Exploring Identity: The Ship of Theseus and Design Evolution of Rolex Explorer and Apple Macintosh
The Ship of Theseus is a philosophical thought experiment that delves into the nature of identity and change. It poses a fundamental question: if all the components of a ship are gradually replaced, one by one, until none of the original parts remain, is it still the same ship? This paradox challenges us to ponder the essence of objects and their continuity over time. When does continuous alteration transform an object into something new?
Growing up in the 1980s, my fascination with technology began with the Apple IIe, where I spent countless hours playing games like Frogger, Prince of Persia, and Pitfall. These early experiences ignited a lifelong interest in technology and User Interfaces (UI), shaping my perspective as I navigated through different computing eras.
Reflecting on the Ship of Theseus paradox, I draw parallels with Apple's Macintosh computers and the Rolex Explorer watch. The Apple I, introduced in 1976, laid the groundwork for the Macintosh's revolutionary UI in the 1980s, fundamentally altering how we interact with computers.
Similarly, the Rolex Explorer emerged from Sir Edmund Hillary's 1953 Everest expedition, equipped with a Rolex Oyster Perpetual reference 6098, embodying durability and precision. Moreover, its hallmark legible dial has endured through the years, retaining clarity and functionality without unnecessary complications.
Throughout my journey with technology, from the Apple IIe in the 1980s to the Apple Macintosh and various IBM-compatible PCs in the 1990s, to today's MacBook Pro, I've consistently been drawn to Apple's user interface design philosophy. The intuitive interfaces they create enhance usability while maintaining simplicity, much like my affinity for the legibility, durability, and accuracy of the Rolex Explorer.
I believe that both Apple's UI design and the Rolex Explorer embody a balance of innovation and tradition while staying true to their core principles as they evolve.
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New watch collector
The ship of Theseus is much like ‘Triggers Broom’. It had 17 new heads of 14 new handles. Yet how could it be the same broom??
The ship of Theseus is much like ‘Triggers Broom’. It had 17 new heads of 14 new handles. Yet how could it be the same broom??
I looked up "Trigger's Broom" on YouTube and couldn’t stop laughing 🤣 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56yN2zHtofM
Interesting question. I think the key is - gradually replaced. I would argue it is the same if you gradually replaced the parts over say 50 years of ownership. That means some of it is still 45 years old and has been on most of the journey. Watches may be a little different than say computer components. If you have a 50 year old watch with a brand new dial or case, it is going to significantly change the feel and look.
I too had my first computer experience with an Apple IIe. There were 3 or 4 of them at my junior high school in the ‘80s. I still remember the distinctive sound the 5.25” floppy drive makes when you flip it up to remove the disk.
Can I challenge you to push your thinking a little further?
What do we gain from including the Ship of Theseus in a reflection on Rolex and Apple? What fresh or surprising insights can you cook up by considering those three topics in combination?
Can I challenge you to push your thinking a little further?
What do we gain from including the Ship of Theseus in a reflection on Rolex and Apple? What fresh or surprising insights can you cook up by considering those three topics in combination?
Just as a ship's parts are replaced while it maintains its identity, the traditional practices and products of these companies must evolve to remain relevant. The effort required is significant and often underestimated by newer generations of consumers.
Including the Ship of Theseus in a reflection on Rolex and Apple makes me realize that knowledge and progress are fragile; if the know-how and the link to tradition are lost, substantial resources are needed to recover them. Consider the monumental task of rebuilding the Notre Dame Cathedral or resurrecting vintage products like the Zenith El Primero using archived plans and components hidden in the attic. Similarly, efforts to revive domestic semiconductor manufacturing or projects like NASA's Artemis moon mission to compete with China.
The fact that we are still discussing the "lineage" of the Rolex Explorer or whether Apple's move to Intel chips in 2006 was a wise decision, much like the debate over whether the Ship of Theseus remains the same ship, shows that consumers still care and these companies must be doing something right 😉
Nothing like a little light philosophical discussion before bed. Now my question, does the two tone version of the explorer make it another ship? Is that simple twist enough of a change to say it's not the same tool watch?
Nothing like a little light philosophical discussion before bed. Now my question, does the two tone version of the explorer make it another ship? Is that simple twist enough of a change to say it's not the same tool watch?
I would argue that it's still the same Explorer ship. Adding the two-tone version (which is currently only available in 36mm) is like adding a gun turret to the ship to fend off competitors. Rolex might not sell many two-tone Explorer 36, but when it does, it's taking a customer away from its competitors. I would further argue that this customer is most likely female.
What I'm going to say next might upset a lot of people. With the small lug width, aggressive bracelet taper, and smaller-than-36mm actual case size, I think Rolex is repositioning the Explorer 36 as a women's watch. The saleslady who sold me the Explorer 40 was wearing a 36, and it looked great on her! When I tried both watches at the AD, my gut reaction was to go with the 40, even though I had read tons of articles about the Explorer. Moreover, my wife, who knows nothing about watches, quickly commented that the 36 is a woman's watch.
Don't get me wrong, though. Now that I own the Explorer 40, I am still contemplating getting a neo-vintage 36mm in the future to scratch the historical itch and to have a watch I can share with my wife. Happy wife, happy life. 😂