Lately I’ve been reading about single-function devices, and how they’re obsolete now, given that people are using multi-function devices. We’re not talking about “disposable” items here – single use devices – like syringes or other medical tools. In this context we’re talking about tools or devices that only have one function. A watch, for example – all it does is tell the time.
Why would you wear a watch, when you already carry a phone that also displays the time? I know a few people who have given up on wrist watches for this reason.
I still wear a watch. I tried not wearing one for a bit, but found myself getting annoyed with having to whip my phone out of my pocket every time I wanted to check the time. It’s just super easy to glance at your wrist.
The other thing about watches is that you can wear something that appeals to you. The picture shows my current watch. I tend to favour understated, plain watches – I think almost every watch I’ve ever owned has been a variation on a theme – plain, silver or black (or silver and black), with markings on the watch face. I expect I’ll keep wearing watches for a while to come.
Do you still wear a watch?
10 Comments
I’ve always been into pocket watches myself – hated having things on my wrist. The idea of getting my watch out of my pocket all the time is the way I do things. Even worse, my phone sits in the same pocket as my fob and I rarely use my fob. Obviously, I need to start wearing waistcoats again. My fob:
It’s a Tissot, too! Nice 🙂
Yes (a Timex wristwatch, analog, with one number but also day/date).
Those who say single-use devices are doomed because of multifunction devices are typically universalizing from their own preference: “I prefer multifunction devices, therefore everybody else does, therefore single-function devices are dead.” Meanwhile, tens of millions of digital cameras are being sold, tens of millions of watches are being sold, etc., etc., because not everybody thinks the same.
Thanks for pointing this out, Walt!
I think you’re right about people universalizing.
It happens all the time. “This is my experience, so it must be true for everyone!”
Why do we do this?
I feel naked without my wrist watch. On the rare occasion I’ve forgotten it, I’ve struggled through the day. Don’t think I’ll ever not wear one.
And guess what, I forgot my watch today, aiyaaa!
I don’t wear a watch and haven’t for years. I seem to be one of those people who have batteries die on them after wearing a watch for about a day. I have to say I don’t miss it- my phone is usually near, or my laptop or I take a vague guess!
Having said that- my husband wears a watch that I gave him years ago, and my son asked for a watch for his 18th birthday last year.
I love that watches are still around.
That’s weird, I wonder what causes the battery to die??
Have always loved watches…currently have a nostalgic fascination with big chunky gadgety watches like the ones I had as a kid…I currently own two of the larger G-Shocks and am always on the look out for more. These may not necessarily be considered single-function devices, though I pretty much use them as such.
I suspect if I had the wear-with-all though I would collect more prestigious watches (Panerai, Omega, IWC, etc) but I’m a librarian so I think that dream will be consigned to fantasy land…I do however have my late grandad’s Rolex which comes out on special occasions…long live the watch!
Ooo you’ll have to show me the Rolex someday. I find their pricetag fascinating 😉