The red blessing string was tied around my wrist last summer by a wizened old Cambodian man (monk?) in one of the interior rooms (see Incense Offering) in the temple of Bayon at Angkor Wat. According to the traditional baci ceremony, the blessings will continue for as long as the string stays in place. This one has lasted a long time. And it appears to still be working, because my life has certainly been blessed. I've been pretty happy with the $27 Timex watch, too.