The Invention Of The Wristwatch
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. They were actually a combination between clocks and watches. They were either worn on a chain around the neck or attached to clothing. They were generally quite heavy and several inches in diameter, in the shape of a cylinder. These early watches did not have a minute or second hand, but only an hour hand. There was no glass covered, but usually a brass cover, attached by a hinge that was often elaborately decorated.
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. Many of these early "clock watches" had alarms and the watches had to be wound two times every day. Eventually, the watches 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. Instead, they were probably more for jewelry purposes and enjoyed for their beauty or style. 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. In around 1610, glass began to be used to cover the face of the watch.
By 1657, the accuracy of the watch had been improved somewhat. 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.
This discovery caused the watch industry to expand tremendously. 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 of the need for preciseness, more work was done to make the watch as accurate as possible. One problem that was identified was how temperature would affect the accuracy of the device. In 1765, Pierre Le Roy invented the bimetallic temperature compensated balance wheel. 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. By 1900, quality watches were known for accuracy and varied only a few seconds per day.
From 1920 to 1950, wristwatches became popular. 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. Self-winding or automatic watches were invented by John Harwood in 1923. Most watches are analogue, but digital LED watches became popular for awhile and are still sold today. Digital watches, however, are usually used for timekeeping.
Many inventions come and go as new ways are discovered. 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.
by: Tomer Harel
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