For much of modern history, watches have also helped people organize their lives around time.
A worker needs to know when a shift begins.
A traveler needs to know when a train or flight departs.
A student needs to know when a class starts.
An athlete needs to measure performance.
A soldier may need to coordinate movements precisely.
A doctor may need to record when an event occurred.
The watch becomes a personal connection to a larger system of schedules.
The man with the wristwatch is therefore not isolated from time. He is carrying a tool that allows him to interact with time more precisely.
The Watch as a Symbol
There is also a cultural difference between simply knowing the time and wearing a watch.
A wristwatch can communicate something about its owner.
A simple digital watch may suggest practicality.
A traditional mechanical watch may reflect an appreciation for craftsmanship.
