Watch

Without the notion of time it gets close to impossible to synchronize any kind of activity, track work, or even meet up with someone. There are different ways to use this resource to your advantage, depending on the desired result. For instance, Watch can help you set up a timer, or stopwatch to count task times.

The application is designed to function on Java Runtime Environment, so it needs to be installed on the target PC, or device, since Java completely cuts operating system type dependency. On the other hand, it can be easily carried around, because no installation is involved to make it work, also keeping registry entries intact.

Both components of the application, namely the timer, and stopwatch, can be made active at the same time. A main window lets you select the target function, while it appears in a different window you can move around the desktop, or even minimize. Unfortunately, only one of each type can run at a time, and minimization is only done to the taskbar, and not the tray area.

As far as the timer is concerned, it gets a little frustrating to configure it. This isn’t because a starting point needs to be configured, but rather the way this is done. Instead of presenting you with a large set of values for hours, minutes, and seconds, you’re gradually prompted by individual windows for each value.

The stopwatch, on the other hand, is a lot easier to use. Fitted with two buttons, hitting “Start” makes the counter go up, while “Stop” halts the process. Note that any interaction with the stopwatch, or launching the timer can make it break down, case in which you need to close, and bring it back up to start over.

Watch is a straightforward tool to help you count time back, or forth. Unfortunately, it feels a little rough around the edges overall, with compatibility issues between counters, and a rather frustrating method of configuring timer variables, in spite of its portability advantages.