The end of the wristwatch?

[Robert G]

Several times recently I have read that the end of the wristwatch is in sight, this being due to mobile phones telling you the time.

Once upon a time we had simple pocket watches, and then people saw sense in abandoning those for wristwatches. We could take off all our clothes and do whatever we want, and still be able to tell the time.

Do we really now want to take a retrograde step? Surely it would be more sensible to develop the wristphone, wrist communicator, or whatever? Do we really want to be lumbered forever with carrying a phone around with us, losing it, having it stolen, etc?

[Buenchico]

Within the past week, this has been covered in two different programmes on BBC World Service and also on Radio 4.

Although many (mainly younger) people are relying on their mobile phones, rather than wearing a wristwatch, sales of wristwatches are actually rising, rather than falling. This is because they're now seen far more as a fashion accessory - and so get changed frequently - rather than just as a 'tool'.

It took a while for pocket-watch owners to see the advantages of wristwatches. Those people who curently use their phones to check the time will, probably, eventually come back to the idea of wearing a watch.

Chris

[rojash]

The only way you can read the time on my Nokia is when the backlight is on, and that only comes on after you use two separate keys to unlock it. I don't think I'll be binning my Breitling for a while yet.

[rojash]

Also, I don't think I'd risk diving with my mobile

[joko]

i think watches are one of the few items of 'jewellery' that a lot of men are prepared to wear, so i think they'll stay.

i would imagine that wrist phones won't be long now though.

[andy-hughes]

Pocket watches died out when the fashion for waistcoats faded.

Every time a new invention hits the market, the media trumpet 'the end of ....'. This has meant everything from the printed word to record shops. the faqct is, each new invention settles into society, the good bits remain and are improved, the bad bits are quietly forgotten.

So, loads of people take pictures with their mobiles, almost no-one surfs the internet or watches videos. Watches are convenient and cheap - they will last for the forseeable future.

[jomifl]

I have just bought a self winding mechanical watch in a fit of perversity.