The original root of the word was the same as WAKE. Staying AWAKE was what a soldier or sailor had to do while on WATCH. So the word became associated with keeping time, then somewhere attached itself to the time-keeping device. But Roy has a good handle on the staying AWAKE part.
In 1972, Hamilton introduced the world’s first commercial electronic digital wristwatch. It retailed for the pricey sum of $2,100, which amounts to over $12,000 today. However, by the end of the 1970s, digital watches would regularly retail for under $10 a piece. In the 1980s, they could be found in cereal boxes as cheap giveaways, and today, they have been replaced by smartwatches.
A very good question, though maybe the original meaning (“wakefulness”, from wake) has something to do with it. It’s attested in the modern sense already in the 16th cent.
C about 2 years ago
Applesauce for brains
Baslim the Beggar Premium Member about 2 years ago
Nice PJs, Roy. Took me a bit to see it was an Enterprise type of ship. Nicely done, Scott.
pschearer Premium Member about 2 years ago
The original root of the word was the same as WAKE. Staying AWAKE was what a soldier or sailor had to do while on WATCH. So the word became associated with keeping time, then somewhere attached itself to the time-keeping device. But Roy has a good handle on the staying AWAKE part.
The Reader Premium Member about 2 years ago
As Newton said, a watched apple never drops!
jmworacle about 2 years ago
And Roy won’t be getting something else for a long time.
Aladar30 Premium Member about 2 years ago
Now that you make me think about it…
kunkie Premium Member about 2 years ago
Roy is my favorite character!
Kirk Barnes Premium Member about 2 years ago
Well, Roy, before digital, you could watch the little hands go around. (and around, and around…)
Kirk Barnes Premium Member about 2 years ago
In 1972, Hamilton introduced the world’s first commercial electronic digital wristwatch. It retailed for the pricey sum of $2,100, which amounts to over $12,000 today. However, by the end of the 1970s, digital watches would regularly retail for under $10 a piece. In the 1980s, they could be found in cereal boxes as cheap giveaways, and today, they have been replaced by smartwatches.
—PCMag.com
oakie817 about 2 years ago
i just ask ‘what time is it?’
RobinHood about 2 years ago
Roy is starting to crack.
rshive about 2 years ago
It’s shorter and easier to say than clockometer.
sandflea about 2 years ago
You could watch time go by.
AndrewSihler about 2 years ago
A very good question, though maybe the original meaning (“wakefulness”, from wake) has something to do with it. It’s attested in the modern sense already in the 16th cent.
RobinHood about 2 years ago
Call Dick Tracy, he’ll help.
willie_mctell about 2 years ago
A watched clock never boils.
Night-Gaunt49[Bozo is Boffo] about 2 years ago
Write it out.
Cathy P. about 2 years ago
Learning to tell time on a non-digital closck takes a lot of Blood, Sweat, & Tears.