I understand there's a metaphor here, but clocks and watches are most associated with churches and religious institutions, who used them to keep track of prayer

I understand there's a metaphor here, but clocks and watches are most associated with churches and religious institutions, who used them to keep track of prayer times; the nobility, who used them as demonstrations of wealth; and astronomers and sailors, who used them to precisely measure the stars. I suppose during the industrial revolution they were also associated with factories, but weren't owned by workers at the earlier stages. If you were a worker during most of the industrial revolution, you probably tracked time using church bells, the clock in your workplace, the sun, or a man with a long pole who'd wake you up in time for your shift by tapping on your shutters. You wouldn't have a watch any more than a worker in 1968 would have a computer. You would also likely face consequences for failing to turn up to church on your Sunday off.