This is Jeff Stein's post from over at Zowie, some of which is below. I will also copy some of the responses here.
DEFINITION OF A TOOL WATCH
Great introduction of the new Forum, Sam. I expect that many devoted Omega collectors will have a few "tool watches", whether carrying the Omega brand or some other name.
Let me follow-on, with what has become my favorite definition of "Tool Watch" (other than the suggestion, "that I know one when I see one").
Here's a definition of "tool watch" posted by someone going under the name "Isthmus", on the WatchUSeek Dive Watch Forum, July 30, 2007, at 16:33:
To me the characteristics that define a tool watch are first and foremost the same that define good quality tools (such as craftsman home tools and other similar brands):
- First and foremost they are designed to perform a specific duty and perform it well.
- The design of the tool is defined by it's duty with minimal design influences being given over to styling features that add little or nothing to functionality.
- Overall design is usually simple, specific and deliberate.
- Overall build quality and construction is solid and well within the tolerances of the intended job. the tool is not over designed or so overbuilt that the added features and/or tolerances are essentially unusable for the overwhelming majority of uses.
- The manufacturer has a history of standing by his product and his choices in design and construction, and chooses to make the tool/product available to users and consumers at a reasonably affordable (notice I did not say cheap) and attainable price.
I should state that wherever possible I try to purchase many products besides tools and watches using as much of the standard described as possible.
I think that this is a great definition. Maybe others have comments or other definitions?
Jeff
