As we all, from our classical training in old sayings and proverbs know, "time and tide wait for no man ', apparently that still holds true even when watches have stopped, but what other things apply to the humble watch?
The first watches were not, as some ' modern stone age families ' want to do, believe tiny wrist strapped sundials, they were, in fact, much later in origin, and much less dependent on having a cloud-free day.
Clock-watches were in the first example of wearable watches, or miniature clocks, hence the name clock-watches, and came in vogue in Europe in the 16th century. They were worn around the neck with a chain, think old bling; or linked to your clothing.
16th century clock-watches also had only an hour hand, so doctors had only six appointments per day for you to fight, and the minute Waltz could not be compiled until 1847.
In the 17th century was the idea of wearing watches fobbed off around the neck, such as pocket watches became a more practical alternative. The watches became smaller; Pocket size, if you will; rounder, the sharp edges; Plus glass was now used to cover the watch face.
A problem called lack of isochronism, which means a slowing down of the watch as the main spring ran, plagued the early pocket watch, and led to the common experience of time dragging as the day progresses. However, sometime around 1657-1765, depending on the balance isochronism, spring was invented.
So successful were the new pocket watches that Great Britain, in 1680, decided a minute add to the face of the watch. However, the French decided, 20 year wait to see if the concept of the minute would catch on. Doctor's appointments would never be the same.
There is not much more has happened over the next 100 years, other than; new developments lead to a method for calculating the length; the escapement lever was invented; watches became more compatible, with interchangeable parts; and Webb c. ball created the first precision standards, as well as a reliable timepiece assessment system for railroad chronometers; possible after missing a train and doctors appointment. Watch the ball had arrived.
In 1868, Patek Phillipe, found a non Caveman, the first wrist watch.
We have in the years that followed have electric watch; quartz watch; radio controlled watch; Bay watch; and many others, besides.
So the next time you are watching a cartoon family, and they verify the time on their wrist Sundial; Don't forget that there is no way that they could have done that is at the meeting in their car that, logically, could only ever go forward or backward; you know that some of the history behind the watch now, and know that they would have used, at best, a sundial that hangs around their necks. Talk about poetic license.
If you are looking for a top of the range timepiece, and you think that Rolex watch a touch is passé, Omega has seen better times, and Seiko has been counted out, why not go for a watch by the company that trains on time, or at least got things to the point where you knew they were not implemented on time; Why not get a top of the range ball watch?
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