Timekeeping Through the Ages: The History of Watches
The earliest timepieces were weight driven and, as such, were not portable. But as technology and knowledge progressed and the means of controlling the movements evolved, timepieces became smaller. With the invention of the mainspring in the 15th century, portable timepieces began to appear. One well-known craftsman of the time, Peter Henlein, is often credited with the invention of the mainspring, although some think his involvement came later. The earliest portable timekeeping devices were notoriously inaccurate, with errors of several hours per day. They were adopted by the rich and noble as novelty jewellery items.
As accuracy improved, they quickly gained in popularity and were made into pendants or small clocks that could be carried in the pocket or in a bag. Pocket watches first became popular in the 17th century. It was also during the 17th and 18th centuries that the balance spring was developed. This greatly improved the accuracy of pocket watches and there were also manufacturing advances which saw the invention of tooth-cutting machinery, so production and popularity increased again.
How they came to be known as watches is somewhat shrouded in history, although it is thought the name came from their use by watchmen who needed a way to keep track of their watches or shifts. Another possible origin is that the term was used by sailors who used portable timepieces to measure the duration of their working hours.
During the 18th century, watches became thinner and more fashionable. Developments in manufacturing and technology caused the style change and then, as now, older and fatter models were subject to derision from those who could afford the new, slender watches.
Mass production occurred in the mid 19th century and is linked with the development of the railroads in the USA. Needing an accurate method of timing trains and developing reliable transport schedules, the rail industry was, to a large extent, responsible for driving the search for ever-greater accuracy in timekeeping.
Wristwatches as we know them today came into existence in the latter part of the 19th century. However, there has been much innovation since then and now watches are an everyday must-have item for both practical and fashion reasons. Now everyone has a watch, although distinctions are still made between cheaper fashion watches and the more highly desirable brands such as Omega, Rolex or Breitling.
Buying habits have also changed and people now use high-street retailers or even internet outlets, where it's possible to both buy and sell a watch online.
The watch is one of those items we take for granted, rarely considering the long journey it has made from the early portable clocks to the sleek and slender wrist-worn jewellery items of today.
