One of the best "gifts" I've ever gotten was a watch.

If I remember correctly, it was a woman's watch that I bought with the intention of giving to my mom. I liked it so much that I almost refused to give it up, and she let me keep it. Its black band and green face remain forever imprinted in my memory. It had a veritable cornucopia of modes: countdown timer, count-up timer and alarm. It even had a snazzy turquoise backlight. I thought it was the epitome of gadgetry. As far as I was concerned, if there was anything my watch couldn't do, it wasn't worth doing.

When I walked into class with my new watch, people fell to their knees in awe. It would be like if someone strolled into a Neanderthal classroom brandishing a stick of fire and rolling a wheel around. They were almost blinded by the technological marvel wrapped around my left wrist.

I wore that watch for awhile, then graduated to some bigger, badder watches. In fifth or sixth grade, I became part of the "bare-wrist" revolution -- for whatever reason, watches weren't cool anymore.

I was part of this revolution until Christmas 2005, when my girlfriend bought me a watch as a joke (I had been late a few times). I've worn it nearly every day since. Now, if I forget it in the morning, I go through the day feeling uncomfortable and un-timely. It's a guaranteed bad day.

Watches have been replaced by newer, sleeker electronics that do other things besides tell the time. I frequently see people checking their iPods or cell phones for the time.

But I've remained faithful to my timepiece. I'm not sure why I choose to wear my watch. It's certainly not the cutting edge of technology anymore. I guess I just wear it as a statement now -- a fashion statement, for one. What red-blooded human being could not be charmed by that down-to-earth, rugged leather band and stainless steel face? I also wear it as a statement of appreciation, much as knights wore their ladies' handkerchiefs around their elbows (or, at least, that's what "A Knight's Tale" has led me to believe), and it's a nice way to show that someone cares about me while I'm out jousting. Above all, I wear it as a statement that punctuality is important to me.

Watches and the punctual citizens that wear them: I'm impressed.

Everyone else: When I'm next asked what time it is, I'll gleefully (because nothing makes me more gleeful than cheesy, overused jokes) reply, "Time for you to get a watch."

For some interesting reading on the watch industry, go here.

Keenan Weatherford is a senior at Aptos High. His column, "(Un)Impressed," appears on this blog on the fourth Monday of the month.