![]() Elegant, impeccably crafted, and discrete, they are considered art. They've withstood the test of history, transforming into more than a timepiece along the way. ![]() Today, with a renewed interest in cosplay and all things steampunk, pocket watches are back and better than ever. ![]() During the 1970s and 80s, when there was a resurgence in popularity of the three-piece suit, pocket watches also enjoyed a new heyday. More Than a Timepieceĭespite the transition to wristwatches, however, men throughout the 1940s and 50s still relied on pocket watches as the perfect accessory for suits. By 1939 and the start of World War II, wristwatches were a standard accessory on and off the battlefield. Soldiers needed a way to quickly access the time without having to fumble around for a timepiece.Īfter all, accurate timekeeping was essential on the battlefield, and bombardments were too difficult to time with pocket watches. The transformation from the pocket watch to the wristwatch, however, was a matter of military necessity.Īlthough wristwatches existed before the 20th century, it took World War I to make them popular. World Wars and Wristwatchesīy the 19th century, pocket watches were at the height of their popularity, made more affordable by advances in manufacturing that accompanied the Industrial Revolution. By the 18th century, watchmakers crafted jewels into bearings, elevating timepieces to the level of ornate jewelry. Over time, advances in technology made them sleeker and more stylish. Pocket watches remained a rarefied commodity owned by the rich for centuries. It represented professionalism in its most conspicuous form. Owning a pocket watch became a cultural marker, one that distinguished its owner as steadfast and reliable. It allowed employers to track their workers' time and punctuality. It permitted local officials to know when to close the polls during elections. It allowed scientists and astronomers to conduct time-sensitive experiments. A Matter of TimeĪlthough we take watches for granted today, having a precise means of tracking the time revolutionized the world. These pocket watch prototypes would end up transforming Europe. Peter Henlein invented the first pocket watch in 1510 in Nuremberg, Germany, around the same time Italians were also crafting miniature portable clocks. Instead, individuals became increasingly dependent on timepieces. Over time, they replaced church bells, which sounded the hours, keeping villagers attuned with the pace of the day. That distinction goes to the pocket watch.īy the Middle Ages, clocks had started to transform everyday life. They aren't the first wearables, however. These watches keep track of their wearer's steps, send them a constant stream of notifications, and keep them perpetually connected to the action online. Nonetheless, smartwatches have now become a standard part of daily existence for many. After all, what's more bothersome than Tweets on your wrist? Critics declared smartwatches the final straw in information overload. Wearables Now and Thenīack in 2014, when wearable computers in the form of watches first hit the market, many people had their doubts. With that in mind, let's take a look at the steampunk pocket watch for men and why it's an accessory that'll never go out of style. This concept has inspired countless gadgets, mixing elements from the past and present. Steampunk marks the spot where the past and present collide. These accessories transition from a night on the town to Black Rock City's Playa as fast as you can slather on some sunscreen. That said, if you're looking for a timepiece that's stylish, sophisticated, and a veritable work of art, then consider purchasing a steampunk pocket watch. With the advent of smartwatches, you now have a mini-computer attached to your wrist. When it comes to convenience and functionality, we can't blame you.ĭigital watches are the way to go. See the submission guidelines for information about how to submit events.The march of technology continues, and many people have shifted away from analog to digital watches as a result. You can also subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, Steampunk Digest, for reports about past and upcoming events. You should always check the event's website or Facebook page for late changes or cancellations.Ĭlick or tap on the name of the event to see details, including a description and the venue’s location. This section includes steampunk conventions in the USA and Canada, as well as other regional events likely to be of particular interest to steampunks.
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