Before the invention of mobile phones that could display the time, wrist watches, and before this pocket watches, were the primary portable time-telling devices people used when on the move. The portable watch industry developed in Switzerland in the 1540s because a man called John Calvin banned people from wearing jewellery. Jewellers learned how to make watches so that they still had a product to sell – one that was useful and didn’t count as jewellery (1). The first wristwatch was developed in 1812 and since then, for a long time, was a necessity for many human conquests. One example included soldiers fighting in World War I, who wore wristwatches to map the time whilst keeping their hands free. I think in modern times wrist watches now are more of a fashion item as most people use their smartphone or feature phone, which they carry everywhere, to tell the time. People also now can use “smart” device features if they are using their hands for something else, to verbally ask their phone or device the time and be told it audibly. Therefore, I think now wristwatches are often a fashion item instead of a necessity. 1. https://www.govbergwatches.com/blog/history-of-horology/

I disagree, I think wristwatches are more than just a fashion necessity but people are also wanting their watches to be more than just a time telling tool. Apple watches are currently the best selling watch in the world. In 2018, 45 millions smartwatches were sold. The Apple Watch has many functions such as tracking heartrate, tracking information on various forms of exercise, monitoring how many steps are walked (as well as many other functions). It is hard to believe that this many people would pay £200+ for a watch that would just act as a fashion necessity. In the modern day, wrist watches are still functional but their technology has progressed for them to be much more than just a time telling function. They are also used for many health and fitness purposes which inevitably develops their attractiveness to purchase one. Works Cited: Kolodny Lora, 'The Apple Watch is the number one watch in the world' (12 September 2017), https://www.cnbc.com/2017/09/12/apple-watch-is-now-the-number-one-watch-in-the-world.html Lynkova Darina, 'Apple Watch statistics' (10 October 2019), https://leftronic.com/apple-watch-statistics/

It is clear that the phone has largely taken over as a form of telling the time, however that is not to say that the primary purpose of wristwatches are fashion followed by the secondary purpose of telling the time. Although it may be the case that working and socialising adults are constantly checking their phone/ laptop/ iPad etc., one must consider all other categories of people who either do not have access to, or prefer not to, use a technological device to check the time. For example, children in schools or students in lectures cannot simply light up their device of distraction meaning it becomes essential to wear a wristwatch in order to get to classes or meetings. Furthermore, elder generations or those simply just against the constant use of technology, require a wristwatch for the necessary purpose of telling the time. Even for those that are avid phone-user, wristwatches can still be less for fashion because it's more convenient to quickly check your wrist rather than take your phone out of your pocket or scramble around your bag/ desk/ room/ house to find it! Even if your phone is easily accessible, it can be distracting and stressful to find a series of notifications - the simplicity of a wristwatch avoids such issues. It is also said that wearing a wristwatch changes one's relationship with time. This is not just true in the sense of being better organised, but also true in the sense that one feels more appreciative of life through the awareness that time is passing. And finally, what are you going to do if you technology time-teller runs out of battery?... check your wristwatch. Antonio Centeno. '7 Reasons To Wear A Watch', *RMRS*. Available at: https://www.realmenrealstyle.com/7-reasons-wear-watch/