Why Do People Wear Watches

2742 Words6 Pages

A watch is a timepiece worn on one’s wrist fastened by a strap or band. They are a common item of purchase for men, women and children. I noticed that there are fewer people wearing watches; most if not all rely on electronic devices for the time, such as mobile phones and tablets. Personally, I feel bare without a watch. My wrist is aware of the absent weight. “For everyone who falls in love with a watch, a watch is the one item that goes everywhere with you, so that even in that lonely motel room on a business trip, or sitting as I am right now stranded in an airport, you can look at your watch and feel a sense of comfort. A watch is your best mechanical friend, wherever you go.” (Stone, 2006)

Wristwatches were originally designed for wealthy women and considered jewellery as well as accurate timepieces. These were often called ‘wristlets’ due to the combination of the watch on a bracelet. Men preferred pocket watches as they felt wristwatches were too lady-like and would get in the way of a man’s work. When World War One occurred, the pressure of warfare made military leaders recognise the value of wristwatches. It took longer to reach into your pocket to look at the time as opposed to glancing at your wrist while on the move. Soldiers were then able to keep track of the time while keeping their hands free on the battlefield. The watch made it easier for soldiers to synchronise attacks because if everyone had their watch set at the same time they could work in synergy. I believe this allowed wristwatches to be moved into the men’s market because they were made acceptable for men to wear.

I feel this was a significant change to culture because the war was deemed a ‘man’s world’ and the consumption of wristwatches increased, because of this, for practicality purposes. Trends happen all the time due to the objective side of humanity, where the majority follow others if something is deemed ‘cool’. As the standards of living change, so do people's ideals and perceptions. As a species, we are communicative. As a result, we are readily influenced, because our survival instincts tell us to adapt to the situation in order to survive. Psychologist Walter Cannon’s ‘fight or flight’ theory supports this statement. In essence, the response prepares the body to fight or flee a threat, whether this be real or imaginary.

Open Document