Before wrist watches became abundant in our society, pocket watches were the norm for personal timekeeping. The first pocket watch came from Germany at the end of the fifteenth century. Having a likeness to the traditional clock, former pocket watches operated in very much the same manner as their big face watches in the town square.
Different from the old conventional clock designs, pocket watches used the combining of a mainspring, hairspring and a balance wheel. This of course is the opposite to traditional clock designs, that used a swinging pendulum and counter weight.
Like today’s wrist watches, pocket watches consist of two main elements, the metal casing and the inner works. Many different metals were applied for early pocket watch cases, but the most sought after was pure gold and silver. The case was usually of a two piece clam-shell design. The cases of early watches were affected by dust and moisture, which meant the watches needed regular cleansing.
As time passed and mass production became the standard, other less costly metals were used for their casing, such as mild steel and pot metal. Aesthetically these watches become an art form, with the most exquisite designs being expressed on their outer casings.
Today the story is much different. Wrist watches have really taken over from the pocket watch and has saturated the world with different brands which are both beautifully made and comfortably worn. Straps have become an accessory rather rather than an necessity and can be interchanged with almost unthinkable combinations. Material, plastic and metal is used to create time pieces which cater to anyone’s needs.
So too did the face of the watch undergo a drastic turn about. It is now acceptable to have any color on the face with way-out dials that are funky and seen to be ultra modern with youngsters. Another leap into modernity was combining a watch with a bracelet. Now you can buy watch faces and make up your own style with beads, balls and anything that adds a sparkle to your life.
All types and sizes are in fashion today, especially those with big faces and can be mixed and matched with any outfit. They are easy to read of course which is quite nice to have if you are unable to see because of poor lighting.
But on a serious note, if you know of someone who has poor eyesight, then big face watches will make ideal gifts. They are also modern in style and design and are manufactured for both men and woman.