While timekeeping has been around for thousands of years, it wasn’t until 1868 that Patek Phillipe developed the very first wristwatch. The “Platinum Perpetual Calendar Wristwatch” sold for approximately $3.1 million in May 2008.
It is safe to say that watches are pretty important both as timekeeping devices and fashion statements. But even though you might pride yourself on your all wood watch, there’s probably a lot you still don’t know about the fascinating world of watches. Here are a few fun facts about wooden wrist watches and other timekeeping pieces that you might not have thought about before.
Alarm Watches
The first wristwatch with an alarm function built into it wasn’t developed until the 1900s. A Swiss company called Eterna was the very first watch making business in the world to produce such a thing. Full-scale production began in 1914.
World War II
While WWI started to leave pocket watches behind, it was WWII that effectively eliminated them as a fashion trend. During the second World War, soldiers were forbidden to wear any timekeeping piece that wasn’t a wristwatch. Of course, wood watches for men weren’t really an option back then, but the wooden wrist watches then certainly paved the way for modern natural wood watches.
Stanley Kubrick
Rather than use fake props, Kubrick actually approached a watch making company, Hamilton, to make digital timepieces for his film “2001: A Space Odyssey.” Although an electric watch had already been introduced, this paved the way for the first LED displays on watch faces.
Intended for Women
While men were using the pocket watch, wrist watches were originally developed for women of nobility. Queen Elizabeth I and many other royal women were known to have “arm watches.”
Watch Displays
Did you know that watches are typically displayed to show a certain time? Many watch displays have the timepieces set to ten minutes to 2:00, also known as “Happy Time” as the watch hands make a smile. So next time you’re searching for wood watches for men or women, take note!
Whether you want stainless steel watches or Hawaiian wood watches, these facts should make your next shopping experience an interesting one!
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