The pocket watch: The first portable watch

A pocket watch can really add a unique touch - an air of prestige and vintage style. These timepieces have actually been worn for over 500 years, and were the first portable watches.

They came about around the year 1500 when the use of the mainspring was developed and this mainspring replaced a weight in timepieces. These first portable watches were worn on chains around the neck.

These early timekeepers were very decorative, but were not too accurate. People experimented with the style, and in the early 1600's, people began engraving silver and gold watches. But while they were getting more stylish, these were still inaccurate, and it wasn't until around 1670 when the balance wheel was developed, that they improved in this area.

The accuracy was dramatically increased when the anchor escapement was developed in 1755, although it wasn't utilized until 80 years after its development.

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Pocket Watches | Men's Watches | Women's Watches