Meaning of WATCH

For a long time now I've been asking myself why is WRIST WATCH called so? Especially, why is it called WATCH.

So here's what Google has to show when we search for 'etymology of watch':

REMAINING AWAKE it says.

Check the etymology here. In the sense of a verb, it even hints at "to be strong, lively".

From the link above, in Old English it also carried a meaning of "act or practice of refraining from sleep for devotional or penitential purposes"!
 
I like that 'penitential purpose'. Industrial assembly lines ensured working 'by the watch' and making it absolutely penitentiary. From my observation, folks into white-collar desk-jobs feel equally penitential these days. They work by the watch and beyond the watch.

I wonder how a wrist watch keeps us awake, except in the sense of reminding us when the boredom of a timed job would get over before one can fall asleep at will. It's your memory of what you want to do or would like to do that keeps you awake, that truly keeps you watchful.

Try Cockpit Planner. It might become your watch "to be strong, lively".