Watches have been around for many many years in various shapes or forms. Even older are clocks themselves. Here are some interesting facts about the history of watches.

-The first pocket watch was invented between 1504-1508 byy Peter Henlein. His consideration as the inventor of the pocket watch is often disputed.

-Clock watches became a popular accessory to wear. They were often fastened to clothing or worn around the neck on a chain. The time told by these watches was not always very accurate and as a result they were worn as a status symbol rather than a means of keeping time.

-In 1675 Charles II introduced the waistcoat. As a result pocket watches were reshaped to fit the pockets of these.

-The accuracy of watches is finally improved by the invention of the balance spring by either Robert Hooke or Christiaan Huygens. The accuracy was improved to leave 10 minutes of error each day. Before this the watches would go off by several hours as the day went on.

-In 1680 the minute hand is introduced to Britain.

-In 1780 Abraham Louis Perrelet invented the self winding movement which wound by responding to the movements of the wrist.

-The first wrist watch was invented by Parek Philippe in 1868. Along with this invention came split seconds hand, chronograph, the perpetual calendar, and a minute repeater.

-The commercialization of watches began in 1880 when 2000 watches were made for German naval officers.

-In 1884 time zones finally come about when Greenwhich, England is officially named the zero meridian.

-in the early 1900s the wristlet became a fashion accessory for women, but it was still more common for men to wear pocket watches, and the watches were considered a fad that would pass.

-The wrist watch finally became popular with men Edmond Jaeger came up with the first protype for a men's watch.

-Another boost in popularity of wrist watches for men occured when World War I soldiers were given wrist watches because they needed easy access to the time.

-Electric watches started to come about in 1957.

-The quartz watch was introduced in 1969, finally giving the world watches with precise accuracy.

Learning about watches can be fun for anyone who love to collect such amazing items. To learn more about watches and get ideas on which ones you can add to your collection, check out the best watches for women and men.

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