The History and Evolution of Wrist Watches

by Ankita Sehgal Freelance Blogger, Lives in New Delhi

The introduction of wristwatches in the 19^th century was followed by a mixed reaction by the men and women of those times. While the men found it absurd to strap a small clock to their wrists rather than keeping in their pockets, the women accepted this trend head-on. The history of women watches is a rich and interesting one. It reflects on the art, independence, royalty, and athleticism that have involved women through the ages. We have come a long way from the introduction of women's wristwatches to ladies watch online shopping in today’s time. As we have a look at this history, you will notice the role of watches varies from being a fashionable accessory to straightforward utilitarianism before it beautifully settles in the middle.

Timex watches have been around for years and creating some classic timepieces for women. It has been disrupting the watch industry with elegant, trendy yet absolutely functional and practical watches for women from all walks of life.

Royal Origins

1800 involved the use of pocket watches for timekeeping and was mainly used by businessmen. However, in 1810, Caroline Murat, the Queen of Naples and the sister of Napoleon Bonaparte, asked watchmaker Abraham Louis, to create an elegant and ornamental bracelet with a small clock in it. Her idea of this accessory is today regarded as one of the first wristwatches. This trend was soon followed by in royal circles and the high societies. The watches were not very accurate in terms of the mechanisms but were aesthetically pleasing.

At this time wristwatches were mainly seen as accessories but the impending global conflict was soon to change this.

War timepieces

The beginning of the 20^th century involved global war scenarios. This led to the armies trying to enhance their military skills by any means possible. One of the main ways to do this was by using wristwatches instead of pocket watches. Pocket watches were time-consuming and inconvenient in the war zone.

In 1918, Timex manufactured its first wristwatch by adding strap lugs and rotating the face of a ladies' watch at 3 o’clock rather than 12 o’clock. This watch was the first timepiece issues by the US military.

As wristwatches gained popularity among men in the military, women across the globe followed the trend of wristwatches as accessories. Swiss watchmakers started adding gems and stones to the watches as these became a must-have accessory.

Practical approach

Eventually, watches no longer remained about jewels or accessories. Women watches were designed and manufactured in terms of practicality as well. The most famous woman watch wearer was Mercedes Gleitze, who swam the English Channel, wearing a weatherproof wristwatch.

Timex watchmakers noticed the disparity in the watches being made for women. They had to create timepieces that were both practical as well as accessible to the everyday woman. They came up with head-turning watches that were stylish, durable, and quality mechanisms. Since then, Timex has continued to create exceptional women watches. It has become a hub for branded ladies watches online shopping as well.