Timeless Technologies

Gadgets — on May 5, 2009 at 1:08 am | 1 Comment

Among other technologies that I keep track of, there is one area of technological marvel that I am very fond of. And that is the technology of time. And no, I’m not quite interested in atomic clocks, world clocks, Internet time, or other such electronic developments. But rather, it’s the timeless technology of mechanical timepieces that I have particular fondness for.

The first mechanical watch that I ever owned was not a very expensive one. But it was a gift, and therefore I treasure it. Since I first wore it I started reliving how I always held mechanical watches in awe even when I was still young.

In my opinion, watchmaking is one of those technologies that can withstand the test of time (and what an appropriate use of words).

The basic concepts behind automatic and even wind-up mechanical movements have been the same for hundreds of years. You have same parts like the gears, the springs, the balance wheels, and the escapement. The mechanical timepiece is said to be a mature technology. Even as it evolves through time, the essential aspects still remain. Of course, there are the unique complications, such as some manufacturers’ addition of Tourbillons, for instance, or even the relatively more common use of chronographs, tachymetres, calendars, and other fascinating features.

Relatively new technologies like Quartz have made electronic watches accurate. In contrast, mechanical watches still divert from accuracy. Even stringent Swiss standards allow for at most three seconds plus or minus every day. However, in many cases, it’s not the accuracy of a mechanical timepiece that sets it apart from mass produced electronic watches. It’s the craftsmanship, it’s the name behind the watch, it’s the value of holding a fine piece of work in your hands, knowing that it will be timeless. Whether if it’s from a volume manufacturer or a company that produces only a dozen watches every year, a mechanical watch is truly a remarkable device.

This makes one wonder what other technologies out there are bound to be as timeless as these horological masterpieces. A hundred years from now, will we still marvel at present-day aluminum MacBooks? Will we find evolved versions of the internal combustion engine? Will social media be as fascinating as mechanical timepieces?

Every day, new developments come up. It’s only when there are people who truly have a passion for certain technologies, and advancing these not only for the sake of money or marketing, but rather love of the craft, that such technologies will stick. It’s like how some writers still produce their works with typewriters even with the popularity of computers and word processors. There’s something about moving parts, physics and mechanical devices that fascinates minds like mine.

Only time will tell which technologies will be like this in the future.