https://torgoen.com/products/t18-black-ionic-yellow-carbon-fiber-45mm-stainless-steel-bracelet
To me this is excessive. Though nice watch, still half a grand is way too much.
To me I will stick to watches below $50.
Will anyone here be willing to invest hundreds in a regular watch?
I have an altimeter watch I use for climbing mountains and backpacking and such. It's not cheap.
https://teddybaldassarre.com/blogs/watches/expensive-watches (!!!)
Quote from: sprjus4 on May 07, 2023, 10:47:46 PM
https://teddybaldassarre.com/blogs/watches/expensive-watches (!!!)
Have to be Bill Gates or a typical American Politician to afford these.😁
I have a phone.
Nothing, unless you broadly count fitness watches. If so, maybe $100-$150 to get something acceptably decent.
I will concede that smart-watches are not "necessary" in the same way that smartphones are to most of us, but I use a lot of what they offer, so I will spend several hundred on them. I have an Apple Watch Series 7 right now which was $399.
Quote from: jakeroot on May 08, 2023, 12:10:09 AM
I will concede that smart-watches are not "necessary" in the same way that smartphones are to most of us, but I use a lot of what they offer, so I will spend several hundred on them. I have an Apple Watch Series 7 right now which was $399.
What do you use?
My current one has a base price of $94, but I got it for half off. I bought my first one at a craft fair for $5, but it turned my arm green from the steel corroding, so after about two years, I switched.
Since I haven't worn a watch since I first owned a cell phone, $0.
Quote from: jakeroot on May 08, 2023, 12:10:09 AM
I will concede that smart-watches are not "necessary" in the same way that smartphones are to most of us, but I use a lot of what they offer, so I will spend several hundred on them. I have an Apple Watch Series 7 right now which was $399.
Necessity really isn't the issue; it's whether the use you get from the thing is worth its price. The Apple watch isn't a life necessity, but if you use what it offers and you can't get that functionality from another product, you may deem it worth its cost. On the other hand, I use a watch only to see the current time, so I would get no more use from a $400 Apple watch than from a $20 plain one.
Quote from: wanderer2575 on May 08, 2023, 09:01:12 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 08, 2023, 12:10:09 AM
I will concede that smart-watches are not "necessary" in the same way that smartphones are to most of us, but I use a lot of what they offer, so I will spend several hundred on them. I have an Apple Watch Series 7 right now which was $399.
Necessity really isn't the issue; it's whether the use you get from the thing is worth its price. The Apple watch isn't a life necessity, but if you use what it offers and you can't get that functionality from another product, you may deem it worth its cost. On the other hand, I use a watch only to see the current time, so I would get no more use from a $400 Apple watch than from a $20 plain one.
And I understand it's probably not what everyone else in the forum is going for, but the "fashion" price is relevant, too. It doesn't only have to be about the utility.
Quote from: roadman65 on May 07, 2023, 10:55:44 PM
Quote from: sprjus4 on May 07, 2023, 10:47:46 PM
https://teddybaldassarre.com/blogs/watches/expensive-watches (!!!)
Have to be Bill Gates or a typical American Politician to afford these.😁
When I see that there's $100k watches (and higher) out there, I'm just a little stunned...but then I remember they sponsor tons of auto racing or yachting, so that financial stream has to go back into something equally extravagant. From a mechanical standpoint, it's fascinating how it all ticks, and it's amazing that all those delicate parts work in synchronicity, but I just don't need more than a $50 watch to remind me what time it is and last for 4-5 years. I don't feel the need to show off, impress, or look like a mark.
I received an Apple Watch last year as a gift from my wife, since it's much easier for me to see/feel notifications in noisy and hectic conditions; the basic 3rd gen for about $100-150 is enough. I'm sure the battery life is good for no more than three years and then I'll need another. So roughly $50/year for the additional "notification power" and a few more updates (flights, calendar reminders, email, texts) is worth it to me. A cellphone can do all of those things already, and if you don't need the extra nudges, that's understandable too. I went without a watch for a few years and barely missed it.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on May 08, 2023, 09:59:47 AM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on May 08, 2023, 09:01:12 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 08, 2023, 12:10:09 AM
I will concede that smart-watches are not "necessary" in the same way that smartphones are to most of us, but I use a lot of what they offer, so I will spend several hundred on them. I have an Apple Watch Series 7 right now which was $399.
Necessity really isn't the issue; it's whether the use you get from the thing is worth its price. The Apple watch isn't a life necessity, but if you use what it offers and you can't get that functionality from another product, you may deem it worth its cost. On the other hand, I use a watch only to see the current time, so I would get no more use from a $400 Apple watch than from a $20 plain one.
And I understand it's probably not what everyone else in the forum is going for, but the "fashion" price is relevant, too. It doesn't only have to be about the utility.
Fashion is one element of the use you can get from the thing. You're right that it's not just about utility.
Not as much as this guy. (This was a real ad.)
(https://blogs-images.forbes.com/hannahelliott/files/2010/12/Hublot_AD_Eccles_257x380_RVB.jpg)
If that is of any relevance, I don't wear watch for past 20 years - but I got a cuckoo clock on garage sale for$20 and spent another $30 to make it work. It also has little utility beyond being a cool background feature in WebEx -zoom calls.
For a smartwatch - maybe $200 at most. That should get you an Apple Watch that's one or two models old.
For a dumbwatch - $20 at most.
I miss my Pebble smartwatch, which I got for $100 (on clearance). Multi-day battery, simple apps, and able to display notifications. I don't think I'd invest more than that in a smartwatch for normal use.
I have a cheapo Timex, which needs a new battery (at least), for places with poor cellphone reception or are otherwise smartphone-unfriendly.
I got an older Apple Watch a few Christmases ago. But it has to be constantly recharged, and is too complicated for me (though I'll occasionally use it to check my heart rate). All I want is something to tell me the time, with a quick glance. Anything more, my smartphone can usually handle.
I, too, have inexpensive watches. i'm currently wearing an Armitron that probably cost no more than $20.
I feel naked without a watch. The only time I don't wear one is when I'm showering. I've worn one since my grade school years and can't get used to not wearing one.
I have no need for a smart watch. What's next -- Apple Eyeglasses?
Quote from: hbelkins on May 08, 2023, 09:35:50 PM
I, too, have inexpensive watches. i'm currently wearing an Armitron that probably cost no more than $20.
I feel naked without a watch. The only time I don't wear one is when I'm showering. I've worn one since my grade school years and can't get used to not wearing one.
I have no need for a smart watch. What's next -- Apple Eyeglasses?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Glass
Quote from: Rothman on May 08, 2023, 06:52:59 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 08, 2023, 12:10:09 AM
I will concede that smart-watches are not "necessary" in the same way that smartphones are to most of us, but I use a lot of what they offer, so I will spend several hundred on them. I have an Apple Watch Series 7 right now which was $399.
What do you use?
The features I rely on most are the sleep tracking (much more accurate than anything on my iPhone), fitness tracking (again, far more accurate than my phone), using it to find my phone (can't use my phone for that, duh), paying for things without getting my phone out (Apple Pay), riding transit (not really supported in the US but normal in Japan via Suica), managing my reminders (bit faster than pulling my phone out, especially grocery lists), and song-tagging (much faster than whipping out my phone).
None of these features are strictly necessary for day to day life, but they make my life easier. The watch just...works. No bullshit, great battery, and very good compatibility with all my other Apple shit.
Quote from: wanderer2575 on May 08, 2023, 09:01:12 AM
Necessity really isn't the issue; it's whether the use you get from the thing is worth its price. The Apple watch isn't a life necessity, but if you use what it offers and you can't get that functionality from another product, you may deem it worth its cost. On the other hand, I use a watch only to see the current time, so I would get no more use from a $400 Apple watch than from a $20 plain one.
I was a G-Shock guy for many years! Loved the simplicity of an indestructible watch that just did a few basic things. I just learned to appreciate many of the smart-watch features as I got older. I originally got into them with the Samsung Gear S3 that came free with a phone at T-Mobile back in the day. Been hooked ever since.
I do also come from a 'tech-forward' family. My 83-year old grandfather has as much Apple stuff as I do (watch included); it's in my blood to embrace technology, you could say.
I don't wear jewelry.
Quote from: triplemultiplex on May 09, 2023, 10:34:55 AM
I don't wear jewelry.
I wouldn't define a watch, personally, as jewelry. Jewelry has no function other than fashion. A watch, even the most basic ones, at least does a job.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on May 07, 2023, 10:47:17 PM
I have an altimeter watch I use for climbing mountains and backpacking and such. It's not cheap.
Just out of idle curiosity, what watch do you have?
I have a Swiss Army watch. I really don't see the point of Apple Watch since it's basically just an iPhone you wear on your wrist and I already have an iPhone.
I used to be pretty cheap when I did wear them, and it would be no more than $30.
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on May 09, 2023, 10:55:58 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on May 07, 2023, 10:47:17 PM
I have an altimeter watch I use for climbing mountains and backpacking and such. It's not cheap.
Just out of idle curiosity, what watch do you have?
Coros Vertix 2. I used to have a Garmin Instinct, but the Vertix is much nicer looking for day to day wear.
$40 is what I last spent on a watch. I only wear one cycling because it's way too many button presses on my cycle computer to get the time. I feel like anywhere else (car, home) I've got multiple things staring me in the face telling me the time.
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on May 09, 2023, 11:10:32 AMI really don't see the point of Apple Watch since it's basically just an iPhone you wear on your wrist and I already have an iPhone.
It's incredibly useful to have when you get a text or email when you're unable to reach your phone due to the fact that (a) you're holding a sleeping baby or (b) you're riding public transit and can't reach it. If you don't do either of these things on a regular basis, then there's probably no need for one.
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 09, 2023, 01:07:10 PM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on May 09, 2023, 11:10:32 AMI really don't see the point of Apple Watch since it's basically just an iPhone you wear on your wrist and I already have an iPhone.
It's incredibly useful to have when you get a text or email when you're unable to reach your phone due to the fact that (a) you're holding a sleeping baby or (b) you're riding public transit and can't reach it. If you don't do either of these things on a regular basis, then there's probably no need for one.
Or (c) you're in a state that doesn't allow you to pick up your smart phone when you're driving, but forgot all about smart watches.
Seriously, in all the news stories I've seen about distracted driving and banning use of phones, I've never seen reference to a watch. Did lawmakers and rule writers forget they existed? Or are they just that far behind the times?
Quote from: GaryV on May 09, 2023, 01:10:35 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 09, 2023, 01:07:10 PM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on May 09, 2023, 11:10:32 AMI really don't see the point of Apple Watch since it's basically just an iPhone you wear on your wrist and I already have an iPhone.
It's incredibly useful to have when you get a text or email when you're unable to reach your phone due to the fact that (a) you're holding a sleeping baby or (b) you're riding public transit and can't reach it. If you don't do either of these things on a regular basis, then there's probably no need for one.
Or (c) you're in a state that doesn't allow you to pick up your smart phone when you're driving, but forgot all about smart watches.
Seriously, in all the news stories I've seen about distracted driving and banning use of phones, I've never seen reference to a watch. Did lawmakers and rule writers forget they existed? Or are they just that far behind the times?
What I see on my watch for a text is no different than what I see using Android Auto on my main display. It's way less distracting than needing to do passwords, fingerprints, etc. to get into the phone.
Quote from: GaryV on May 09, 2023, 01:10:35 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 09, 2023, 01:07:10 PM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on May 09, 2023, 11:10:32 AMI really don't see the point of Apple Watch since it's basically just an iPhone you wear on your wrist and I already have an iPhone.
It's incredibly useful to have when you get a text or email when you're unable to reach your phone due to the fact that (a) you're holding a sleeping baby or (b) you're riding public transit and can't reach it. If you don't do either of these things on a regular basis, then there's probably no need for one.
Or (c) you're in a state that doesn't allow you to pick up your smart phone when you're driving, but forgot all about smart watches.
Seriously, in all the news stories I've seen about distracted driving and banning use of phones, I've never seen reference to a watch. Did lawmakers and rule writers forget they existed? Or are they just that far behind the times?
It's no more dangerous to check your smartwatch while driving than it is to check your dumbwatch while driving. And if you're trying to respond to a text on your smartwatch by drawing each individual letter, all while driving, then you're too stupid to live anyway.
I've found this an interesting thread to read through from the standpoint of economics.
My own answers:
* Ordinary wristwatch: Nothing. I don't like to wear a watch, and gave up doing so about 20 years ago. I don't like the feel of one on my wrist, or the fact sweat never dries underneath the bezel and eventually starts to smell.
* Keyfob watch: Also nothing. I used to have one, but realized I was not willing to pay what it would cost (not just in money, but also in search effort) to procure one that lasts acceptably long with the other pocket litter I carry.
* Smartwatch: Again, nothing. None of the reported advantages (such as not having to unlock to see notifications) outweigh the loss of insulation from distractions.
* Watch as investment good: It depends on risk and return, taking into account the potential difficulties of liquidation. For example, I have been told that a Rolex watch is considered far less valuable if it cannot be sold in the original case with the original manufacturer's documentation.
I paid $180 for a gently-used Garmin 645. As a distance runner it's pretty standard equipment to have a tracking watch, and this one is a little nicer looking and more compact than some of their lower-end ones. I'm very happy with it. Before I had it I'd pull out my phone to pause, check time, etc., and it was very distracting.
Quote from: J N Winkler on May 09, 2023, 02:04:00 PM
* Ordinary wristwatch: Nothing. I don't like to wear a watch, and gave up doing so about 20 years ago. I don't like the feel of one on my wrist, or the fact sweat never dries underneath the bezel and eventually starts to smell.
I've been able to [largely] overcome the sweat issue by reversing the wrist that I wear my watch on. I used to wear my watch exclusively on my left wrist, as I'm primarily right-handed and operation is easier, but I've adapted to using my watch with my left hand on my right wrist. I started doing this quite recently, as I now live in a very hot, humid location where sweat is a normal part of being outside no matter what you're doing.
I'm a moderately sweaty guy, but I've never felt like my watch was causing me any extra perspiration outside times of extreme exertion. And when I have that going on, I'm likely to either a) take a shower right after (if I went for a run or hike) or b) not care (if I'm climbing a mountain and fully expect to feel gross and smelly all over, not just on my wrist).
Quote from: JayhawkCO on May 09, 2023, 07:49:39 PM
I'm a moderately sweaty guy, but I've never felt like my watch was causing me any extra perspiration outside times of extreme exertion. And when I have that going on, I'm likely to either a) take a shower right after (if I went for a run or hike) or b) not care (if I'm climbing a mountain and fully expect to feel gross and smelly all over, not just on my wrist).
More often than not, when I remove my watch, there is some sweat build-up. Though very minor. This was the case even before I moved to Japan; unfortunately the situation has just been exacerbated since I moved, as it's even more hot and humid here.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on May 09, 2023, 10:37:35 AM
Quote from: triplemultiplex on May 09, 2023, 10:34:55 AM
I don't wear jewelry.
I wouldn't define a watch, personally, as jewelry. Jewelry has no function other than fashion. A watch, even the most basic ones, at least does a job.
Anything more elaborate than a plastic Casio digital watch is jewelry then.
Quote from: triplemultiplex on May 10, 2023, 11:19:28 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on May 09, 2023, 10:37:35 AM
Quote from: triplemultiplex on May 09, 2023, 10:34:55 AM
I don't wear jewelry.
I wouldn't define a watch, personally, as jewelry. Jewelry has no function other than fashion. A watch, even the most basic ones, at least does a job.
Anything more elaborate than a plastic Casio digital watch is jewelry then.
As well as anything more elaborate than a bicycle for moving around...
Cheap watches used to last about 1 month on my hand... YMMV though.
Quote from: triplemultiplex on May 10, 2023, 11:19:28 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on May 09, 2023, 10:37:35 AM
Quote from: triplemultiplex on May 09, 2023, 10:34:55 AM
I don't wear jewelry.
I wouldn't define a watch, personally, as jewelry. Jewelry has no function other than fashion. A watch, even the most basic ones, at least does a job.
Anything more elaborate than a plastic Casio digital watch is jewelry then.
There are other functions a watch can perform other than just telling time.
Quote from: roadman65 on May 07, 2023, 10:42:09 PMhttps://torgoen.com/products/t18-black-ionic-yellow-carbon-fiber-45mm-stainless-steel-bracelet
To me this is excessive. Though nice watch, still half a grand is way too much.
I've seen more expensive watches and very functional watches sold on a cruise ship. No thank you. I am known as a destroyer of watches.
I stopped wearing watches and used my smart phone exclusively for over a decade. One season is that it's accurate and does not suffer from time drift that occurs with regular time pieces. I also would be afraid of losing the watch due to forgetfulness.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on May 09, 2023, 11:51:01 AM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on May 09, 2023, 10:55:58 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on May 07, 2023, 10:47:17 PM
I have an altimeter watch I use for climbing mountains and backpacking and such. It's not cheap.
Just out of idle curiosity, what watch do you have?
Coros Vertix 2. I used to have a Garmin Instinct, but the Vertix is much nicer looking for day to day wear.
That looks nice. It's quite a bit more than I need for (mostly) day hiking in the mountains. My watch is a Casio Pathfinder, which it looks like I paid $159 for when I bought it in 2016. The altimeter function on that (20-foot increments; I'm not using the thing to land an airplane in fog) plus the walk-tracking app on the phone gives me as much info as I need.
I think the answer to the OP's question in most cases is: decide exactly which functions you're actually going to use and then find something low-end that has those functions with little to no other clutter.