A Short History Of Pocket Watches

Everything has its beginning. And if you think that time starts from somewhere; also consider the start of time measurements.

Early people have invented a system to tell the actual date. But a gadget which exactly tells the particular time comes much later . Water clocks, sundials, and candle clocks are the earliest instruments that come up with a way to tell time but accuracy is some distance from realizable.

In the 13th century, weight-driven clocks were developed. It used gears while hour hand was used while the minute hand was an indication of luxury and wealth. The weight-driven clocks were publicly shown on church towers, city halls, and priories.

In the 16th century, clocks were produced using spring instead of weight. The lightweight clocks or the pocket watches were the first timepieces the public can own. In this time, the only folks who can own them were the rich and owning one signified the standing, authority, and wealth of the individual. Often , compact watches were placed on the wall of the house. The term “portable” though didn't mean it could be carried on your pocket. The term changed its meaning some years later.

The first portable watches or pocket watches was employed also in the 16th century. This time, clocks no longer had to remain at one place. Pocket watches can already be worn round the neck or carried on a pocket. The same era also brought revolution to the development of pocket watches. Mechanisms were introduced to bring time-telling precision. Some packet watches even had an alarm.

The entry of the 17th century made pocket studied even more fascinating. The box-like image was removed and got replaced by more rounded and slimmer cases. Clockmakers also became instant artists as they infuse designs and expertise to every pocket watch the made.

When Christian Huygens discovered the law of pendulum, which for your info was different from Galileo’s, clock had yet again moved a step further. The law proved to be really useful in the development of pocket watches.

In the 18th century, pocket watches continued to evolve. This time, jewels were used as bearings. Diamonds became part of some pocket watches that boosted the price of a single pocket watch to the ceiling. Oil was also became part of pocket watches during this period. This was to lubricate and smoothen the movement of the watch’s hands. In the second half the 18th century, pocket watches were produced with three hands. Contrary to the incorporation of the minute hand in the 16th century, second hand sounded right since precision in telling time was far better.

In the 19th century came the wonder years of the packet watches. This age brought the 1 or 2 watchmakers into the picture. Names such as LeCoultre & Cie, Ulysse Nardin, Minerva, Heuer, IWC, and many others were established in this period. The standard of pocket watches became better than ever.

By the turn of the 20th century, certificates were issued to those watchmakers that made definite watches. Unlike the previous years, issuance of certificate became more of an obligation than luxury.

And as the years gone by, the fondness for pocket watches reduced as wristwatches became more popular.

Though pocket watches are not so much used today, it has served as one of the important instruments for 1 or 2 centuries.

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Christie Hill is a writer with an interest in a wide selection of subjects.

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