From Pocket to Wrist...
Call me old-fashioned, which I hope by now you have seen that I mainly am, but there is just something about a timepiece that really speaks to it. A watch can provide character to a wardrobe. At many times it can be the true centerpiece of the ensemble itself. Watches are something that I've always sort of found fascinating and was the one thing I always wanted my father to bring back to me on his many business trips.
Due to my interest in the topic, and wanting to pass along the knowledge to you all! Like everything else let's dive into the history of it before moving on the other articles! I found it interesting to discover that there have really been roughly four eras to the ageless timepiece. Let's dive into each one to understand how it's grown to what it is today.
The earliest history (1890's to 1920)
Interestingly enough, we do actually have the military to thank for the transition of the watch from the pocket to the wrist. Between the years of 1899 and 1902, during the Second Boer Wars, military personnel needed something that was durable and easy to transport. This also allowed them to easily synchronize their times when progressing. Can you imagine having to dig through your rucksack as you were running through enemy territory?
How did they fashion them? Anything that they could use to tie them around their wrists. This wasn't meant to be stylish or fashionable, it was merely about form and function. Prior to this time in history, the wristwatch had solely been a staple in women's fashion. It had never been thought that it had a place in men's style but let's fast forward about 12 years.
The year is 1914 and World War 1 has unfortunately begun. Here is where the military begins to provide Trench Watches, as standard issue, for all soldiers. Watch manufactures and marketing firms ate this up as a promotional opportunity to boot. This set the scene that all men, soldier or not, should be wearing watches. It was around this time that we officially see a movement from the battlefield to men's fashion accessory.
The next innovation (1920's)
Of course, there were flaws and room for improvements in the early production of wristwatches. Well enter the 1920's and Carter Watches has really discovered the trick to popularizing their watches. You get movie stars to wear them! I mean can you think of any other way to innovate than that?
I'm really kidding there. The biggest innovation of this era was waterproofing. And who other to do this than a little Swiss company by the name of Rolex. They were clearly establishing themselves as the go-to timepiece for luxury and had the opportunity of a lifetime to prove their watches were the best in the market.
Mercedes Gleitze has just completed her ten-hour swim of the English Channel. But wait, what's that on her wrist? A Rolex! This really helped establish a pivotal moment in the general watch wearing space.
From then on (1930 to 2000's)
From roughly 1930 to 2000 we don't see much happen in the space of watches. Of course, there were many more types to be developed and even introduction to self-winding watches, but the general premise stays the same. Yes, this is foreshadowing to say that we will dive deeper into the various nuances of the great timepiece but not much to say on the history of it!
The return to pockets (2000's to present)
With the rise in smartphones, we have steadily seen a decline in the wrist wearing market, from a traditional watch perspective. Wearables have become a thing, but people are more heavily favoring the digital piece over the analog. With this, we are starting to again consider the watch to be a pocket commodity.
Be sure to stay tuned for later articles where we will dive into the various fashion forms, and occasions, on how to choose the proper watches.
Thanks for tuning in, and that is your Daily Dose of Dapperness!
Hi, my name is Blake. I'm a true fan of the 1950's style gentleman, a father, adventurer, and all around Curious George!
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