Ulysses Explains the Metaphor of the Diver Watch for Non-Divers

I think for the vast majority of us who don't have particularly dangerous occupations, the diver watch is in some ways a substitute for our unfulfilled desires. A diver watch is a masculine watch, consisting of heavy links, hard lines and an aggressive design. It's designed primarily to be a functional tool, it is tough and not vain, always ready to take a blow or two and come out OK if such circumstances should arise. They're a quiet reminder of our past where we used to suit up in armour and perform all kinds of dangerous jobs, and are a tragic sign of the diminishing relevance of masculinity in the modern world. That tiny machine encircling our wrist gives us a personal attachment to our all too often untapped potential.

I'm hoping that didn't sound too chauvinistic.

Comments

[jonnybardo]

Nice one Ulysses (by the way, I'm teaching a course to high school sophomores right now on the Odyssey).

I basically agree with you. Perhaps we could categorize watches into a few groups, each of which "says something" about the wearer: Diver, Dressy, Sport, Fashion.

Diver and Sport are related, but somewhat different. I suppose sport watches must be functional for actual sports and tend to be lighter and with plastic or rubber straps.

Dressy watches say "I'm a classy business guy who makes money." Maybe this is why they don't appeal to me, both because I don't make a lot of money and I have a certain degree of aversion to the business suit-and-tie world.

Fashion watches tend to be worn by young people, are generally more affordable and not worn for function but as an accessory; they're the watches that can be found in malls. Think Invicta, Fossil, Diesel, Swatch, Guess, Nautica, etc.

I like divers because I enjoy the "big chunk of metal" feel, or the "lume tool" as Jeff likes to call them. I also enjoy the finish of metal, the links and clasp of a bracelet - the entire tactile experience. I don't know if this has anything to do with armor, but the metallic quality is certainly foremost to the dive watch.