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?
Mark Sirianni Watch Repair
25 Fraley Street
Kane, Pa. 16735
814-837-9435
814-558-4818 (cell)
watchdoctorpa@gmail.com

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.

9 Comments
Patrick Bissell
Very interesting commentary on why to wear a wristwatch. Very good. Charley looks happy.
Peter Spivak
Rocky Balboa in Rocky II, “Adrien, You can’t have a good time unless you got a good watch”
Gerry Acquilano
I’ve worn my Rolex Date/Time every day for the last 25 years. Mark keeps it clean, running for me. I feel lost without it on my wrist! One day my son will do likewise when it’s his.
Gerry Acquilano
Alex
I’ve worn a wristwatch almost every day for 45 years.
I don’t need to know if it’s 2:58 and 45 seconds. I need to quickly glance and see that it’s almost 3:00.
Both my kids got analog watches as their first watch. They will each get a Rolex when I check out. (Hopefully in quite a few years)
An analog watch does it for me. I’ve worn a 1970’s Oyster Datejust for most of my life, serviced by Mark for the last several years.
Mike Meyers
I have worn my OMEGA Seamaster Professional for 21 years, my wife bought it for me on our 25th Wedding Anniversary. I sleep with it on!
My father gave me his OMEGA, that he got from his boss for his first patent(1956) I will pass both to my son.
I enjoy your posts!
Curt Brown
I wear my watches first to tell time, second, to be fashionable with however I am dressed, and third, to bring me cheer. I just love watches!
LARRY D BROOKS
I remember around the age of 8 I asked my parents for a watch. So for my next birthday, they bought one for me. It wasn’t much of a watch. It had a “leatherette” strap and was a basic watch. But to me, it looked like a million dollars! And my love for watches has continued ever since.
Bill Taylor
I wear a watch because I admire the engineering, style and manufacturing prowess that it takes to make a reliable mechanical timepiece for less than $200! My Orient Mako black dial. Plus, as Mark pointed out, it’s gauche to pull out your phone to check the time. That move screams “rude”.
Ray Rice
I’ve had my Rolex Datejust on my wrist for 29 years–in some situations it should have stayed home. Thanks Mark for keeping it tuned up!