Evolution of the Wristwatch in Detail

Evolution of the Wristwatch in Detail:

The Beginnings:

• 16th century:
  • Credit for making the first small wristwatch is given to Peter Henlein, a German locksmith.
  • Henlein invented a mainspring to power the watch, instead of the hanging weights that required the watch to be placed stationary.
  • These early watches were heavy and inaccurate, and were usually worn around the neck or hung from a belt.
• 17th century:
  • Watches became smaller and more accurate.
  • Unusual watch shapes appeared, such as oval and square watches.
  • Scientist Christiaan Huygens invented the pendulum clock, which was distinguished by its accuracy and speed of arm beats.
• 18th century:
  • Pocket watches became more popular as they became smaller and more elegant.
  • Watches decorated with gold, silver and precious stones appeared.
  • The self-winding watch was invented, which does not require manual winding.

19th Century:

• Late 19th century:
  • Wristwatches first appeared, but were designed for women only.
  • These watches were small and light, and were often made of gold or silver.
• Early 20th century:
  • Wristwatches began to be used by men, especially during World War I.
  • More water-resistant and shock-resistant watches appeared.
  • The digital watch was invented, which displays the time in numbers instead of hands.

20th Century:

• Mid-20th century:
  • Wristwatches became increasingly popular and became more diverse in terms of functions and designs.
  • Quartz watches appeared, which are characterized by their high accuracy and ease of maintenance.
  • The Swiss watch was invented, which became famous for its high quality.
• Late 20th century:
  • Calculator watches appeared, which offer additional functions such as a calculator, alarm and date.
  • The smartwatch was invented, which offers advanced features such as communication and internet access.

21st Century:

• Current century:
  • Smartwatches have become more popular, with their features and designs evolving.
  • Smartwatches with health features such as heart rate and blood oxygen level measurement have appeared.
  • Watches have become more customizable, with the ability to change the watch face and download applications.

Impacts:

• Technological advancement:
  • Technological advancement has played a major role in the development of the wristwatch, in terms of improving accuracy, functions and designs.
• World War I:
  • World War I contributed to the spread of wristwatch use among men.
• Culture and fashion:
  • Wristwatches have become a symbol of status and good taste, and have played an important role in culture and fashion.

Conclusion:

The wristwatch has undergone significant development over the centuries, in terms of functions, designs and materials used. As a result of technological advancement, watches have become smarter and more diverse, and offer multiple functions that go beyond just timekeeping.