August 23rd, 2007 - Time Erases All Things… Even Watches?
In a story by Ben Tracy of WCCO, he raised the question of whether Time is Running Out on Watches. For watch enthusiasts like us, news pointing out to the demise of our favorite gadget, however far in the future it might still be, is saddening indeed. According to Ben Tracy’s report overall watch sales have decreased as much as 5.6 percent last year. If this trend continues each year it won’t be more than a decade until nothing is left in the market except for a few specialized watches.
The decrease in watch sales are attributed mostly to advancement in technology. Due to relatively newer products like computers and cellphones many people find that they do not need to have a watch with them all the time. Computers and especially cell phones are sufficient for many who, unlike hobbyists, once kept watches solely to help them keep track of time. Now that they have multi-function gadgets it doesn’t make sense for some people to buy watches anymore.
However, despite the doomsday prediction of some that wrist watches will no longer be relevant in the future, Dr Dave Brennan, an expert of consumer trends at the University of St. Thomas, pointed out that watches will always have a place. People will still buy and use watches for different reasons like status, function (especially for specialized multi-function watches), fashion, and pleasure (Hooray for watch enthusiasts!). While it is undoubtedly true that the use of watches will continue to decline, watches are still here to stay.