Watches Are for the Poor • Hacker News Board

Re: Watches Are for the Poor

#21

Post by jacknews » Tue, Sep 23, 2025, 2:53 AM UTC

This gets at an underlying concept, but arrives at entirely the wrong conclusion IMHO.

Through history clocks and time have been used to regulate and control society. eg read "About Time: A History of Civilization in Twelve Clocks" by Rooney.

But time-keeping was orchestrated by elites, to control the masses, and differentiate themselves, just like manners. Whoever owned the time, had the best clock, had power and control.

That is now symbolized by expensive clocks and watches, worn by the wealthy and powerful.

Re: Watches Are for the Poor

#22

Post by burnt-resistor » Tue, Sep 23, 2025, 3:37 AM UTC

That's one viewpoint. I had a Swedish-American economics and history teacher in high school who was a partial Luddite against watches and cell phones because he viewed them as tools limiting freedom rather than as functional or ornamental accessories. Some view the presence of watches as concern for respect of time and/or efficiency, and others perceive smartwatches as convenient, less obtrusive alternatives to smartphone notification/scrolling time sinks. There are many viewpoints. I would suggest continue doing whatever works best for the individual independent of shitpost opinions on the internet.

Re: Watches Are for the Poor

#23

Post by Ancapistani » Wed, Sep 24, 2025, 7:17 AM UTC

I’m sitting here wearing a Hamilton Air Zermatt. I have a half dozen decent watches, ranging from Vostok to Rolex, and the Hamilton is the one that I wear.

At ~$1k, it’s a nice balance between “nice enough to make me smile when I look at it” and “too expensive to wear everyday”.

I have an Apple Watch Series 8 as well, and while it was certainly convenient… if just didn’t make me happy. The Hamilton does. It’s a pure luxury item for me, meant only for my only gratification.