The first recorded usage of a timepiece worn on the wrist dates back to 333 BC. It wasn't the mechanical-digital type of device that would be recognised as a watch today, it was nonetheless an effective time keeper.

During the battle of Issus, Alexander the Great came head-to-head with Persian King Darius III. Outnumbered 2:1 Alexander decided to try out a new invention. He had all his men tie to their wrist a strip of cloth impregnated with chemicals that would change colour after a certain length of time. Similar to how today's SAS synchronize their watches before going into action, when cloth changed colour his men would know that it was time to attack.

The invention worked well, and became known thereafter as Alexander's Rag Time Band.

Oh well, it made me laugh, but at the same time piqued my curiosity. When did the wristwatch actually come into being? Was it like the first mobile phones or video players? If you are old enough to remember the introduction of these technologies, you will recall both were the size of a suitcase and carrying either for any length of time was a stamina draining exercise that required considerable effort!

Antoni Patek

Antoni Patek started making pocket watches in 1839 in Geneva. A few years later (1846) Patek joined with the French watchmaker Adrien Philippe. In 1851, Patek Philippe & Co was founded. In 1868, Patek Philippe made their first wristwatch.

Although Patek Philippe is often credited with inventing the first wristwatch, watches attached to the wrist, or wristlets as they were originally called, are known to have been in use much earlier. Queen Elizabeth I is said to have worn one, in fact 19th century royalty in general were the first to wear wristwatches.

A Female Fashion Accessory Adopted by the Military

The wristwatch was initially considered a fashion accessory for women; men preferred the traditional pocket watch. This changed during the Boer War (1899-1902), where the ability to tell the time with a quick glance was essential. During the First World War, the wristwatch played a crucial role in combat situations where it was necessary to synchronise the movements of ground troops with aerial action.

No longer considered a fad, watch making companies were scrambling to keep up with the demand. One company that enjoyed great success during this period was Wilsdorf & Davis, who changed their name to The Rolex Watch Company, Ltd., in 1915.

At the end of WW1, soldiers and aviators were allowed to keep the wristwatches they had been issued and wristwatches became popular with the rest of the population. The wristwatch has maintained its popularity over the years and is both a fashion item and a status symbol. However, the depression of the 30's culled the sales of luxury items including watches and many watch manufacturers went out of business. WW2 saw demand from the military stepped up again and watch making was back in full swing.

Technology

Watches have always been at the forefront of technology. Miniaturisation, keyless winding, led, lcd, sat nav, etc ensuring the humble wristwatch is capable of doing much more than simply keeping time. One of the latest innovations to be adopted is epaper, that's paper (actually it's a thin layer of plastic) that can be programmed to do pretty much anything a computer can do!