solar sundial

solar sundial

Time has been a popular concept sense civilization began. Sailors were using the sun and moon to tell the passage of time. On land the sundial was a way of keeping tract. It was a primitive means to marking time but in those days it worked.

Man has never been content to just let things be, so he started thinking about ways to improve on the idea of keeping time. Early In the 1700's research was being done on how to create a timepiece that one could carry around. Up until then means of telling time had consisted of large stationary time pieces. Through the 1700's watches began to be turned out by far thinking individuals but they had to be made by hand and it was a slow process.

By the 1800's man was looking for a yet better way. Eli Terry developed a wonderful machine that could produce clock parts that were all alike. Parts could now be mass produced and even better all the parts could be interchanged from one clock or watch to any other.

Research was being done also on materials to use in the making of the clock or watch. It was truly becoming an interesting idea.

Over the years watches made the transition from pocket to wrist. Pocket watches were clumsy to carry but a hundred years ago that was the choice of men. The pocket watch was the only way for men to keep track to time in their daily business ventures. The watch became a symbol of wealth as well. The better off you were the fancier the watch and the watch fob.

Women were wearing small watches attached to their clothing as broaches or wrist-lets which were considered by most as fads in jewelry. These were not really designed to serve a real purpose. Women, however, were finding that the ability to tell the time was becoming very helpful in planning their days. They wanted better watches too, something more practical and easier to care for.

With the passing of time men began to experiment with easier methods of carrying a watch. They were encased in leather pouches attached to the belt for ease of use and some men had figured out how to attach belt straps to these watches so they could be worn on the wrist. They were crude but it was a beginning of what we now know as a wristwatch.

The small ladies watches were being produced with chain link bracelets. The problem was they were fragile and not very accurate because of their size. In 1906 the expandable and flexible bracelet watch was introduced and the watch began to change. The bracelet watch was convenient but it was still fragile. People wanted the convenience of the wristwatch but they wanted durability as well. Many improvements were made, new ideas tried and finally they began to make progress with a durable, dependable, and nice looking watch.

Over the years discoveries led to replacement of the ceramic watch face with harder materials. Work was done to make the movements stronger and smaller. Technology was working on making watches more able to withstand moisture and shocks of being hit or banged. Quartz, battery powered and atomic clocks were invented. LCD and LED displays made the scene. The invention of smaller works, waterproofing and shock resistance has put the watch on the wrist of just about everyone. Today the watch is a part of everyone's life. We have watches that not only tell you the time but keep track of mileage, times around the world, and much more. We now have solar powered watches. Touch screen watches have also arrived at the market place.

Watches are beautiful jewelry and accurate time keepers. We depend on the watch to keep us on time and oversee our day. Watches have become an important part of everyday life for all of us.

I can but wonder "What will they come up with next?"

Little Green Acre Enterprises.com

Experimental Typography - SunDial style