I don't know if I would call it essential, but it is very nice. When I was debating to purchase one, the main argument was I don't wear a watch, and I generally don't like anything on my wrist or hands. The only time I'd wear a watch is camping, since I generally don't have a phone that is powered on on camping trips. This particular watch also has a barometer to help with rapidly changing weather.

I bought a Pebble, and wear it everyday. I don't miss much of anything anymore from my phone. Sometimes I'd put my phone down somewhere and forget it for a couple of hours, or not feel it when I'd vibrate in my pocket. One of the other reasons I didn't really wear a watch is I'd get bored of the watch face and want to purchase another watch. I can change watch faces easily now.