In an age where time glows from the corner of a phone screen and buzzes from our pockets every few minutes, the humble watch can feel like an anachronism. And yet, there’s something quietly radical about choosing to wear one. A watch isn’t just a tool for telling time—it’s a statement about how you move through the world.
I'm not sure about you, but it feels strange to not wear a watch. I believe everyone should own at least one. It doesn't have to be a smart watch, just a classic timepiece. Here are five reasons why having a watch still counts.
1. A watch respects your attention
Checking the time on your phone is never just about the time. It’s a gateway to notifications, messages, and distractions you didn’t ask for. A watch does one thing, and it does it well. A quick glance keeps you present, grounded in the moment, instead of pulling you into an endless scroll. In a world competing for your attention, that restraint is powerful.
2. It connects you to a ritual
Putting on a watch is a small, deliberate act. It marks the start of your day in a way that swiping a screen never will. Over time, it becomes part of a personal ritual—like tying your shoes or making your first coffee. These moments of repetition create rhythm, and rhythm brings a sense of control and calm to otherwise chaotic days.
3. A watch signifies meaning beyond mere function.
Unlike most tech, a watch can age with you. It scratches, fades, and develops character, quietly recording chapters of your life. It might remind you of a milestone, a gift from someone important, or a time when things finally clicked into place. Smartphones are replaced every few years; watches are kept, remembered, and sometimes passed on.
4. Style without noise
A watch is among the few accessories that communicate a lot subtly. It can convey taste, purpose, and moderation. Whether it’s a sturdy field watch, a sleek dress piece, or a familiar everyday watch, it enhances your look quietly. It represents style that stays in the background rather than shouting for attention.
5. It Changes How You Think About Time
Wearing a watch subtly changes your connection to time. It makes time seem more finite rather than endless. You start noticing each passing minute more and become deliberate in how you allocate your time. A watch doesn’t push you, but it subtly reminds you that time is moving, encouraging you to make the most of it.
Ultimately, owning a watch isn’t driven by nostalgia or a reluctance to embrace change. It’s about selecting a device that requires minimal maintenance and offers meaningful value in return. One watch suffices. Yet, that single watch can become a steady, personal, and subtly vital presence.
