Are watches redundant?

Van Hellseek · 24 Jun 2012 at 03:32

Just had a quick look at the "What watch do you wear?" thread and I can't help but wonder what the point of having a watch is? I mean in this day and age who the heck doesn't have a mobile phone in their pocket which of course have clocks.

In the last 10+ years I'm struggling to think of a situation where I would specifically need a timepiece strapped to my wrist. 99% of the time my phone will suffice, and the other 1% I'm within viewing distance of a clock of some kind (or don't need to be). So why bother with a watch?

arknor · 24 Jun 2012 at 03:42

people like to have an expensive watch on show

Feek · 24 Jun 2012 at 03:45

Here we go again.

What's quicker and easier? Take a phone out of a pocket, press a button to light up the screen or simply tilt your wrist?

No, watches will not become redundant any time soon. Apart from which, they're an item of jewellery as well as serving a purpose. People wear them because they like them.

I don't think I've ever used my phone to tell the time, I glance at my watch.

Aod · 24 Jun 2012 at 03:48

Looking at your phone to check the time in a business environment is also highly inappropriate.

neoboy · 24 Jun 2012 at 03:52

Well there are still plenty of occasions where a watch is better, one example is me working in a hotel. I can't be seen pulling out my phone whenever a guest asks me for the time, not to mention it's easier to just do it with a flick of a wrist. Not to mention classier ~_~

Van Hellseek · 24 Jun 2012 at 03:53

Aod said:
Looking at your phone to check the time in a business environment is also highly inappropriate.

"Business Environment" is a little vague to say the least.... I would agree with you but only regarding very high end business. Most business professionals I have come across don't have any issues with being surgically attached to their phones.

poker_999 · 24 Jun 2012 at 03:54

mobile phones are a fad and over complicated for what they are

Van Hellseek · 24 Jun 2012 at 03:57

neoboy said:
Well there are still plenty of occasions where a watch is better, one example is me working in a hotel.

I worked in hotels on and off for 10+ years and was given a phone for use at work. Plus there were clocks all over the place...

Van Hellseek · 24 Jun 2012 at 04:06

poker_999 said:
mobile phones are a fad

neoboy · 24 Jun 2012 at 04:09

I'm work in operations so always in different places and thinking about we don't have that many clocks at all in our property so it is really handy.

ElliorR · 24 Jun 2012 at 06:49

For me they are but that's more to do with I don't like wearing them.

Destination · 24 Jun 2012 at 07:08

Haven't needed or used one in years.
There are clocks or computers or phones or even bloody tvs around that tell the time constantly, and are ubiqitous now.

If I did wear a watch it would be for style or to dress a suit or similar. Currently I have no style or need for adornment.

Castiel · 24 Jun 2012 at 07:13

I use a watch all the time...it would be a total inconvienience fishing out my phone and swiping the screen just to see the time when I can merely look at my wrist instead.

memyselfandi · 24 Jun 2012 at 07:15

I always wear a watch rather than look at my phone to get the time. It's a lot easier to glance at my wrist rather than dig out my phone and turn on the screen to see the time.

Also I've had my watch for sixteen years ... It's had 2-3 new batteries in that time. My mobile is a modern smart phone which eats it's way through its battery in ~24hrs. I know which one I'd rather rely on to get the time from.

DirtyJester · 24 Jun 2012 at 07:39

I don't wear a watch or even (some may find this hard to believe) use a mobile, never been late for anything.

panthro · 24 Jun 2012 at 07:54

I use my watch because a) its convenient, b) it looks good on my wrist and c) I have an interest in watches from an aesthetic and technical point of view.

SpeedFreak · 24 Jun 2012 at 08:02

Simply put, if you don't wear watches then you won't get watches. It is convenient to look at my wrist rather than fish out my phone. As others have pointed out it is also far more subtle in a professional environment.

semi-pro waster · 24 Jun 2012 at 08:06

Van Hellseek said:
In the last 10+ years I'm struggling to think of a situation where I would specifically need a timepiece strapped to my wrist. 99% of the time my phone will suffice, and the other 1% I'm within viewing distance of a clock of some kind (or don't need to be). So why bother with a watch?

Some people like watches for their aesthetics, some will no doubt feel underdressed without them, a watch is quicker to check for the time than a phone generally, some people aren't allowed mobile phones in their workplace (security concerns if it isn't a matter of courtesy in a business meeting), some people don't want or need a mobile phone, if you're away from a power source (e.g. camping) then a modern smartphone will probably have run out of battery during a single day or two at most etc etc.

If you don't need a watch then that's great for you but I don't think your situation is applicable to all.

Rybo89 · 24 Jun 2012 at 08:16

I like my expensive watches. Best bit of jewellery you can buy.

Marine Iguana · 24 Jun 2012 at 08:25

Haven't used a watch for years phone is easy enough to look at.