When is a watch not a watch?

May 12, 2005 10:56 AM

I would like to have a portable device for keeping track of the time that is not a wristwatch (I seem to inevitably lose all wristwatches) but can be stored and accessed with ease. I was thinking maybe something I could store in my wallet. Any suggestions or ideas?
posted by selfnoise to technology (22 answers total)

I've used a small (diamater of a quarter) pocketwatch on my keychain for years. Convenient and stylish. I bought mine on the internet, but it was hard to find.

Ordinary flip-open pocketwatches are nice, although in my experience they tend to break easily.

These days I just use my cell phone.
posted by Four Flavors at 10:59 AM on May 12, 2005

This was on Gizmodo a while ago. Unfortunately it is still unavailable despite regular emails on my part.
posted by jmgorman at 11:00 AM on May 12, 2005

I loved loved loved my pocketwatch.
posted by Specklet at 11:00 AM on May 12, 2005

One of these? Or these?
posted by sixpack at 11:01 AM on May 12, 2005

ahh, looks like they're easier to find now.
posted by Four Flavors at 11:03 AM on May 12, 2005

Sounds like you're looking for a Nurse's Watch

There's a pile for sale on the eBay.
posted by Capn at 11:05 AM on May 12, 2005

What about one of those ring watches?
posted by loquax at 11:16 AM on May 12, 2005

what about a cellphone?
posted by delmoi at 11:20 AM on May 12, 2005

A Zipper Pull Watch.
posted by callmejay at 11:26 AM on May 12, 2005

yeah, I was gonna ask, don't you have a cell phone? seems to be the default personal clock where I live...

Pocketwatches are snazzy, tho'. I had a nice swiss army pocketwatch for some number of years that only cost about $70 or something, and I really liked it. Plus it finally solved the eternal question of what those extra little pockets in jeans are for (I know, they're for your dope, but for those of us without such hobbies, they were mysteries. until the pocketwatch!)
posted by mdn at 11:30 AM on May 12, 2005

Delmoi - I was thinking the same thing. I have a flip phone with an LCD on the front (when closed) that displays the time. I hate wearing a watch, so this is perfect for me.
posted by grateful at 11:31 AM on May 12, 2005

Sorry, should have clarified. I have a cell-phone, but it is old and clunky and I use it only for car emergencies, so I usually do not have it on me.

Several of the above items look like they would fit my needs. The time tags are particularly awesome but unfortunately not presently available.

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I bow to AskMe's immense powers once again.
posted by selfnoise at 11:38 AM on May 12, 2005

I used to buy plastic kids' watches and keep them on my keychain. Same idea as a pocketwatch, I guess, but cheaper.
posted by MrMoonPie at 11:50 AM on May 12, 2005

I use a pocketwatch-as-keychain too. Don't buy expensive or delicate ones, since they get a lot of rough treatment.
posted by kokogiak at 12:06 PM on May 12, 2005

How about one of these?
posted by Marky at 12:14 PM on May 12, 2005

Or a time-tag?
posted by blag at 1:25 PM on May 12, 2005

Here's your solution.
posted by sourwookie at 1:46 PM on May 12, 2005

The time tags seem to be available from the manufacturer.
posted by Utilitaritron at 3:49 PM on May 12, 2005

Might I suggest a Swiss Army Knife with a clock? This page indicates that the "Voyager" has that feature. As a bonus, you'll have a nice set of tools with you at all times (no pun intended).
posted by krisjohn at 5:12 PM on May 12, 2005

krisjohn: except when you travel by plane.
posted by j at 3:24 AM on May 13, 2005

Or walk into many government buildings. I had to stop carrying my pocketknife after 9/11.
posted by MrMoonPie at 12:44 PM on May 13, 2005

Oh, I'm sorry, was the original poster an American?

How about a pedometer then, most of them have clocks, plus they can help you manage your weight.
posted by krisjohn at 7:46 PM on May 13, 2005