Sustainable
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Touting the Sustainable Aspects of a Mechanically Powered Watch
In a world of battery driven devices, there is an attraction to the simplicity that accompanies
a device that is human powered. Hand crank ice-cream makers, phonographs and push
lawn mowers, were all part of daily life a century ago. As electricity became more readily
available to the consumer, the push was on to convert many household items to electric
power. When a hand powered device would be sufficient, we have seen a proliferation of
electrically powered devices such as pencil sharpeners, can openers, clocks, and watches.
Electric power is unnecessary when human power is available with little effort, and
advancement has been made revisiting the use of "bi-product" energy. With the recent
increased awareness of the consequences of overuse of our finite sources of energy and
increase in unnecessary waste, what could be more sustainable than the wind-up pocket
watch or the automatic wrist watch (powered by the movement of the arm during daily
activities). Modern quartz watches keep very accurate time with little fuss. But when the
battery needs replacement or the watch fails to operate, both items add to the ever
increasing electronic waste stream. A good quality mechanical watch can be maintained
indefinitely, provide a link to the past, and keep time good enough for our daily life.
So, when you need to replace your watch, give some consideration to purchasing an older
mechanical pocket or wrist watch. There is an abundance of medium grade watches (wrist
or pocket) available for purchase. Many of these are quite beautiful, and speak to a
previous generation that valued craftsmanship. Good quality watches can be found for
under a $100. With a proper initial cleaning/oiling/regulation using modern lubricants,
these can run for many years without servicing. In a small way we can develop a more
sustainable way of life that can spill over into other aspects of our life.
.
Here is an interesting take on this subject ON COMPANIONSHIP AND SOUL IN WATCHES
In a world of battery driven devices, there is an attraction to the simplicity that accompanies
a device that is human powered. Hand crank ice-cream makers, phonographs and push
lawn mowers, were all part of daily life a century ago. As electricity became more readily
available to the consumer, the push was on to convert many household items to electric
power. When a hand powered device would be sufficient, we have seen a proliferation of
electrically powered devices such as pencil sharpeners, can openers, clocks, and watches.
Electric power is unnecessary when human power is available with little effort, and
advancement has been made revisiting the use of "bi-product" energy. With the recent
increased awareness of the consequences of overuse of our finite sources of energy and
increase in unnecessary waste, what could be more sustainable than the wind-up pocket
watch or the automatic wrist watch (powered by the movement of the arm during daily
activities). Modern quartz watches keep very accurate time with little fuss. But when the
battery needs replacement or the watch fails to operate, both items add to the ever
increasing electronic waste stream. A good quality mechanical watch can be maintained
indefinitely, provide a link to the past, and keep time good enough for our daily life.
So, when you need to replace your watch, give some consideration to purchasing an older
mechanical pocket or wrist watch. There is an abundance of medium grade watches (wrist
or pocket) available for purchase. Many of these are quite beautiful, and speak to a
previous generation that valued craftsmanship. Good quality watches can be found for
under a $100. With a proper initial cleaning/oiling/regulation using modern lubricants,
these can run for many years without servicing. In a small way we can develop a more
sustainable way of life that can spill over into other aspects of our life.
.
Here is an interesting take on this subject ON COMPANIONSHIP AND SOUL IN WATCHES
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