Everything has its beginning. And if you believe that time starts from
somewhere, also consider the beginning of time measurements.
Early people have devised a system to tell the exact date. But a device that
exactly tells the precise time comes much later. Water clocks, sundials, and
candle clocks are the earliest instruments that somehow manage to tell time but
accuracy is far from achievable.
In the 13th century, weight-driven clocks were developed. It used gears while
hour hand was already used while the minute hand was an indication of luxury and
wealth. The weight-driven clocks were publicly displayed on church towers, city
halls, and monasteries.
In the 16th century, clocks were produced using spring instead of weight. The
portable clocks or the pocket watches were the first timepieces that the public
can own. During this time, the only persons who can own them were the rich and
owning one signified the status, authority, and wealth of the person. Often,
portable watches were placed on the wall of the house. The term “portable”
though did not mean it could be carried on your pocket. The term changed its
meaning some years later.
The first transportable watches or pocket watches was used also in the 16th
century. This time, clocks no longer had to stay at one place. Pocket watches
can already be worn around 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 watched even more desirable. The
box-like image was removed and was replaced by more rounded and slimmer cases.
Clockmakers also became instant artists as they infuse designs and craftsmanship
to every pocket watch the made.
When Christian Huygens discovered the law of pendulum, which for your
information was different from Galileo’s, clock had yet again moved one step
further. The law proved to be very helpful 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 of the 18th century, pocket
watches were produced with three hands. Contrary to the inclusion of the minute
hand during the 16th century, second hand made sense since accuracy in telling
time was far better.
In the 19th century came the glory days of the packet watches. This era brought
the several watchmakers into the picture. Names such as LeCoultre & Cie,
Ulysse Nardin, Minerva, Heuer, IWC, and many others were established in this
period. The quality of pocket watches became better than ever.
By the turn of the 20th century, certificates were issued to those watchmakers
that created precise watches. Unlike the previous years, issuance of certificate
became more of a requirement than luxury.
And as the years gone by, the popularity of pocket watches diminished as
wristwatches became more popular.
Although pocket watches are not so much used today, it has served as one of the
important instruments for several centuries.
Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in
Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and
provides pocket watch resources on www.about-pocket-watches.info.