A wristwatch serves no practical purpose in today’s world. The time is accurately displayed everywhere - on the bus, on our phones, on the big screen in the elevator… We do not need a watch to actually know the time. At one time, watches were essential tools for daily life, but today they are simply objects of desire. Nevertheless, companies around spend mega millions on research and development of new materials and new components for watches. I have read about entire departments of universities being dedicated to developing new springs to power mechanical movements. This begs the question - if watches have no real function or use, then why are we spending so much money on them?
Tim
The cynics will answer right away, “To make money! It is all about sales and profit.” Of course, nobody produces watches unless they can be sold for a profit. People desire watches as status symbols today. They are veblen goods, which means that demand for watches often increases as prices go higher. But why use all sorts of different movements? Why innovate with new designs and features and complications? Why produce a specific design in a specific material in a specific format? I guess I am a romantic because my answer to all this is, “for art.”
To me, the decision to use any particular movement in any given case is an artistic decision. The watch is a mechanical device, made to perform a task. But since that task is redundant today, it can be viewed as a mechanical piece of art, made to tell a story or express certain values and traditions. Designers and engineers and watchmakers are constantly working on new enhancements to their products. I feel that this constant striving to innovate is, in fact, the expression of a love for the history and tradition of watchmaking. This is art.
I have over a dozen watches today and, when I select one to wear, I choose based on the story I wish to tell. Some watches reflect a casual sportiness. Some watches express my affection for days gone by. Other watches express my love of contemporary design and technology. And certain watches in my collection express my lifelong passion for motor sport. All watches tell a story. What I love most is when a watch uses a movement that really “fits” the character and essence of the piece. Seiko, for example, uses a solar-powered chronograph movement in the Speedtimer. Watch snobs will scoff at this, but the technology is perfect for a modern, urban timepiece.
I view watches as mechanical, moving art. And what is art really about? People. Human beings. Recently, I went to a watch show and the guys from Atelier Lou were there. I saw some dream watches at that show, but the real pleasure was seeing old friends. How nice it is, to arrive at an exciting event, and be greeted by friendly faces who you have dealt with and hung out with for years. The sense of community among watch enthusiasts is something I value highly. And wearing a watch can certainly express my feelings of belonging to this community.
Yours truly,
TimeCaptain