I'm a Swatch generation kid.

I grew up on colourful disposable watches, generally costing less than £40. When they stopped working I usually went and got another watch, rather than replace the battery.

I don't generally like to wear wristwatches. They mostly feel uncomfortable to wear for more than a few days. I have found only 2 watches which are comfortable enough to wear for longer periods. My first was a blue and grey Swatch with some sort of cage on it. It saw me through most of my younger school years. When this died, I began my killing spree of various bulky and garish replacements.

Not until 2002 did I find another watch I could wear for long. I bought a Citizen in Buenos Aires. Very simple - it tells the time and date. Black face. Leather strap. Perfect.

It has stopped working now. I can get the battery replaced and the watch resealed for £35. Sounds expensive to me. But is it worth it to keep a watch I feel comfortable with?

My eyes are wandering to the newer models, toting solar power and no battery replacement. The fact that I'm finding none that really compare is probably an indication to keep my current watch.

I suspect that it is in the watchmakers' interest to instill a sense of replacement rather than repair.

Question: Why do watchmakers insist on putting any sort of numerals on the watch faces? Are there people who still need numbers to tell the time?