The History of the Watch: What Was the First Watch and How Did It Evolve?

  Have you ever wondered where the story of watches began? How did we go from telling time based on the position of the sun to smartwatches that count your steps, take calls, and even monitor your heart rate? Let’s explore the fascinating journey of this accessory through time.

Sundials

Long ago, before mechanical or electronic devices existed, people used one of nature’s most reliable resources—the sun. Sundials were designed to let sunlight cast a shadow on a vertical stick or pointer throughout the day. As the sun moved, the shadow shifted, indicating the time. While ingenious, sundials didn’t work on cloudy days or at night. This limitation led people to seek new solutions, paving the way for mechanical watches.

The Mechanical Revolution

Starting in the 14th century, the first mechanical clocks were made in Europe. These were initially large and mostly installed in church towers or town squares. They operated through metal parts, with no need for sunlight. Their mechanisms precisely regulated the movement of the hands, marking a major advancement in timekeeping. By the 16th century, smaller, portable versions were created. From then on, watches became not only practical tools but also beautiful accessories.

The Rise of Swiss Watches

From the 18th century onward, Switzerland began to emerge as the global hub of watchmaking. Swiss watchmakers introduced innovations like self-winding mechanisms that required no manual winding and waterproof models suitable for everyday use, active lifestyles, and sports. Thanks to this, the phrase “Swiss watch” has for centuries been associated with high quality and reliability.

Quartz and Digital Watches

In the 1970s, a real revolution occurred in the world of watches with the invention of quartz technology. This allowed watches to run not on mechanical parts, but on electronic systems. It was a more affordable yet precise alternative. Japanese manufacturer Seiko became a pioneer in quartz watches. Around the same time, digital watches also appeared, displaying the time on LED or LCD screens instead of hands. Their modern and trendy look especially appealed to younger generations.

The 21st Century: Smartwatches

The next milestone came in the 21st century with the arrival of smartwatches—technological innovations that redefined the role of the watch.
 Today, a smartwatch can:

●      Display calls, messages, and other notifications

●      Monitor heart rate and blood pressure

●      Analyze sleep quality

●      Assist during workouts by counting steps, calories, and even suggesting workout plans

●      Show your location using GPS

If you aim for an active and healthy lifestyle, a smartwatch can become your trusted companion.