Why mechanical watches? Why Rolex?

[patrick_b]

I find this question posed from time to time and recently tried to verbalize the answer to the questions, "why Rolex," and even, "why mechanical watches?"

I love the fact that the watch on my wrist doesn't need electricity or a microchip or a battery. I treasure that my wristwatch was very likely assembled by hand and hundreds (maybe thousands) of small parts; gears, cogs and springs work in concert every second of every day...with precision that matches or (in some cases) exceeds its battery powered cousins.

As designers and engineers strive to make products smaller and lighter these days, the heft of a steel mechanical wristwatch conveys quality. I find it confidence inspiring that the logo on the dial stands for hundreds of years of mechanical and design innovation. In an era where corporate mergers are commonplace, the Rolex Coronet stands alone, atop a heap of companies specializing in 'luxury goods'...a private entity that continues to attract enthusiasts and the general public alike. While it's aesthetics that drew me to fine watches, it's their craftsmanship that kept me coming back.

Unlike my cell phone, flat screen TV and laptop, mechanical wristwatches have remained virtually unchanged for generations, a mainspring, escapement, case, dial and hands. The term 'obsolete' doesn't enter into the equation. The average person would be hard pressed to differentiate between a 2008 Rolex GMT and one from 1968. My mechanical watches, both modern and vintage continue to work with the same precision as the day they left the factory. If history is an accurate measure, these manufacturers will continue to service them, keeping them running for generations to come. In a day where many product's effective life cycle is measured in months, mechanical timepieces can increase in intrinsic value over the years.

It's only handcrafted products that share this trait...and sadly, many can't point to even one item made by hand that they use daily. From the shoes on which we walk to the cars we drive, there are very few handcrafted items I use daily. I'm pleased to count my wristwatch as one of the remaining few.

Care to share your thoughts on the matter?