# Anyone else that does not wear a watch? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [November 10, 2026, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-that-does-not-wear-a-watch/1034787 "2026-11-10T18:54:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2026, 7:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-that-does-not-wear-a-watch/1034787/41 "2026-11-11T07:05:25Z")
Wanna buy a Black Rolex? It’s got some history… 😉 ---
**Author:** ![guero](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guero/32/136_2.png) [@guero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/guero)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2026, 7:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-that-does-not-wear-a-watch/1034787/42 "2026-11-11T07:24:57Z")
I quit wearing a wristwatch while in college. I switched to a pocket watch on a braided leather fob. That lasted for a good ten years, until I got a real job and had to wear a suit, so I got a Casio calculator with date and time, which I carried in my jacket pocket. That lasted another 20 years or so until Y2K killed its functionality. I didn’t get a smartphone until 2012(?), so I went without during that time. Then a couple of years ago my cardiologist said I was ripe for developing afib and that I should wear an Apple Watch that can monitor for it. So now I wear a watch most of the day and night. So far no afib, knock on wood, but if the ECG app is any indication, I’m not all that confident in its ability to detect it anyway. ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2026, 7:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-that-does-not-wear-a-watch/1034787/43 "2026-11-11T07:43:43Z")
The band broke on my fake fake Rolex. ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2026, 8:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-that-does-not-wear-a-watch/1034787/44 "2026-11-11T08:08:17Z")
> [@Kropotkin](#): > > I wear one, as I try to avoid using my phone but do like knowing the time. It’s also more convenient to check a watch than a phone while lecturing, I think Good point. I wear a watch daily, but it is when I lecture that it really comes in handy. I’ve got a 50-minute lecture; with my watch off and lying on the lectern, I can see how much time I have left to speak. Speed up or slow down? Time to take questions? My watch tells me. I guess my smartphone could do that too, but I am much more comfortable with a watch. I do understand those who do not wear watches, and that’s fine. I just feel more comfortable wearing a watch, is all. ---
**Author:** ![themapleleaf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/themapleleaf/32/14349_2.png) [@themapleleaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/themapleleaf)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2026, 8:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-that-does-not-wear-a-watch/1034787/45 "2026-11-11T08:59:05Z")
I used to wear a watch all the time, but when the last one wore out years ago, I didn’t replace it. I simply had other things on which to spend my money that were more important, and I’m of modest means. However, as @Spoons said, wearing a watch is useful for lecturing. I am an ESL teacher, and I’m planning to get a watch again soon. ---
**Author:** ![steepone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/977dab/32.png) [@steepone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steepone)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2026, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-that-does-not-wear-a-watch/1034787/46 "2026-11-11T12:05:14Z")
My last watch died not long after I retired and I just never bothered replacing it, there are so many devices now with clocks it’s just not necessary to have a watch anymore. ---
**Author:** ![TokyoBayer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tokyobayer/32/13989_2.png) [@TokyoBayer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TokyoBayer)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2026, 12:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-that-does-not-wear-a-watch/1034787/47 "2026-11-11T12:06:24Z")
Yes, it’s useful while teaching, especially when the clock in the classroom is behind you. ---
**Author:** ![Kropotkin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kropotkin/32/18045_2.png) [@Kropotkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kropotkin)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2026, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-that-does-not-wear-a-watch/1034787/48 "2026-11-11T12:24:53Z")
Mind you, once while gesticulating wildly (is there any other way to gesticulate?) in a lecture, my watch flew off. A student in the front row caught it, and got a round of applause from the class. ---
**Author:** ![Mijin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mijin/32/9369_2.png) [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2026, 12:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-that-does-not-wear-a-watch/1034787/49 "2026-11-11T12:56:05Z")
Watch-wearer here, but I can’t really defend it on practical grounds, it’s basically just jewellery for me. If I’m at home and know I’m unlikely to go out again for the rest of the day, I’ll take it off. ---
**Author:** ![Musicat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/musicat/32/20189_2.png) [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2026, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-that-does-not-wear-a-watch/1034787/50 "2026-11-11T13:00:20Z")
The last time I wore a wristwatch was when I served in Vietnam. I quickly found out it was impractical, since my wrist was so frequently sweating from the heat. At the same time, a good friend pointed out that almost everywhere you go (in the US), there is a clock displayed, and he said you don’t need one on your own self. I don’t usually carry a phone (just extra baggage), and I have very little use for this gadget (which doesn’t fit in my pocket anyway), so why bother? If I’m driving, a quick glance at the car’s dash answers my time anxiety. Reaching in a pocket and fiddling with the button (like a USB plug), it’s always on the wrong side) while driving makes no sense. ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2026, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-that-does-not-wear-a-watch/1034787/51 "2026-11-11T13:25:50Z")
You’re supposed to put the classroom clock on the back wall so you (the teacher) can see it and the students can’t. Drives them crazy — a perk for you. ---
**Author:** ![Revtim](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/revtim/32/1042_2.png) [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2026, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-that-does-not-wear-a-watch/1034787/52 "2026-11-11T13:35:45Z")
I used to love having a watch, but it became redundant when the age of mobile phones began ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2026, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-that-does-not-wear-a-watch/1034787/53 "2026-11-11T14:08:34Z")
No, never wore one. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2026, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-that-does-not-wear-a-watch/1034787/54 "2026-11-11T14:34:00Z")
> [@ricepad](#): > > WRT phones/vs watches, checking my watch by turning my wrist is so much easier than digging my phone out of my pocket. A few of my watches have altimeter features, which comes in handy at times, too. > > As far as watches making me look old: I AM old. So what? I didn’t have (or need) an altimeter, but otherwise, this is me. Also, if i _do_ pull out me phone, i may get distracted by one of its many alerts. It’s a benefit that my watch only does one thing. I wear a solar-powered citizen watch that’s small and light and that i haven’t had to do anything to for years. And also > [@sunacres](#): > > It occurred to me that without a watch on I’d have to keep track of the time by noting clocks when I went by them and “feeling” the passage of time. You have a much better sense of time than i have. I can look up after doing sometime and be surprised it’s been 45 minutes, and i can also look up and be surprised it’s only been 5 minutes. Those don’t reliably “feel” different to me. My proprioception is mediocre, too. Maybe it’s related. But u would never be on time for anything without having an easy way to check the time. ---
**Author:** ![HeyHomie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heyhomie/32/207_2.png) [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2026, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-that-does-not-wear-a-watch/1034787/55 "2026-11-11T14:42:14Z")
Haven’t worn one since cell phones became ubiquitous. Although, I’ve bought like a $4.99 quartz watch on the occasions when consulting a cell phone was ill-advised (viz, on a cruise ship, where I just turned it off when I got on board). ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2026, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-that-does-not-wear-a-watch/1034787/56 "2026-11-11T14:43:05Z")
When your job requires a lot of hand (and wrist)-washing, both watches and rings become superfluous quickly. ---
**Author:** ![SanVito](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sanvito/32/2805_2.png) [@SanVito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanVito)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2026, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-that-does-not-wear-a-watch/1034787/57 "2026-11-11T14:46:32Z")
I wear one daily and feel a bit naked without it. But it’s way more jewellery than timepiece - it’s a very nice Breitling. Not actually that great at telling the time accurately if I’m honest so my phone/laptop are my time guarantors, but I do glance it at frequently. Makes me happy to see it in a totally vacuous way. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2026, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-that-does-not-wear-a-watch/1034787/58 "2026-11-11T15:23:10Z")
> [@SanVito](#): > > But it’s way more jewellery than timepiece - it’s a very nice Breitling Curious, what kind of Breitling is it? I have a Breitling Aerospace that’s 25 years old. ---
**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2026, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-that-does-not-wear-a-watch/1034787/59 "2026-11-11T15:55:09Z")
I had a watch in the 80s that transformed into a robot. That was the last watch I ever wore. They seem utterly pointless this days. ---
**Author:** ![Kropotkin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kropotkin/32/18045_2.png) [@Kropotkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kropotkin)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2026, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-that-does-not-wear-a-watch/1034787/60 "2026-11-11T16:04:43Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > Also, if i _do_ pull out me phone, i may get distracted by one of its many alerts. It’s a benefit that my watch only does one thing. This sums up my sense, too; even though I shut off most alerts and notifications, it’s almost like the phone was designed to grab and divert my attention. As for the clock on the classroom wall so only the teacher can see it, this just drives students to look at their phones and “get distracted by one of its many alerts.” I do not understand how planning on hooking up after class could be more interesting than a lecture on isonomia and sortition, but there it is. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-that-does-not-wear-a-watch/1034787.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-that-does-not-wear-a-watch/1034787.md?page=4)