible clock. I recently looked into getting a wristwatch for the first time in many years, just to have one during jury duty. It's mighty important to know how soon the lunch break will come lol.

Some years a couple of times; other years, not at all. So only a low cost watch is required for those rare occasions. Have you done local jury duty? It can be a very interesting experience. For me, so far, it hasn't been as interesting as the current impeachment trial.

Here cell phones are allowed into the county courthouse; the federal courthouse won't even let you past the metal detectors with one.

... except at DU where it's several times a week.

========

Not sure what exactly you do but I appreciate that the site has a high level of quality and not many offensive posts.

I like pairing a cool watch with an outfit I think will look good.

Every clothes-horse worth his wardrobe owns at least a few watches to jazz things up a bit.

I have a bunch of lanyards and coordinate those with what I am wearing

no need to recharge the batts, no crashes, no dependence on the internet, no worry about hackers, no worry about whether someone else's clock is accurate, no bullshit. Just the correct time.

Exactly what I wish we were getting from the MSM: just the news, without all the spin.

To each his or her own.

I still remember a friend in college would say "who is handcuffed to time?" when he wanted to know what time it was. I thought that was cute.

Turning on my phone and putting in the passcode to see the time, when I could just turn my wrist?

I sneak a peek at my watch around 50 minutes in so I know how many songs I have left. To take out a cellphone would be very rude.

She feels like she's got time on her side.

Monitors my heart rate, exercise, and sleep. Easier to look at than a phone. Text messages to my phone show up on it as well so again I don't have to turn on my phone and enter my security code. I got it as a gift last year, and I love it.

I do admit that I stopped wearing a watch after the band broke for awhile.

... has been collecting dust on my nightstand for years. I probably have an older one or two in various desk drawers, too. I always thought a watch would look clunky on my wrist if I started wearing one again after so long, and even got to where I told myself and others (not without some accuracy) that I didn't need a watch since I had my phone (with a clock set on the wake screen). But then a friend inspired me to start getting more exercise and going to the gym, and she was showing me all the neat features of her FitBit, and it was like having a computer on the wrist and so I thought, "Hey, Here's a watch that would be fun to wear!" Haven't taken it off since.

=========

If I’m dressed up a little, I don’t wear a watch.

but an ancient Pebble my hubby refurbished for me.

It has a different Pokemon hatch and evolve each day based on how active I am. It also also tracks my sleep, which is horrid. It's not connected to anything, so I still have privacy concerning my less than healthy ways, but at least I can track them. Perhaps more to the point, I really want to see what hatches out of that egg and evolves as I get my steps in.

frequently. Just started last year.
I havent tied my texts to it yet.

...so I keep one in my pocket. Don't have a phone--shuddup shuddup shuddup, I'm an Old, and too many of my coworkers are useless phone zombies--and there are moments when I need to keep an eye on the time and don't have any other sources.

There are also times when it's easier to look at a watch, ie, if you have an armload of groceries or you're hiking with the phone in your backpack.

If you're traveling in Europe or other places where pickpockets are common, you don't want to be opening your purse to pull out a phone.

And if it's pouring down rain, do you really want to get your phone wet?

A watch is an absolute must!

Or why I might walk somewhere rather than drive.

I was at the Mall of America and left my phone to be repaired. Since I was told to come back at a certain time to pick it up, I was looking for a clock. I could not find one anywhere in the biggest mall in the country. I eventually asked someone working in a store to look at her phone and tell me the time. Even I had not realized that I used my phone for a click.

in either a dentist's or doctor's office here in Kentucky. It annoys the hell out of me. I don't want to dig in my purse for my phone to see what time it is. I love a watch, wish I had one. Had one about 10 years ago and lost it, have't replaced it. A quick glance tells you all you want to know.

Contrary to your assertion, there are not actually clocks everywhere. Several businesses choose not to have clocks visible all over their walls. They want people to lose track of time. There are also places where phones are not allowed.

Us old farts like watches because they can be stylish as well as utilitarian. It's very rude to keep staring at your phone while in a meeting or having coffee, a drink or a meal with another person. Yes, manners are still a thing. It's far easier to steal a quick glance at your watch.

Watches have always been a way to display some style and personality. Though the plethora of available phone cases tries to take on this function I find the cases are typically standard black, brown, or outlandishly comical and unprofessional. One can certainly find watches that are outlandish and unprofessional as well. That's not what true watch aficionados do.

I have yet to see a phone, with its icons of pixels, that is as visually appealing as the face of a classic watch. There is nothing unique, nor special about an iPhone, LG, Motorola, Samsung, etc.. Every person, down to kindergartners, has them. Every single one is a rectangular thing that does it's best to look like Apple's design.

Watches come in different shapes. Different sizes. They can have faces that are visually stunning which satisfy the senses. They are art and architecture. A black, white, etc. rectangle that vibrates at me is none of those things. It's more of a toaster or coffee maker than anything beautiful and desirable.


Watches are a like cars when it comes to style, personality and fashion. You can own a Toyota, Honda, or even a Yugo - like the rest of the world. Or, you can own a BMW, Jaguar, or Rolls Royce. The one you choose says something about you.

Why do I wear that thing? Whatever is it good for? I wear it because it's stylish, fashionable, personal. It's good for the purpose for which it was designed. Simply telling me the time and not trying to be all things to all people.

...that my first name is Ronald? Ron could be short for other names. I used to know a Veronica, for example, who went by Ron.

-- Ron

...as i ruin them in the shower. I NEVER remember to take them off..thus NO Apple watch for me!

use it in lap pool. It’s water resistant to about 3-4 feet, so okay in shower too.

For determining the pulse rate for a patient, as mentioned in a couple of other replies

But I realized that I missed wearing one, so I put it on my Christmas list one year. A watch provides easy access to the time wherever and whenever you need it. I don’t always remember to charge my phone, and pulling it out of my back pocket isn’t always convenient (especially if I’m sitting down). Contrary to your post, there isn’t a clock everywhere.

A better question is, why does it bother you if people wear watches? I don’t see how it affects your life in any way.

...that it "bothers" me that others wear watches. Please do not read things into my comments that are not there. I merely said that I do not understand WHY they wear them.

And in the places where I hang out, there IS always a clock on the wall either within clear unobstructed line-of-sight, or just around the corner.

-- Ron

Nor do many businesses, because they don’t want you to realize how late it is and leave without buying something. Most people who live in a large house don’t have a clock in every room. I’d be willing to bet that you’re often in a place where you can’t see a clock.

Because it is quicker and easier to see on my wrist than on my phone, and I actually don't find that there are clocks everywhere.
But really why? Because I have spent a lot of time thinking and reading about time and our experience with it. I love the analog representation of time. It gives me a sense that there is still time coming, after this moment is gone. For some reason, this helps my focus stay in the present.
I also keep a paper calendar in addition to the Google version because it gives me a sense of the expanse of time.

Time. It's more than a number.
Watch. It's more than what time it is now.

I wear a watch AND keep a paper calendar. Old school, I guess.

Not a one. Not even in the break rooms or cafeteria.

A watch is completely essential as walking around with a phone isn't a good idea.

It was the last thing of any value I purchased before getting sick, losing my job, house, car and becoming homeless....I just couldn't bring myself to hock it for a measly $10 so I gave it to a friend and ask her to hold it in case one day, I could wear it again. I never thought I would see it again.
I wear that watch to remember. I SURVIVED.

I'm glad that you survived that ordeal and was able to reunite and wear your watch again.

I do not walk around with my face plastered to my cell phone all day or night long. I only need to glance at my watch to tell what time it is no matter where I am.

My father's retirement watch

This is a beautiful watch.

I probably should for safety reasons, but I just don't have that many pockets.

Pulling out cell phones is not allowed. I leave it off when not at work.

Wolf

There are plenty of hospitals, dentist offices, schools and exam halls that post "no cell phone use" or "no cell phone use beyond this point."

Smart phones drain their own batteries. Apple phones take forever to charge, Android doesn't take forever to charge but are also notorious for memory issues, which means one can't store tons of photos and texts like one can with an Apple phone. Speaking of Apple, they make watches that have the same function as their cellphone.


Grown-ups wear watches. Adult children still have their parents retirement or work anniversary watches.

It's fun to accessorize with outfits regardless if one is male or female.


I could go on with this list but my female cat just jumped up on my desk and she gets mad if I'm in her "space".

Even though I've been summoned for jury duty plenty of times, I've never had to actually perform that civil duty.

I don't always have it within reach and at those times I use my wristwatch.

don't, but both my son's do.

Otherwise I would never wear a watch.

I need a 24 hour clock with several time zones. Much easier than looking it up on my laptop or phone.

reasons why one wants the time on themselves in all weather and all activities, working and camping, hunting in terrible weather, sports like swimming, operating your jackhammer and needing to check the time for lunch or a material delivery.

The reasons are endless, as an active man I find it easier to have an indestructible watch on my wrist than constantly carrying, protecting and trying to access a delicate phone.

Who needs or wants to carry a large intrusive, interrupting phone device around all the time, by the way I notice males carrying a phone around like women carry a handbag, they set it down on the coffee table, pick it up, carry it around, set it down, everywhere they go, every moment they are out.

Hey, you aren't going to start a thread on how the phone replaces a flashlight are you?

Not everyone lives their lives within view of the microwave.

There are a LOT of things we don't *need* to wear.
Just about any jewelry comes to mind.

Plus, because of the cellphone clocks are NOT everywhere, and if they are - frequently broken or worse: wrong.
Not to mention it's freaking annoying to dig out your cellphone just to look at the time.

To wind it, you had to shake your hand in a vigorous motion while wearing the watch.

A few years back, I used money from a bonus to buy a German mechanical watch in which the movement was made 'in house' as opposed to being purchased from one of the large Swiss movement makers (many mechanical watches use purchased movements). I appreciate the engineering and effort. The Bauhaus style is very understated with simple, clean lines, so so most people would never know by looking at it that it's anything special. It has a crystal display back so I can see the movement when it's not on my wrist. This one is every bit as accurate as quartz watches I have.

Even in bed. I am very nearsighted and cannot even read a bedside clock. So I wear a watch. It takes about 3 seconds to turn my wrist and look at the time.

Also I feel naked without one.

When I was working on a computer keyboard all the time I had to take it off because the strap rubbed against the keyboard and it annoyed the hell out of me. SO every day I took it off, laid it beside my keyboard and put it back on to drive home.

Then I got a car with a clock in it and since the computer had the time on it I didn't really need a watch all the time. Now I use my cell phone.

However, I was going through a drawer the other day looking for something and I kept running into watches! So I put them in a box and when I had found them all I had 13 of the dang things. Some were mine, some were my mothers, a couple were my aunt's and there is one man's watch which was my grandfather's and my uncle ended up with it and when he died I got it. Every one of them needs a battery except my grandfather's. I have no idea what I am going to do with them

I know a number of women who have huge watch collections and wear them as accessories. Premier Jewelry Co. has maybe a dozen in their catalog, so they must be selling.

Simple and understated, manual wind, in-house movement

https://flic.kr/p/2ikwf1i

https://flic.kr/p/2iksE54

I work at a school, where all the clocks are broken and I don’t t want kids see me pullout my cellphone. They see me with my watch keeping time.

I did not own a watch until I was given one as a high school graduation gift in 1964. My next watch was a gift from my spouse in 1973. In the late 1970's, I bought a vintage Rolex at an antique store. I obtained a utility watch in 1989, and another gift watch in 2000. I still have the last four watches. Lately I've been wearing the Rolex, because, at age 73, life is short. I am not a phone lover. My mobile phone is primitive, and only occasionally turned on.

Started again, digital, realized I missed it a lot.

The reason is so when I go out I can look at my wrist and see what time it is and not have to get my phone out

There certainly are not accurate clocks "everywhere".

It's not like basic watches are expensive

I’ll be able to bounce street light rays or moon beams off it to send Morse code to my comrades outside and tell them when to attack.

I'm a senior citizen living alone. I already owned an iPhone. This watch does a lot more than one of those "Help I've fallen and I can't get up" pendants at no extra cost.
I can answer & talk on my phone with it and read texts as well.

I don't have my cell phone with me 24x7, it's usually in my purse or next to the charger. Also it's so easy to turn my wrist and see how many steps I've taken, the first part of any text msg or phone call. Don't have to grab my purse, open it and pull out my phone to see this information, it's right on my wrist. Cell phones fall out of my pockets and I lost hundreds of important pictures the last time this happened, so don't like carrying it that way. Also many misses' pants have small pockets in which cell phones don't fit. That is why I still wear a watch. Can't wait until the day that I can also answer calls and get GPS on my watch and won't need a cell phone. That is my wish anyway.