Once again, your essay is worth reading and re-reading! I think the point is on target. There are two types of watches today: superior timepieces that are really jewellery and superior timepieces that are tools.
No one actually needs a steel watch today given the high end accuracy of Apple and other “smart watches” or the super accuracy of Casio and Timex black acrylic watches. With that as a base line, why own any steel watch?
Nostalgia perhaps. But also, a robust mechanical or solar powered quartz watch that will run forever and take hard shocks becomes a friend like an old pair of boots or well worn, leather work gloves. I will admit I have anthropomorphised my view on my tool watches, with all their scars from times worn in remote (and sometimes nasty) places.
By now most folks who read my blither know I am a cheapskate when it comes to watches. I haven’t handled or even seen any watches over $1000 for years so I suppose my observation isn’t worth all that much. But here it is: a tool watch shouldn’t be precious.
Luckily, today we have plenty of tool watches that are reasonably priced and very robust. And, to my excitement, we have a growing population of those watches that are made (or at least assembled) in North America. Modest prices, lots of choices, and a growing industry here in the US & Canada. It is a good time to be a fan!
Excellent points across the board, and a perfect selection of options presented. Those Elliott Brown GMTs grow on me each time I see them, and as a Canadian, I’m legally obligated to want a Marathon watch.
Does a NIKE perform better than an ADDIDAS? You don’t have to play the game to enjoy wearing the name. Dad.
Dad's always droppin' knowledge!
…I still want a fifty fathoms though!
Jason,
Once again, your essay is worth reading and re-reading! I think the point is on target. There are two types of watches today: superior timepieces that are really jewellery and superior timepieces that are tools.
No one actually needs a steel watch today given the high end accuracy of Apple and other “smart watches” or the super accuracy of Casio and Timex black acrylic watches. With that as a base line, why own any steel watch?
Nostalgia perhaps. But also, a robust mechanical or solar powered quartz watch that will run forever and take hard shocks becomes a friend like an old pair of boots or well worn, leather work gloves. I will admit I have anthropomorphised my view on my tool watches, with all their scars from times worn in remote (and sometimes nasty) places.
By now most folks who read my blither know I am a cheapskate when it comes to watches. I haven’t handled or even seen any watches over $1000 for years so I suppose my observation isn’t worth all that much. But here it is: a tool watch shouldn’t be precious.
Luckily, today we have plenty of tool watches that are reasonably priced and very robust. And, to my excitement, we have a growing population of those watches that are made (or at least assembled) in North America. Modest prices, lots of choices, and a growing industry here in the US & Canada. It is a good time to be a fan!
Cheers,
JR Seeger
old warrior, even older writer
Excellent points across the board, and a perfect selection of options presented. Those Elliott Brown GMTs grow on me each time I see them, and as a Canadian, I’m legally obligated to want a Marathon watch.
Refreshing and honest article, thanks for sharing. The CW is a pretty good loking watch, looking forward to hear more of that one
Outstanding. Well said.
Great article as always!