Do you know for whom was the first wrist watch designed?

The wrist watch is considered a common object nowadays, but if we go back in time, we'll see that its discovery has been one of the greatest achievements in history. The shift from sundials and water clocks to mechanical ones ignited a revolution in people's lives because they began to control time, rather than obeying to it. To develop the wrist watch we use today, distinguished physicists and scientists such as Galileo, Newton and many others, have been studying and working for over eight centuries. Yet, the first wristwatch was designed in 1812 to fit the wrist of the queen of Naples and Sicily, Maria Carolina of Austria.

While pocket watches were used almost by everyone, the evolution of wristwatches made women attracted to them, and only they started wearing them. That's because wrist watches were in direct contact with the outside agents and could be easily broken, which was inappropriate for men.

But what made men wear wristwatches, then?

Nothing else, but need!

A few requirements came from pilots before World War I started, as they were looking for a way to keep both hands in control while timing how long the flights lasted. But, only World War I emphasized this need because the soldiers had to have both hands free to carry the equipment they needed. Moreover, the pocket watch could be easily lost without notice. So, they were given some wristwatches called "Trench Watches". They were made of leather and were very practical during movements or on the war front. They had radium within to illuminate during the night and had an unbreakable glass that could survive the bumps. The wristwatches turned into an inseparable part of the Officer's Kit, but everyone was obliged to buy it individually. The army didn't pay for it. The wristwatch was considered to be something very fashionable and in a short period of time, the pocket watch was seen only for the elderly. The young people had given up entirely, which soon made their production stop.

During the '50s, they switched to electronic watches, and in the early' 70s, to battery-powered quartz watches.

Today, at a time when time is displayed everywhere watches have become more of an accessory than a necessity. But, a classic trend has begun the last five years, and people are back to wristwatches as a break from technology.

No matter how times change, wrist watches will always be right for everyone!