The Evolution of Watches
Recording the passage of time is a practice that goes back hundreds of centuries and one that has always fascinating human beings. Clocks and watches have not only been one of the most essential instruments to that end but also come a long way from its first invention. The first mechanical clock is known have to been in invented in the thirteenth century in England. Since then, from large pendulums in manors to pocket watches to wrist watches to digital watches in our time, the evolution of watches of has always been in tandem with the modern technology of the period, made to suit specific needs and trends.
That watches came to complete one’s full attire was, however, no mistake. When pocket watches as we know it, that is with the hour, minute and second hands, were first introduced in the late seventeenth century, it replaced the older pendant timepieces that were more common before. This change was accompanied by the introduction of waistcoats by king Charles II of England. It was from that moment on that keeping a watch on one’s person became steadily more popular.
Cut to the nineteenth century, wristwatches made their appearance and contrary to common belief, it was in fact more popular among women than men. This was also tied to the attire, since pockets have been more of a regular feature in men’s clothing. It was not until World War I that wristwatches grew extremely popular among men via the army when ‘trench watches’ were introduced to cut the extra action of pulling out a watch to view time so as to keep both hands action-ready at all times. This was also the first time we see a surge in specialised watches that could not only tell time but also came with secret hands for coordinated attacks, compasses, illumination and unbreakable glass. These features would be upgraded year after year with the latest technology and were harbingers of electric watches that surfaced in the mid-twentieth century.
Modern digital watches are packed with many of these features that can be traced back to that time. With the availability of different tools and machinery, watches have been mass produced for nearly two centuries now. During this period, watchmaking has branched out in different categories serving an array of needs for the regular job-goer to the connoisseur. They are used in nearly all walks of life and have revolutionised fields as diverse as advanced scientific research and professional sports. Watchmakers have thrived over the years with stunning collections from famous brands, such as Rolex, Cartier, Breitling, Dior, TAG Heuer, Louis Vuitton, Weiss, Tissot, Hublot, Bulgari and countless others.
While many predicted the extinction of watches as a separate piece on a person with the advent of the smart phone, this was not to be the case, as we now know it in hindsight. The advent of smartwatches not only put an end to that debate but also ushered in a new era in the history of watches. The mind boggles at the sheer number of features available on smartwatches today. They are a boon for fitness freaks who now have wearable access to heart rate, blood pressure and sleep monitors, pedometers and physical activity trackers as well as those who need to be connected 24 x 7 via alerts and notifications that can be synced with other devices. While these feature-packed gadgets are high on function, that hasn’t stopped watches from being luxury trendsetters and haute couture jewellery essentials.
The modern wristwatch is a highly diverse instrument that can cater to very requirements in terms of style, strength and function for varying occasions.While silver, stainless steel and gold are still mainstays when it comes to material, brands experiment with aluminium, platinum, titanium, carbon fibre and even silicon and ceramic. The use of these materials is not just limited to watch movements but also in cases. Especially in luxury watches, the strap has become as important as the dial and is often exquisitely crafted with precious gemstones and diamonds to stand out in the crowd. With constant improvement and experimentation, it is in the nature of this fine invention to keep evolving and that there is much room for it to surprise us with its potential in the future is the least that can be said about it.