Watches: A Long History

Watches have undergone a number of changes throughout the years. While today they are normally worn on the wrist, throughout time they have been worn in a variety of methods and manners. For example; one of the most popular types of vintage watches is the pocket watch. It is believed that pocket watches date back to at least the early 16th century. Later, pocket watches became frequently associated with railroad men. Today pocket watches are still used for their practical uses as well as sought after by collectors.

While there have been numerous different types of manners for telling time throughout history, including the sundial, it is widely believed that the watch itself was not invented until somewhere around the end of the 10th century. The Swiss began their long history of watchmaking in the beginning of the 16th century; perfecting a method that would allow watches to keep time on a more accurate basis. While pocket watches were the most popular portable timekeeping devices for men throughout the 19th century; a version was deisgned for women that would allow them to wear a watch pinned to the lapel of a jacket or blouse. The first wrist watch was not developed until the end of the 19th century; however it quickly gained in popularity.

First and foremost watches are primarily considered to be a timepiece. As such, the craftsmanship of watches is highly valued; as the movement and time keeping ability of the piece must be absolutely accurate in order to be functional.

In addition to their functional use; watches are also considered to be a form of jewelry. Highly decorative watches; made of precious metals and gems can be quite expensive and costs thousands of dollars for a single piece.

In functional matters, watches can be quite simple or complex. Perhaps the simplest watches on the market are the inexpensive digital varieties; which feature minutes and seconds in a digital format. Standard wrist watches include a hour hand and minute hand as well as a sweeping second hand. More complicated watches also feature such elements as chronograph. This element allows the user to use the piece as a stop watch as well as to keep an eye on the phases of the moon.

With the numerous advances that have taken place in the watch industry in just the last ten years alone, shopping for a watch today can often times be much more complicated than simple. One of the primary factors that many people look for in watches is, of course; prices. Watches vary greatly in price. Simple, everyday watches can be purchased relatively inexpensively while watches that are geared more towards the jewelry line, or that feature complicated and advanced features, tend to be more expensive. In addition, collector editions and antique, or vintage watches also tend to come with higher price tags. Top end watches can easily retail for $200,000 or more.

Many shoppers also look for the name of their favorite manufacturer when watch shopping. Cartier, one of the first makers of the wristwatch, remains one of the most popular manufacturers of watches today. Other well known watch makers include Rolex and Patek.

As jewelry, watches are often prized as works of art; created with brilliant and beautiful designs embedded with rare and precious gemstones. One of the most expensive watches in the world features 66 carats of diamonds and is aptly named the Ice Cube. Designed by Chopard, this Swiss watch is also available in a number of variations featuring everything from sapphires to rubies. This high end model goes for a cool $1 million plus.

Jason Petrina is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit - www.articleclick.com

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