When the Portland Trail Blazers need someone to make a big shot at the end of a game, point guard Damian Lillard is usually the one with the ball in his hand.

He can shoot from anywhere inside half court and is known for his long-distance shots. Better yet, he usually comes up big in the clutch.

His celebration is to simply tap on his wrist to let everyone in the arena know it’s “Dame Time.”

This celebration wouldn’t make much sense if people didn’t still wear watches.

While smartphones and style changes gave a threat to the traditional wristwatch, the boom of smart devices and wearable technology – along with people still wanting to know the time – means we still have watches on our wrists.

The tradition started during World War I when soldiers were tired of fishing around in their pockets to find their pocket watches.

Looking at one’s wrist is much easier, after all.

Initially, though, this trend was ridiculed as silly. Soon practicality made pocket watches obsolete. So why wear a watch? Here are a few of the top reasons.

Convenience

Phones don’t keep you punctual. Watches do. A wristwatch is the most convenient way to tell the time.

Functionality

Any item inspired by the military has a functional use, wristwatches included.

Wristwatches were first used in the 19th century by the military to synchronize maneuvers during war.

Since then, specialized watches have been used in the depths of the ocean by divers and high in the sky by aviators.

Simplicity

What’s more simple than an hour hand, minute hand and second hand?

Style

Who doesn’t love getting compliments? The range of acceptable jewelry for a man is limited.

Many men are only going to be seen with three main accessories decorating their hands – a nice watch, a stylish pair of cuff links, and a simple wedding band if they’re married.

However, a nice watch can not only show off someone’s wealth, but also their personality.

Craftsmanship

A wrist watch is more than a time-keeper. It is a symbol of tradition and history encased in a showpiece with extreme craftsmanship.

Sentimental Value

Not only is a timepiece the quintessential gift – it is the quintessential
heirloom.

No matter what your philosophy is on the end of life, we can all
agree that people can live on through the memories of those that knew them.

Owning timepieces from a different era is a remembrance of people who lived before you. Having their watches makes you think of them, in a real way. They wore these same watches which show signs of use, care and love.

Watches will always be an important accessory for both women and men.

Think of just how many occasions where it is rude or just impossible to look at your smartphone but totally acceptable to casually or discreetly glance at your wrist, like at the theater, on a date, at a concert, or out for a meal with family or friends.

There are also professions that basically require that you have a watch – doctors, nurses, anyone who has to take someone’s pulse, needs a second hand to do it with.

Teachers can’t say to their students to keep their cellphones put away and then pull theirs out every 10 minutes to check their lesson plan scheduling.

Drivers should know better than to be distracted with their cellphones while driving, but your wrist is almost attached to the steering wheel.

What’s the reason you wear a watch?

CHARLEY PHOTO OF THE WEEK: Charley’s other brother was home all week, which meant more walks, belly rubs and play time. Charley made a stop to the workshop this week to get her watch fixed and to eat pretzels.