Watches and More

In recent years, cell phones have become normal things for nearly all people to have and carry. Many people use their cell phones as a timepiece. I cannot even explain just how many times a customer has come in and said, "I guess you just don't sell watches anymore, huh?" Well, the answer has always been a resounding "Yes, we sell a lot of watches" and lately we've noticed a trend towards the younger generation buying watches.

Here is my theory: Ten to fifteen years ago, kids (say, ages up to 15) had kid-style watches. When they got their cell phones, they ditched their kids watches as they wore them out or outgrew them and used the phone as the timekeeper. Now, those "kids" range from college-age to young professionals and may view the wristwatch in a completely different light. They may realize that a watch is actually a more convenient method of telling time and also may serve to define a personal style or make a statement about one's station in life. A growing number of brides-to-be purchase a nice watch for the groom as a wedding gift, with the wedding date engraved on the back.

The wristwatch "may be going the way of the abacus," declared a news article in The Sacramento Bee in 2006. The Times of London had it "going the same way as the sundial." The Boston Globe, in a 2005 lifestyle feature, was more definitive: "Anyone who needs to know the time these days would be wise to ask someone over the age of 30. To most young people, the wristwatch is an obsolete artifact."

But, no.

The watch is experiencing a major uptick, especially among members of the supposed lost generation.

As recently as five years ago, time seemed to be running out for the wristwatch. With cellphones, iPods and other clock-equipped devices being omnipresent, armchair sociologists were writing off wristwatches as antiquated, joining VHS tapes, Walkman players and pocket calculators on the list of outmoded gadgets. I don't see the watch becoming an obsolete gadget anytime soon.

Written by Annette Long Covington