Replying to Avatar Hunter ₿eaṩt

Early morning bath thoughts. So, I recently got a new Citizen watch, since my last one was nearly 10 years old, was starting to lag, and had too many features, making it a pain to set. I also hardly wore it, because it was so bulky.

I like the Citizen brand because they make a quality watch with some nice features and they're still reasonably-priced, unlike luxury brands. They're good, sensible watches that last a long time.

We had a conversation at a local Bitcoin & Beers about watches, and I suppose I was growing self-conscious that I no longer wore one. I've been meaning to get a new one for a while now, and had done a lot of research over the years. Besides, they're useful, so I can avoid keeping my phone out, and looking at one's watch can be a valuable social cue.

I opted for one called "Garrison", if anyone's curious. The phosphor paint is in the shape of numbers, and it has both the day of the week and the day of the month. Best of all, it's made of titanium, so it's really lightweight. I used to have to remove my old watch whenever I went to use a keyboard. Last night I fell asleep with my new watch on, because I was so tired, by the time I realized I was still wearing it, I was too sleepy to take it off.

It doesn't set itself like my old one did, it was a bulky Citizen World Time Chronograph, but "atomic timekeeping" was a complicated feature anyway.

The new one has also got a sapphire crystal, so that combined with the new titanium construction and the fact that it's solar powered-- so the battery never needs to be replaced, potentially compromising the watertight seal-- it should last me a very long time.

I've had for three weeks now and I can highly recommend it.

This got me thinking, though; they also sell diving watches. I have no interest in diving, I'll leave that to people whole live closer to the ocean and who actually care about such things. But it had me thinking, the phosphor paint doesn't really last that long in my experience (or maybe it's just because it's winter at a higher latitude), and I can't imagine it being useful for very long. I would worry it would run out and the diver would lose track of time. They're rated for pretty deep, too, 600-3000 ft. Mine is "only" rated for 300ft, so I certainly don't worry about wearing it while taking a shower. Anyway, I'm not sure how useful diving watches actually are. If I had to guess, the primary demographic is "people who romanticize nautical life", like, they think "I like diving!" And then they make an aspirational purchase. Or maybe it's a gift from their spouse or something. "They went diving once! They'll love this!" Consumerism is weird...

Also, I think I'm done with Apple watches, they're too pricey and complicated, and just seem... Well, they're just not my style anymore. I feel my phone compromises my privacy enough, I don't need my watch doing that, too. Besides, the older I get, the more I've come to value simplicity and permanence. Always keeping up with the newest model like I used to just seems tacky and wasteful now. I haven't bought a new phone in nearly 4 years, I have the 2019 model, and it still works great. I haven't bought a new laptop in nearly 5 years, either. I'd rather save the money and buy more Bitcoin. And the more coin I have, the less I care about the price these days. For one, it's been nice simplifying what I keep my money in, I only check one price now, BTC/USD. But I don't need that on my watch. I do kind of miss having the weather and temperature, but I could just go outside to get a sense for that!

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I have a Citizen Eco-Drive I bought for about £130 nearly 10 years ago.

It has never needed a battery, no winding, never lost or gained time, suffered all kinds of mechanical mishaps with no real damage, been on countless air flights with consequent pressure changes,  and it's still on my arm as I type. All I've done is replace the strap for an everlasting stainless-steel chain-mail type for about £30, which is equally durable.

The solar powered Eco-Drive system is phenomenal and faultless, still going strong, and has paid for the original cost of the watch in batteries never bought. It is, without question, the best watch I have ever owned in 57 years. I depend on it, I trust it, and I love it. It has the spirit of Bitcoin and have high hopes it will see me out.

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That's a cool story. I agree, things that aren't too pricy and yet are made with quality, low on maintenance, and last a long time definitely favor the Bitcoiner aesthetic.

I love mechanical watches for that reason precisely! I bought an eco drive once and a few days in the drawer screw it up though :/

Yeah, you can't keep it in a drawer, my old Citizen watch died that way, too.