The First Pocket Watches Were For Royalty

Royalty began wearing the first pocket watches by the mid 1500′s. While they were the first “transportable” time pieces, they were still rather large and cumbersome. The early pocket watches were more cylindrical than round, and people wore them around their necks or pinned to their clothing. Even though royalty wore them as jewelry rather than as a tool, they were the harbingers of a revolution in time measurement devices that would continue for almost four hundred years.

Throughout the 1600′s, craftsmanship and technology continued to improve. Watches were becoming smaller, and even more stylish.  They began to take on the traditional round look we are familiar with today. It wasn’t until 1675, that pocket watches actually started being carried in pockets. Around 1680, time pieces became more accurate, and watch makers started adding a minute hand.

In the 1700’s, pocket watches became more elaborate and expensive. Craftsman used jewels such as diamonds in the mechanisms. They also started oiling the internal components. This made the watches’ mechanical pieces operate more smoothly, resulting in better accuracy. Scientists began to use pocket watches for their research.

In addition to aiding in research, railroad engineers also began using pocket watches to track train movements. Watches had become accurate enough to correlate the departures and arrivals of trains, and in the process increasing safety. Railroad watches helped to prevent train collisions.

Technology continued to advance, and pocket watches improved in quality and accuracy during the 1800′s. Around 1850, factories began mass producing gold pocket watches. As prices decreased, they gained popularity.

By the early 1900′s, factories began mass producing wrist watches. Because workers did not need to use their hands to check the time, they gained in popularity. Soon the use of pocket watches began to decline.

Today few people use pocket watches. However they still can be purchased, and make stylish accessories. A golden pocket watch with an engraved design, and a gold chain fob accentuates the well tailored outfit.

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