Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?

When was the last time you really looked at someone`s wristwatch? Did you happen to notice the brand name? What about the diamonds? where they fake or real? I ask these questions because I too am curious to know when everyone started buying wristwatches that cost $10,000.00 or more! Why? That is the question I am going to answer for you today. We will have to go back in history to fully understand the human fascination with expensive watches.

Today`s wristwatch has become as much as a status symbol as a device to tell time. Back in the early 1900`s, it was considered unmanly to wear a wristwatch. In those days, they were called wristlets and only seen on the wrist of women .Most watch makers during that time did not make very many because they did not think that the wristlet would keep proper time. Also they were not durable enough to stand the work that men put them through.

But by the early nineteen century, this started to change when soldiers discovered their usefulness during wartime situations. Keep in mind that in those early days, most men would carry pocket watches. The pocket watches were clumsy to carry during wartime. Soldiers started fixing leather straps to the watches, therefore freeing up their hands in order to do battle. It is believed that Girard-Perregaux equipped the German Imperial Naval with similar pieces as early as the 1880s, which they wore on their wrists while synchronizing naval attacks, and firing artillery.

Decades later, several technological advents were credited with the British victory in the Anglo-Boer War (South Africa 1899-1902), including smokeless gunpowder, the magazine-fed rifle and even the automatic or machine gun. However, some would argue that it was a not-so-lethal device that helped turn the tide into Britain’s favor: the wristwatch.

n fact, an “Unsolicited Testimonial” dated June 7, 1900, appeared in the 1901, Goldsmith’s Company Watch and Clock Catalog as follows:

“… I wore it continually in South Africa on my wrist for 3 ½ months. It kept most excellent time, and never failed me.—Faithfully yours, Capt. North Staffs. Regt.”

This testimonial appeared below an advertisement for a military pocket watch listed as The Company’s “Service” Watch, and was further described as: “The most reliable timekeeper in the World for Gentlemen going on Active Service or for rough wear.”

In 1906, the evolution of wristlets took an even bigger step with the invention of the expandable flexible bracelet, as well as the introduction of wire loops (or lugs) soldered onto small, open-faced pocket watch cases, allowing leather straps to be more easily attached. This aided their adaptation for military use and thus marked a turning point in the development of wristwatches for men.

Thus, the role of the wristwatch seems to have come full circle. With the general public now leaning toward high-tech, digital gadgets, the classic mechanical wristwatch has once again found its home on the wrists of those brave soldiers who welcomed it some 100 years ago.

Although, this may not fully explain the fascination that we have with expensive wristwatches. The wristwatch has remained a status symbol meaning that whoever has the most expensive watch, wins the war. Although for the life of me, I can`t understand why a person would want to spend ten, 15 thousand dollars on a wristwatch. For instance, you go places everyday. Now ask yourself, how many people did you see today and can you remember what kind of watch they were wearing?

With that in mind, I own at least 20 beautifully crafted wristwatches and Sometimes I get comments on how nice they look. On occasion, I will be asked to take them off so the person can get a closer look. All told, my collection of wristwatches cost me about $200. Oh! Did I mention that my favorite is a g unit wristwatch full of crusted diamonds. It has the look and feel of a five thousand dollar wristwatch. So, my question to you is, Does anybody really know what time it is?