How to buy a watch, part 1: Why wear a wristwatch?

It's true! You don't need to wear a wristwatch. Let's move on from this outdated technology. The End.

But wait... even in a day and age in which nearly everyone has a device in their pocket that tells time perfectly, any wristwatch conveys advantages that never go out of style.

1. To discover what time it is (without taking your phone out of your pocket)

There's a reason men in the 20th century gave up pocket watches for wrist watches. Looking at something strapped to your off-hand wrist is just easier than pulling a thing out of your pocket to glance at for a split second, then replace. You need to have your dominant hand free to access your phone. If walking or riding a bike, there's a risk you'll fumble your phone while taking it out of your pocket. We've all seen this plenty of times.

While a dependable wristwatch is always your faithful servant, but your smart phone would be your master. How many times have you taken up your phone with the intention of checking the time, got distracted by something else your phone wants to tell you, and forgotten why you checked the time in the first place? Smart phones (and their familiars, smart watches) and the software they run are purpose built to distract you from whatever non-smart-phone thing you're spending your valuable time on.

2. To send social cues 

"Should I ask him to sign our petition?"

Your time is important. Sometimes you need to signal it to others. Looking at your watch sends this cue unambiguously, in a way looking at your phone cannot.

Sometimes you want to know the time without sending this signal. When I'm engaged in a meeting at work and I need to check the time, my first option is to look at the time on somebody else's watch. I like to reciprocate by wearing a watch of my own for others to do the same.

3. To enjoy universal manhood accessorization

Only one personal accessory is acceptable in nearly all circumstances for all men: a wristwatch.
While earrings, bracelets, and other jewelry have gained acceptance in our lifetime, a wristwatch is never out of place, anywhere in the world.


Next: How much should you pay for a wristwatch?