Timeless Watches In History: Timekeeping and horology have been a major part in redefining history. The practice of measuring time through various media has been a major development in human history. Timekeeping was not only a task to keep a record of time, but also helped in setting up the routine of the people. Night gongs, water clocks, Candle clocks and Clock towers were not only a significant part of a civilisation but also helped in identifying the scientific and logical approach of the people.
What Is Horology And Timekeeping?
Horology can be termed as the practice of timekeeping and the study of time through various timepieces. Time, scientifically defined as “The duration of something done or some event.” Throughout the history of mankind, measuring time has been an important element in the evolution.
Horology includes the detailed study and analysis, as well as creating tools and timepieces meant for measuring a specific period of time. This includes a high level of delicate artistry and scientific approach for the construction of watches, clocks and timekeepers, which ease your job and help you plan your schedule.
5 Major Time Keepers Around The Globe
Some of the famous clocks and timekeeping instruments around the world include:
1. Big Ben
Located in Elizabeth Tower, this is a very famous and the world’s largest four-faced chime clock. It’s also one of the 7 wonders of the world.
2. Prague Astronomical Clock
Installed in the year 1410 AD., it is one of the oldest mechanical clocks still in operation and exhibits a show of Apostles.
3. Makkah Clock Tower
It is situated in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, at Abraj al- Bait and features the world’s largest clock face.
Munich Glockenspiel
This 20th-century carillon is situated in the New Town Hall in Munich, Germany and has 43 bells and 32 life-size figures that depict historical events.
Floral Clock
Situated in Niagara Park, Canada, it is a functional clock that comprises thousands of flowers that change according to the season.
Jantar – Mantar
Located at Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, it is an astronomical observatory built around the 17th century and features one of the world’s largest sundial clocks.
Besides this, there have been many famous, timeless watches in history, timepieces and watches that have been an integral part of history. Earlier, the time keepers and timepieces were used to track the movement of celestial objects, predict the seasons, and even manage day-to-day routine chores.
By the end of the 18th century and early 19th century, pocket watches became a great deal of fascination among the rich merchants, aristocrats and royalties around the globe. Many independent as well as royal-funded watchmakers emerged and created mechanical timepieces that not only featured delicate engineering but also intricate and artistic detailing, often crafted from precious metals and decorated with jewels. By the early 20th century, timekeeping became more common. Around the First World War, wrist watches gained popularity, leading many watch makers to create some sturdy, durable yet iconic time pieces.
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Some Major Wrist Watches That Are Known For Their Timeless Designs
Some of the important wrist watches which have shaped history over the period of time and are still in trend are:
Cartier Tank
Introduced in the year 1917 by Louis Cartier, the founder of Cartier Boutique, who got inspired by the Renault Tanks during World War I, the Cartier Tank is a perfect example of class meets luxury. It was accepted instantly for its simple yet noticeable design and went into full production in the year 1919. Known for its classic, timeless, and minimalistic design. It is considered the watch of leaders, celebrities and royalties.
The watch features bold Roman numerals, sword-shaped blue steel hands, and a sapphire-encrusted cabochon crown. This luxury watch is available in Stainless Steel and many precious metals and is available in automatic as well as quartz variants. Various versions like Tank Anglaise, Tank Francaise, Tank Must, Tank Americaine and Tank Solo, which are highly sought after by celebs and leaders for their simple yet elegant, luxury appeal.
Rolex Submariner
Considered for its robust build and high-grade materials used, the Rolex Submariner is another iconic watch known for its elegant yet practical design. Developed as a dive watch for underwater exploration and water sports, it is the most smuggled and copied watch in the world.
With wide varieties like Batman, Pepsi, Rootbeer, Hulk, Smurf and Sprite, this watch is generally available in 914 L grade stainless steel.
It was the first waterproof watch at the time of its launch in 1954 at the Basel watch fair. Due to its timeless design, many homage and counterfeit watches are made featuring Super Luminova lume indexes, Mercedes hands and a rotating bezel with a solid metal case and bracelet.
Omega Speedmaster
Often known as the Moonwatch, this elegant watch holds the prestige of being the watch worn on the Moon by Astronaut, Buzz Alderin. Equipped with a Tachymeter and chronograph, which helped the safe return of the Apollo 13 mission astronauts when the service module of the oxygen tank of the spaceship was ruptured.
Considering its efficiency and ability to perform in zero gravity and high pressure of space, Omega and the watch were awarded the ‘Snoopy Award’. Later, the company launched its quartz and Analog, Digital variants with better accuracy and usability.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
Known for its “Octagonal” watch face, integrated bracelet and screwed down caseback, AP Royal Oak was developed in 1972 by master designer and watchmaker, Gerald Genta. It was a response to the quartz crisis, which shook the roots of Swiss watchmaking and disrupted the global watch market.
The design was inspired by diving helmets, showcasing exposed screws and a unique watch case. After more than 5 decades, it is till in production without many major changes in the core design by Genta. It is often considered a ‘First Luxury Sports watch’ and is often made in high-grade steel, ceramic and precious metals, jewelled with stones.
Patek Philippe Nautilus
Considered the ‘Grail watch’ by watch collectors, this iconic watch was also designed by Gerald Genta in response to the ‘quartz crisis’ by Swiss watchmakers. In 1976, it was developed to attract new-age business managers and entrepreneurs towards the high-end Swiss watchmaking.
Patak Philippe is a notable watch-making company known to have many major patents to its name for development in horology. Known for its high finish and excellent craftsmanship, it is considered the ‘God-tier watch’.
Honourable Mention: Grand Seiko Spring Drive
Considered as the finest of Japanese watchmaking, the Grand Seiko Spring Drive is one of the most advanced watch movements, inculcating the craftsmanship of mechanical movement and the accuracy of quartz. Besides this, the watches are entirely hand-polished by the ‘Zaratsu’ technique, which gives it a mirror-like finish and beautiful watch dials.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the ‘Holy Trinity of watchmaking’?
The three Swiss watch makers, Patak Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Vacheron Constantin, are considered the holy trinity of Swiss watchmaking.
Q2. Which watch brand is considered ‘entry level luxury’?
Rolex is often considered the entry-level luxury brand with its high-class, premium material timepieces.
Q3. What are the types of watch movements?
There are mainly 3 types of watch movements. Quartz, Hand-wound and Self-wound.
Q4. Are Solar watches good?
Solar watches are a good option as they are environmentally friendly and don’t require frequent battery changes or servicing.
Q5. Do luxury watches have good resale value?
Yes, they do have a good resale in the second-hand retail market and resale shops.
