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

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

Have you ever wondered where the history of the watch began? How did we go from using the sun’s position to tell time, to smartwatches that count steps, take calls, and can even monitor heart function? Let’s discover together the historical stages this interesting accessory has gone through.

1. Sundials
   
   
   

Long ago, before mechanical or electronic devices existed, people relied on nature’s most useful resource—the sun. A sundial was built so that sunlight during the daytime cast a shadow of a vertical rod or gnomon; as the sun moved through the sky, the shadow would move, showing the time.

However, although an interesting design, a sundial didn’t work on cloudy days or at night. For that reason, people began to think of other solutions, which opened the door to the creation of mechanical watches.

 

2. The Mechanical Revolution

Starting from the 14th century in Europe, the first mechanical watches were built. Initially, these were quite large and were mostly installed in churches or on city square towers. These clocks worked via metal mechanisms—not relying on sunlight.

With precisely regulated gears and hands, they represented major progress in the history of timekeeping. By the 16th century, smaller versions began to be made—suitable to carry or wear. From that moment, the watch became not only a practical tool, but also a beautiful accessory.

 

3. The Rise of Swiss Watches

From the 18th century onwards, Switzerland gradually became the global center of watchmaking. Swiss watchmakers started presenting innovations such as:

• Automatic mechanisms (so the watch didn’t need to be wound manually)
• Water-resistant models, useful both for everyday wear and for active or sports use
  

All of this led to the phrase “Swiss watch” being associated for centuries with high quality and trust.

 

4. Quartz and Digital Watches

In the 1970s, the watch world experienced a real revolution. Quartz technology was developed, allowing watches to be powered not by mechanical gears but by electronic systems. This was a more affordable solution, yet very accurate. Especially Japanese manufacturers, with Seiko leading the way in the production of quartz watches.

In the same period, digital watches also appeared. They didn’t have hands; the time was displayed on LED or LCD screens. This modern look appealed to people, especially younger generations.

Image suggestion: Early quartz watches; Seiko models; digital display watches of the 1970s-80s.

 

5. 21st Century — Smartwatches

• Show calls, messages, and other notifications
• Monitor heart rate and blood pressure
• Analyze sleep quality
• Aid during workouts—count steps and calories, even suggest fitness plans
• Using GPS, show your location

If you want to lead an active and healthy lifestyle, then a smartwatch becomes your reliable assistant.

 

6. What Each Era Meant

Each period in the history of the watch carried its own role. From sundials to smartwatches — this vast evolution shows how watches have changed our lives by making things easier. Initially, watches were simply tools; now, they have become an inseparable part of our lives—helping us to follow our health, live actively, or simply wear them as beautiful accessories.