Horology in Comparison to Other Technogical Advances

[BristolCavendish]

There will always be those who appreciate and prefer the mechanical workings and craftsmanship of a finely-made timepiece. That goes without saying.

On the other hand, modern technological advances have often made earlier forms of devices either obsolete or non-preferable to the masses so it would seem that the adherents of various older technologies might be considered either purists or individuals irrevocably and/or stubbornly set in their ways. Convenience, ease of operation and problem-free maintenance are usually the benefits that accompany most technological advances in regards to 'mechanical' oriented things.

We live in a digital world and certain analog applications are now considered dinosaurs. Personally speaking, I still prefer the sound of vinyl LPs played through a McIntosh vacuum tube pre amp/amp, the tonal saturation of film format captured through the exceptional lens resolution and mechanical accuracy of a Leica and course, the fast tick/sweep second hand of a Rolex.

On a whole, these applications have all been somewhat replaced by CDs, MP3's, digital photography and quartz watches. In retrospect, I can recall when the Bulova Accutron was once considered a horological breakthrough followed by the advent of quartz movements. To a majority of Rolex, PP/AP/VC aficionados this is often viewed as 'BFD' as many don't even consider electronic/quartz watches horology but more of a contemporary mundane appliance.

That said, it is somewhat amazing that Rolex SA continues to sell over 900,000+ high-priced units per annum. Whether this is based on upscale status mentalities is for others to decide. As far as OCD timekeeping parameters are concerned, if accuracy was the primary objective then most of us would probably be wearing quartz watches.

When it comes to Rolex OCD, most of the issues seem to be somewhat irrelevant in regards to the real world (i.e. +/- 2 seconds off, DIY polishing techniques, whether (or where to wear), plus a host of other seemingly inane concerns.

Quartz watches and quartz/mechanical hybrids have come a long ways. While I'm not necessarily promoting or advocating their usage, it seems that they are often looked down upon as 'non-horological'.

Is this perspective primarily based on perceived status-symbolism rather than the overall practicalities and incurred expenses.