Planned Obsolescence...

 

 

Just last morning I was listening to a program on NPR discussing planned obsolescence. For instance, Maytag dishwashers are made to last 2 years without servicing (before the spinning mechanism gives out). The same afternoon, I see this video on TIMEX, an (economy) brand name since years gone by. I love vintage analog watches (of a certain styling), they're kinda like film noir- a very retro, minimalist, yet singularly stylized aesthetic. TIMEX were also (rightly or wrongly) known for their reliability- "It takes a beating and keeps on ticking!" 

It also offers insight into another question I've always asked- "Doesn't it cost more or less the same to design something cool looking, as opposed to something... fugly (from a strict design, not material sense)? TIMEX watches were fairly stylish- even if a tad conservative. Look at that recessed crown of yore in today's modern, vintage rerun, the California Marlin- Absolutely- Gorgeous! The Dauphine watch hands, the entire dial with its unique mix of Roman and Arabic numerals and markers; clean and elegant, classic, yet modern- and that green band just sends the entire ensemble to another level... And I'm most definitely a fan of domed acrylic crystals.

But I ain't buying for $200, especially after reading the reviews of their frequent breakdowns (it contains a tiny crap movement in a plastic shrouded casing)- though I'd take my chances for $150 (it looks that good). Fortunately, I lucked out with a '61 Bulova of very similar styling* for $200 in great condition on eBay- and it's an automatic!

*It also has a similar sized 34mm case, as did many a vintage man's watch (and most WWll Dirty Dozen watches)- unlike the MEGA-HUGE Atom Smashers that encase many a modern wrist.