The History of Watches: 10 Interesting Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

Have you ever looked down at your wrist and thought, “who invented this?” We’re surrounded by amazing technology. But, the simplest devices, like a wristwatch, often get overlooked.

This small accessory has a long and fascinating history.

Who created the wristwatch? Who wore it first? What was the first watch worn on the moon?

If you’ve ever pondered the time device on your wrist, this article is for you. Keep reading to learn about the amazing history of watches.

1. Heinlein’s Brilliant Discovery

In the year 1511, Peter Heinlein invented the mainspring. The German clockmaker was experimenting with spring-loaded clocks. This experimentation led him to create the extra small mainspring. 

The mainspring allows clocks to get made on a smaller scale, small enough to fit your wrist. After repeatedly reducing the size of the springs, he came upon the smallest version.

Without the mainspring, we wouldn’t have had pocket watches or wrist watches.

2. Ladies First

Today, men and women wear watches for fashion and functionality. But, who wore it first?

Legend has it that Elizabeth I was the first person to wear a watch on their wrist. It was a gift from her secret lover, Robert Dudley. This started a trend among women who could afford such lavish accessories.

It wouldn’t become trendy for men to wear watches until the first world war.

3. From the Pocket Watch to the Wrist Watch

Up until WWI, men used pocket watches to tell time. But, soldiers carrying equipment and weapons couldn’t check a pocket watch. It would mean putting down their weapons and becoming vulnerable.

So, the wristwatch got used by soldiers solely for convenience. They could keep track of time without setting down their weapons or tools.

With so many men wearing them during the wars, they gained popularity back home as well.

4. The First Watch on the Moon

Post WWI, wrist watches were popular with most North American men. It was during this time that speciality watches took off.

Some watches were specifically designed to withstand challenging environments. For example, the first watch to ever go to the moon was the Omega Speedmaster. Despite changes to the pressure and gravity, it still maintained the accurate time.

In 1954, the Rolex Submariner became the watch of deep-sea divers. It was first seen on the wrist of Jacques Cousteau in the movie, The Silent World. Other watches, like the omega seamaster, could handle extreme diving as well.

5. Which Watch Is on Time?

Most watches depend on external sources to be accurate. Like radio signals, gravity, etc. There is one watch that doesn’t depend on external sources to be accurate. And, it might be the most accurate watch in the world.

The Cesium 133, an atomic clock, contains cesium that has passed through a magnetic field. The frequency of its pulse equates to one second in human time. Regardless of many external influences, it displays the correct time.  

6. Mechanical Watches and Arm Swings

Automatic watches use technology newer than that used by mechanical watches. Unlike mechanical watches, they don’t need manual winding.

They contain a central weight and a winding rotor. As the wearer walks and swings their arm, gravity pulls on the rotor. This winds the rotor and the central weight as a result.

Simply walking and swinging your arms will keep an automatic watch wound.  

7. The Watches of Hollywood

When celebrities follow trends and wear accessories, the world notices. Their endorsements have allowed some of the biggest watch brands to flourish. Here are some of Hollywood’s biggest movies and the watches associated with them:

• The Bourne Ultimatum and TAG Heuer
• Sean Connery as James Bond and the Rolex Submariner
• Daniel Craig as James Bond and Omega

Watches worn on prestigious people boost watch sales. It’s not just actors, either. Business tycoon Sir Richard Branson happily wears his Breitling watch regularly.  

8. Happy Watch, Happy Shoppers

Have you ever noticed how watches in storefronts are all set at the same time? And, it’s often not the correct time.

It’s a tradition for watch stores to set all watches for sale to either 2:50 or 10:10. The arms create the appearance of a smile on the watch face.

Retailers believe that this subconsciously makes the shopper feel at ease. Thus, they’re more willing to buy the watch.

9. Digital Watches

In 1970, the first digital wristwatch came into existence. It relied on electricity, not weights and rotors to tell time. That first version, the Pulsar LED, sold for the equivalent of $12,000.

As they gained popularity, the price significantly declined. In 1977, digital watch brand TI partnered with the Star Wars franchise. They created digital watches with Star Wars characters that sold for under $20.

Digital watches were quickly sold with thousands of popular characters on them. They were a favorite among kids and teenagers. But, traditional watches still held their value and sold for much more.

10. Time Is Money

Today, the watch industry is a multi-billion-dollar sector. Technology advances every year, and the watch industry continues to keep up.

So, what is the most expensive watch on the market today?

• The Billionaire Watch from Jacob & Co. is $18 million
• The Hublot Big Bang Watch is $5 million
• The Rolex Daytona Ref. 6263 is $4 million

Of course, you can find an attractive watch at any price point. But, the more diamonds and high-tech functionalities, the higher the price. Limited edition watches and those worn by celebrities can sell for upwards of $55 million.   

Interested in Learning More About the History of Watches?

Who knew that watches took such a long road to get to where they are today. From their invention to mass production, the evolution of watches is fascinating.

Like many other devices, understanding their background makes you appreciate them more. The history of watches makes you look at time in a whole new way.

At one point in time, wrist watches were a completely new piece of technology. We have many similar advancements today that leave us fascinated. Check out these five strange gadgets to learn about the tech of the future.

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