Horological Meandering

We have been discussing “gadgets” over on TimeOut . Although we have discovered that girls love gadgets too, gadgets are primarily a man’s domain, whether you are 5 years old or (slightly) more grown up.

 

Do you think watches are just more gadgets for us to play with?

 

If not all watches, are there some watches that you would classify as “gadgets”?

 

Is there any difference between a “tool watch” and a gadget watch?

 

As usual, happy for you to present examples and illustrate with pictures.

 

Andrew

 

Gadget

Definitions: 1. “a small device that performs or aids a simple task”; 2. “a small device that appears useful but is often unnecessary or superfluous”

Thesaurus: contraption, widget, thingamabob, tool, doodah, thingamajig.

.

kill any possible discussion!

... the newer AP Survivor came to mind for me when I posed this gadget watch question.

Which watch most resembles a Swiss Army Knife?

A

Almost all my watches I consider "gadgets for us to play with". Whether this playing is just admiring and wearing or pulling apart to restore. It's just for fun and enjoyment.

The only ones that aren't are the ones that I use as back-up to my dive computer. These are relatively uninteresting but extremely useful Aqualands - These have semi-critical functions beyond just timekeeping, such as depth meter, ascent alarms, etc. The other dive watches I take underwater with me aren't back-up, just nice things to have with me...

Watches do not scratch the "gadget itch" for me. Instead, I like watches for the luxury, design, and history.  But I'm sure it's different for different people.

welcome here....



cheers

...fit the dictionary definition of gadget, but I don't see mine that way.  To me, gadgets are more or less electronic items these days.  When you say "gadget" I think of things like my iPod.  Don't ask me why.  It's just the image that pops into my head. 

Cheers,

Daos

. . . that measures an aspect of existence - in this case, time - transcends notions of gadgetry.

Watches are the product of science, engineering, craft, and art, and meant to help us organize our lives. I'd say that design brief exceeds that of a mere gadget . . . curmudgeonly, Art

you just spoke what i had in mind, its an instrument , one cant neglect the romance  , the emotions , the ART put in a time piece, as an artist as a purist such a question is an alien to my universe.  i fully agree DR .

 

 Thanks

Faisal

 

 

on your definition of gadget... instruments....



cheers

. . . that in order to consider watches categorically as "gadgets" would entail an exceptionally broad definition of the term, and likely to point where it is no longer meaningful.

... there are some watches that do feel more 'gadgety' to me than others. It may also depend on how you use the functions that are presented.

disagree with what you said.... for a watch addict's point of view... lol

cheers

The one gadget watch would probably be my Tissot T-Touch.  It's got a chrono, compass, thermometer, altimeter, alarm, and of course that cool touch screen to activate the functions!

Tool watch?  I'd go with my AP ROO or the PuristSPro St. Gallen ABR.

-MW

NT

Plenty of high end stunt gadget watches out there that are almost impossible to tell time on, but who cares? - they look cool. Most of them show up on this forum LOL
This message has been edited by mrsnak on 2010-04-08 08:28:49

Meaning that, in a pinch, it is at least theoretically possible to read time off of the multi-functional thing.

In certain existence or life threatening situations it may be simply - too late.

I remember many years ago when I scrambled up cliffs with a tin flask of vodka strapped on my back, with the idea that, upon falling to the rocks below, my would-be rescuer could have a drink at my expense.

Today I can imagine him doing it with all the watch-gadgets including the exceptional GP Roulette!

While I am still alive - but gasping out my last breath.

Perfectly fine, if the Rescurer is wearing a St. Gallen watch - or using my incredible own!

Then we could have a nice evening together at an alpine pub and enjoy something , say - more in tune with the culture than vodka.

amerix

This message has been edited by amerix on 2010-04-08 08:14:05

watches are to tell time.....

with a twist....

passion, maybe gadgets, definitely enjoyment.... etc....



cheers This message has been edited by PinkPanther on 2010-04-08 10:35:24

I can see that in the world of digital watches that an altimeter (perhaps different if you are a pilot or mountaineer) or a thermometer would turn your timepiece into a gadget, but in the world of mechanical watches, what would we consider a gadget?

If a simple 3-hand watch is not a gadget because it tells time only, when does the addition of a chronograph, a tourbillon or a roulette wheel turn it into a gadget?

Does it depend on its contribution to chronometry?

Does it depend on its use by the owner?

Andrew

...personally, I'd say it depends on the use by owner. Quartz or mechanical, regardless of function (altimeter, depthmeter, chronograph, dive bezel, etc) unless the owner actively requires it, it heads for the category (as defined above) of gadget. When the function is actually needed it stops being a gadget.

Not that there's anything wrong with owning gadgets, it's just that the term can be construed as perjorative in the context of treasured timepieces.

 

Watches can fall under the category of measuring instrument, gadget, toy, art piece and so on depending which brand you are referring to.

Regards

Ling