OK, guys, we've had this Discussion Forum going for five years, but rather than resting on our past glories, let's do something for the future . . . let's start a new Discussion Forum!! And, you might ask, "What will we discuss on this new Discussion Forum?". The answer is "Tool Watches".

And, the next thing you might ask is, "So what is a Tool Watch?" As is so often the case, there are at least two good answers to this question.

But before we get into the definitional stuff, let me at least mention the name of the new Discussion Forum and give you the link to see it for yourself . . . so here it is . . . "ChronoTools"!! Yes, indeed . . . ChronoTools . . . meaning, in our loose translation, timepieces that are "tools".

So now, let's get to the definitional question, of "What is a Tool Watch?"

The first answer parallels the manner in which a United States Supreme Court Justice defined "pornography". Writing in 1964, Justice Potter Stewart tried to define "hard-core" pornography, or what is obscene, by saying, "I shall not today attempt further to define the kinds of material I understand to be embraced . . . but I know it when I see it. Indeed, as chronograph collectors, we understand that chronographs -- along with dive watches -- are considered to be the ultimate examples of "tool watches". Watches built to serve a specific function (in addition to indicating the time) or to function in a specific environment that demands special features (like underwater).

For our second answer, let's attempt a more formal definition. The following is a definition posted by "Isthmus", on the WatchUSeek Dive Watch Forum, July 30, 2007, at 16:33, as modified in some minor ways, based on further input, from Isthmus, from Chuck and from me:

To me the characteristics that define a tool watch are first and foremost the same that define good quality tools (such as Snap-On, Craftsman and other good brands):>

• First and foremost the tool is designed to perform a specific duty (which, in the case of a tool watch, goes beyond indicating the time-of-day) or to perform a common duty in a difficult environment (such as underwater). In any case, the tool must perform its duty well.

• The design of the tool is defined by its 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 over-built that the added features and / or tolerances are essentially unusable for the overwhelming majority of its intended uses.

• The manufacturer has a history of building good products and supporting them, and makes good choices in design and construction, and chooses to make the tool / product available to users and consumers at a reasonably affordable and attainable price (though that may not be "cheap").

• Materials used in building the tool / product will be best suited for its intended use, thought they will not always be the more popular materials (such as, in the case of watches, stainless steel and / or sapphire crystals). Often, materials that some would consider "lesser" are actually better suited for the intended job and make for a better tool.
  

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.