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The watch has been one of the most useful and versatile inventions ever created. Available in all sizes and shapes, nearly everyone wears a watch. In order to keep track of the time of day, make it to meetings and appointments on time, and live an organized life, people don't hesitate to invest in watches. Watches have become so varied that there seems to be a watch for everyone. However, there was a day when watches were quite simple and plain looking.
The first watches ever worn were made in the 16th century in Europe. Watches were actually a clock that was miniaturized. They were usually attached to clothing or worn around the neck on a chain. They were cylinder-shaped, quite heavy and several inches in diameter. These early watches did not have a minute or second hand, but only an hour hand. Instead of glass, the cover was usually brass that was elaborately decorated and attached by a hinge.
Because screws were not invented until after 1550, the internal part of the clock was made from iron or steel and was held together with pins and wedges. These early watches had to be wound twice a day and many of them had alarms in them also. The watches eventually took on a more rounded shape. There was even a faddish period where watches were made into unusual shapes such as crosses, flowers, animals and other shapes.
It is believed that people did not wear watches in order to keep track of the time. This is unlikely due to the often inaccurate readings of many of these early watches. They were enjoyed more as jewelry and their style and exquisite designs. It was not important in those days, however, to be accurate with time.
In the 1600s, styles began to change and men began to wear their watches in their pockets, rather than as a pendant on their clothing. Watches were made to fit the pockets of waistcoats as introduced by Charles II of England in 1675. The watches therefore were made even more round, more flat and with no rough edges. Glass was used around 1610 to cover the face of the watch.
The accuracy of the watch improved somewhat by the year 1657. Until this time, clockmakers had been trying to design watches as miniature clocks. It was a challenge, however, due to the weight and small size. However, in 1657, the balance spring was added to the balance wheel of the watch, giving it greater accuracy. The spring gave the watch stability to stay on beat, regardless of natural movement and disturbances.
The watch industry expanded tremendously after this discovery. Now that the watch had been made so much more accurate, men began to work on other ways to improve the small device. A tooth-cutting machine, designed by Robert Hooke, improved the production time of the watch. However, the assembling and finishing was still done by hand and continued so until the 19th century.
Watches became recognized as scientific instruments around the middle of the 1700s. Because science demands accuracy, more time was invested in making the watch as precise as possible. One problem that was identified was how temperature would affect the accuracy of the device. Pierre Le Roy invented the bimetallic temperature compensated balance wheel in 1765. This compensated for changes in temperature so the watch would continue to run precisely.
The Waltham Watch Company from Waltham, Massachusetts began mass production of watches, rather than the small watchmaking shops that were common. Because railroads were now demanding accurate watches for their time schedules, the watches were made with railroad specifications. This led to international contests on watch precision, which were first held in 1876 in Philadelphia. Watches of high quality were able to be very accurate by the year 1900.
Wristwatches did not really become popular, however, until the 1920s to the 1950s. First created by Patek Phillipe in 1868, wristwatches were not popular among men, but were only worn by a few women. In World War I, soldiers were given wristwatches to wear, also called "trench watches" so they would be able to use both hands while fighting.
Electric watches, then quartz watches and eventually radio controlled watches were invented, designed and manufactured throughout the next few years. Jim Harwood invented self-winding or automatic watches in 1923. Digital LED watches became quite popular for awhile and are still sold today, although analogue watches are the most popular. The main purpose of digital watches, however, is timekeeping.
As new things are discovered, many inventions fade away. However, even this age of modern technology including computers, iPads, and smart phones, people depend on watches to keep them on schedule. While other devices may help remind people of the time, it is the watch that most people use to check on the time and stay on track throughout the day.
WRNTY provides manufacturers and importers with a comprehensive wholesale distribution software solution for gathering and analyzing their sell-through inventory information at real time. Catering to the watches & jewelry market, WRNTY's approach is truly unique and outstanding. Visit us at our website and schedule a meet up at BaselWorld 2011.
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The Count $10 The Count - Osborne |
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Cruel Count $34.99 Cruel Count |
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Count Cutie $24.99 Count Cutie |
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The Count Of Luxembourg $13.79 The Count Of Luxembourg |
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Swinging For The Count $11.49 Swinging For The Count |
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Body Count $6.49 Body Count |
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Count It Up $10 Count It Up - Young Jeezy |
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Down for the Count $6 Down for the Count - Mindi Abair |
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Count $19.99 Includes: Shirt bib, cape, medallion, and bowtie. |
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In For The Count $19.99 Rock Candy:24 |
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Count On It! $133.29 No Synopsis Available |
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On Count $38.95 No Synopsis Available |
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Count For Nothing $10 Count For Nothing - Royce Da 59 |
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Count Cagliostro $39.99 Mcbride Count Cagliostro - Giclee Print |