From sundial to wristwatch – the fascinating journey of the clock through time
The clock is one of humanity's most ingenious inventions - a symbol of our desire to understand, measure and control time. From the first sundials in ancient Egypt to today's sophisticated wristwatches, the evolution of timekeeping has shaped culture, technology and style.
The first timepieces – when the sun controlled time
Over 4,000 years ago, the Egyptians used sundials to track the passage of time. A simple stick in the ground cast a shadow, and with its help they could determine the time of day. It was primitive – but revolutionary. For the first time, humans could divide the day into hours, plan work and ceremonies.
Water clocks and sand glasses (hourglasses) were also used to measure time on cloudy days or at night. They were the forerunners of today's precise clockwork.
Medieval masterpieces – the first mechanical clocks
In the 14th century, mechanical clocks began to take their place in the churches and cities of Europe. They were large, heavy structures powered by weights and gears – built to show power and progress. Church bells rang out hour after hour, reminding people of the passage of time – both in work and in faith.
Eventually, the technology moved into homes and took its first form as a table clock and later a pocket watch.
The heyday of the pocket watch
During the 16th and 17th centuries, pocket watches became a symbol of status and precision. Nobles and merchants wore them as jewelry – often richly decorated with engravings, gold and enamel.
It was also during this time that watchmaking flourished in Switzerland, England and France – countries that are still known for their watchmaking traditions today.
Pocket watches, however, had one drawback: they were impractical. They had to be taken out of the pocket every time you wanted to check the time. That would change over the next century.
From pocket to wrist – the wristwatch breakthrough
The first real wristwatch was created by Patek Philippe in 1868 – for a Hungarian countess. For a long time, wristwatches were seen as a women's fashion, while men continued to use pocket watches.
But during World War I, soldiers realized how impractical it was to carry a pocket watch in battle. They began attaching small watches to their wrists – quick, easy, and functional.
When the war was over, the wristwatch became an essential part of a man's wardrobe, and the fashion world followed suit.
The technological revolution – quartz, electronics and innovation
In the 20th century, development took off in earnest:
- 1950s–60s: automatic mechanical movements with self-winding.
- 1970s: the so-called quartz revolution – Japanese Seiko launched battery-powered watches with incredible precision.
- 21st century: smartwatches combine classic design with digital technology.
Even though technology has changed, there is still a strong fascination with mechanical watch movements, where craftsmanship, details and history live on.
The clock today – more than just time
Today, the watch is more than an instrument – it is an extension of our style and identity.
An elegant dress watch, a robust diving watch or a modern smartwatch says something about who we are. The watch has become part of the culture, a legacy passed down from generation to generation.
At Kronura, we celebrate this history – whether you prefer classic, automatic or modern watches.
👉 Discover all our watches and find your own piece of watch history.
