Written by: Charles Dull

Emailing,texting, blogging, and instant messaging are just a few of the ways that we as boomers have had to evolve. Some of us have gone through these steps kicking and screaming while others have looked at them as adventures. But with the addition of new technology, we have held on to the old. As a matter of fact, we have held on to one of the oldest, a fashionable timepiece. But no longer do we see a gentleman use his fingers to follow a gold chain to a vest pocket to pull out this crafted analog device. We simply moved to the convenience of a wristband for this fob, and now call it a watch. Like our methods of communication, the timepiece has evolved. We have seen the phone system develop from party-line and rotary dial to now simply telling your phone… “Call home”. We have adapted with the times and have been responsible for the technological advancements that younger generations feel that they are obligated to receive. Many of those who invented or advanced the technologies are closing in on retirement. Unlike their parents beforethem, the company retirement pension accompanied by the valued gold watch is not going to be enough. We have to think of our portfolios that supercede our 401k, and there is a good chance we will not even see the Rolex, Breitling, Omega, or Cartier from the company. But if we have done well, we will go out and spend our own money on that watch to show ourselves and others we made it. A watch to our generation is more than just for telling time; it shows class, character, artistry, and even confidence. When someone asks you for the time, you are more than happy to peer though the fine blue sapphire crystal and look down at the hand carved face with gold numbers and possibly well placed diamonds, then tell the now admirer “ it is 12:10”.

Most of the individuals in today’s young generation probably have a cell phone before they enter middle school and can text from a numeric phone pad faster than I can type. (But remember, I am actually spelling the words and not creating some abbreviated language.) One thing, however, that they may not have or even desire is a watch. That cell phone is their life-blood. It is a small computer that, when flipped open, tells the time, leaving many of the owners unable to tell time from a dial face. If it isn’t digital they can’t read it. I know this through personal observation. As a teacher of mathematics in middle school, one of the things we work on is comparing a circle to the face of a clock. A quarter of a circle represents 90 degrees, and a quarter of an hour represents 15 minutes. A 90-degree angle is similar to the positioning of the big and small hands on the quarter hour. For years now when this required material comes up for teaching, I sigh and pray for the best. I know that less than 40 percent of my class can tell me the time from a dial clock, and no more that two children wear a watch. So, unlike today’s youth, even though we have been more than willing to incorporate new technology, we still value and desire the craftsmanship of the old.

In closing, many of my students will say that a watch is repetitive, “If I have my phone with me everywhere, I don’t need a watch, and my phone is my fashion statement.” I can’t really argue with that philosophy, but I like being repetitive.But I am not impressed by the newest blackberry or iphone. Remember that electronic technology is constantly surpassed and usually right after you purchased it. But a fine watch is timeless. If you disagree with me and feel that your cell phone completes you, then feel free to send me your watch.