Wrist Watches: From Battlefield to Fashion Accessory (Published 2013) (2024)

LONDON — The evolution of the gentleman’s pocket watch into the ubiquitous wristwatch had its roots in the wars of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. World War I was the seminal moment when the wristwatch became both a strategic military tool and a manly fashion accessory.

With the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I approaching in July, several watchmakers are commemorating the simple designs that allowed military leaders to coordinate precision attacks and to usher in a new era of battle by airplane.

Historians say that the idea of strapping little clocks to soldier’s wrists probably was conceived during the Boer War or perhaps in the German navy shortly before — there are some historical accounts of Napoleon’s being frustrated by having to constantly open his pocket watch during battle — but most agree that World War I secured the wristwatch’s place, both in military history and at the pinnacle of men’s jewelry.

Wristwatches were worn only by women before the 20th century — and more for decoration than anything as practical as punctuality.