Where Watches Go When They're Gone

Smartwatches have a lifespan of a couple of years. They might work longer than that, of course, but if the phrase "planned obsolescence" has any meaning, it means exactly that when it comes to smartwatches. Last year's smartwatch will pale in technological prowess compared to next year's model.

Quartz watches are built to last a very long time. Quartz watches from the dawn of the Quartz Revolution in the 1970s are still keeping accurate time, and as long as there are batteries for them, they will likely work for decades longer.

Mechanical watches are the cat's pajamas of longevity. A well-built, well-maintained, well-loved mechanical watch has an infinite lifespan. Think about that: Watches can continue to work forever. And unlike the software that runs smartwatches and inevitably becomes obsolete, the underlying software behind watches—time itself—doesn't change.

But not all mechanical watches are well-built. Not all are well-maintained. And so some watches just stop working. Many of those never even make it to eBay to be sold for parts. Some are just tossed casually into the trash, like used tissues. That's sad.

Maybe Sue Beatrice thought so, too. Using the force of imagination and the hands of a talented artist, she resurrects watches from the dead by turning them into new art. Like this:

And this:

And this:

Her sculptures are made from watch parts and Other Things. 

Beatrice also does commission pieces. You can contact her here: www.allnaturalarts.com. 

Having one of her sculptures around will remind your watches that, should the end of their timekeeping come, they can continue on as beautiful art. 

Photos from All Natural Arts.