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Period: Jan 1, 1500 to
Mechanical Clock
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Jun 15, 1504
The First Timepiece
On June 15th, 1504, the first portable timepiece was invented. It wasn't very accurate, but it was good. This was invented by Peter Henlein. The first person reported to actually wear a watch on the wrist was the French mathematician and philosopher, Blaise Pascal. With a piece of string, he attached his pocket watch to his wrist. -
Jan 1, 1505
Spring-Powered Clock
Between 1500 and 1510 Peter Henlein helped the advancement of mechanical clocks by inventing the spring-powered clocks. This helped clock become more portable and applicable for everybody. -
Apr 16, 1577
The Minute Hand
On April 16th, 1577, the minute hand was invented. Jost Burgi invented this. He made it for an astrologer, Tycho Brahe, who needed an accurate clock for stargazing. -
The Pendulum
Later on October 16th, 1656, the pendulum was invented by Christian Huygens, making clocks more accurate. The error of the pendulum was about one minute per day, which was great accuracy for that time. -
Balance and Wheel Assembly
Huygens developed the balance wheel and spring assembly, still found in watches today. This improvement allowed 17th century watches to keep up to 10 minutes a day. -
Pendlum Clock Even Better
George Graham improved the pendulum clock's accuracy to 1 second a day which was great because now if the time was set right, the clocks kept track of time perfectly and never missed a beat. -
First Mechanical Alarm Clock
The first mechanical alarm clock was invented by Levi Hutchens in Concord, New Hampshire. However, this alarm could only go off at 4am. -
First Mechanical Wind-Up Clock
A mechanical wind-up clock was invented by Seth Thomas and could be set for any time, and actually go off at any time that was set. -
Standard Time
Sir Sanford Flemming invented standard time. -
Warren Clock Company
The Warren Clock Company was formed in 1912 by Mr. Henry Warren as President. The company started by producing a new type of clock run by batteries, prior to that, clocks were either wound or run by weights. -
Self-Winding Watch
Swiss John Hardwood invented the self-winding watch. -
Quartz Clock
The first quartz clock was invented.
