History of Watches
Evolution of Watches: From Clock-Watches to Pocket Watches
During the 15th century in Europe, watches evolved from portable spring driven clocks. The invention of the mainspring allowed for portable timepieces (watches) to be developed. Watches were rarely carried in pockets until the 17th century. Pocket watches became the first mobile timepiece and lasted in common use for over 400 years. Pocket watches surely helped the Industrial Revolution build the modern world. Their popularity started to decline around the World War 1 era as the more miniaturized and more convenient wristwatch came into fashion. In the 1930s, world-wide wristwatch production outnumbered pocket watch production and the role of the pocket watch drastically declined from this time forward. Pocket watches are still made today in limited numbers (some are high priced mechanical marvels, some are presentation pieces, some are mid-grade and many are of the cheaper quartz variety.)
Progression of Wristwatch Styles: From Bracelet Watches to Smartwatches
6 Part Wristwatch History Series Published in the Clock & Watch Bulletin
Since the appearance of early commercially designed wrist-worn timepieces (starting with ladies’ bracelet watches in the 1800s), many factors have influenced wristwatch styles such as wars, fads, art movements, technology, and economic conditions. This six-part series explores the historical progression of many wristwatch styles and reviews many of the characteristics that have developed since the 1800s. Before World War I, watch manufacturers in countries including Switzerland, England, and the United States were producing wristwatches in small quantities for a limited customer base. Wristwatches gained worldwide mainstream popularity following World War I, and production quantities steadily increased until they surpassed pocket watch production in the early 1930s. With the proliferation of cell phone usage starting in the 1990s, wristwatch popularity seemed to be in decline. Since 2013, however, Smartwatch popularity has helped put wrist-worn timepieces, of various and unprecedented styles, back in the mainstream, offering stylish models that appeal to all ages.
A Collection of Various Types of Watches
Interesting Articles About all Types of Watches
​​10 Milestone Moments in the History of the Wristwatch
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175 Years Of Watchmaking In Glashütte: A History Of Fine German Watchmaking
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EVERYTHING You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About the Pocket Watch
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First-Hand: The First Quartz Wristwatch
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How Dick Tracy Invented the Apple Watch
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How Switzerland Came to Dominate Watchmaking
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Roger W. Riehl and the Synchronar - World's First Solar-Powered Wristwatch
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Swatch Maintains Its Status As Horology’s Most Innovative Brand With Latest Automatic Watch
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The Complete History of the Swiss Watchmaking Industry
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The Digital Watch: A Brief History
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What is a Railroad Grade Pocket Watch?
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Watchmaker – Who Is the World’s Best (Past and Present)?
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