What is the allure of these things? They keep worse time that an ntp synced phone, have no internet connectivity and few features.
It’s all conspicuous consumption, right? If you know, you know — a way to signal wealth without being too brazen.
It’s all conspicuous consumption, right? If you know, you know — a way to signal wealth without being too brazen.
Watch enthusiasts will say all tech is conspicuous consumption because it lasts so little and loses value very quick. There is little more sustainable than a Rolex that still wears nice after 50 years, and can probably hold 100 if taken care of.
If you saw me IRL you would think I am a bum. It’s much better that way to hide in plane sight.
I agree that a lot of tech is conspicuous consumption — phones are classic example. I hadn’t considered the longevity of the devices. This does increase their value.
And you see this with nearly every hobby. If you look at the audiophile community, you'll see people with $20,000 speakers in their living room, yet they live a rather modest lifestyle. You can find people spending thousands of dollars on samurai swords to hang on their bedroom wall. These people are not trying to impress the world. They have a hobby and they are able to appreciate these items.
The special value of the diamonds? People have worn diamonds for ages. It's been ingrained in our culture that diamonds are significant as they've been worn by royalty and noble figures over the years and marketed as a symbol of love. They're also the hardest naturally occurring substance on the planet and look quite nice to the eye. Did you ever see a child dress up like a princess? They didn't do it because they wanted to impress others, they did it because it made them feel special. Wearing diamonds can have that same impact. It can make someone feel special, or represent to themselves their own successes and accomplishments in life. I looked at wedding bands the other year. Many of them had diamonds hidden on the inside of the band. If the purpose of diamond jewelry was only to impress others, why would they be hidden on these rings and only known to the wearer?
I'm not going to say expensive objects or diamonds are never used to impress others. I'm only saying that's one of many reasons why someone might make such a purchase. I don't think it's appropriate to see something of value and automatically assume the owner only bought it to impress you. If you talk to them about the purchase, they might be able to talk your ear off about their passion and what that object means to them.
I like having something well made, looks nice, and will last on the order of decades. I also like not having something attached to my wrist that tries to grab my attention for every email, text, call, etc. that I get.
> They keep worse time that an ntp synced phone
There is nothing in my life that requires me to be in sync to a precision beyond +/- 30 seconds.
> have no internet connectivity and few features
Some folks (like myself) view that as a feature, not a bug. I actually like walking around without something constantly on my person that is always internet connected.
Those watches have a fundamental cultural value to us.
Keeping time is now very easy and cheap but those watches reflect the history of keeping time.
And there is a tremendous amount of craftsmanship in them. Older ones are only handmade and even modern watches from high class manufacturer are still made by watchmakers.
No one buys them if they don't care or don't have the money.
Those watches have a lot of personal skill embedded in them.
It reflects the opposite of mass production.
Feel free to look for good watchmaker docus on yt.
The watch I'm wearing on my wrist is virtually indistinguishable from one created over a hundred years ago. I think that's just neat.
This runs completely counter to my personal experiences and observations.
I've never met anyone in real life that actually hates people with money.
Disliking ostentation of wealth is another one.
If you never met anyone that dislikes the latter... well perhaps you live in US.