From early pocket clocks to the first wristwatch
The first portable timepiece appeared long before the wristwatch was ever imagined. Around 1505, German clockmaker Peter Henlein designed a small, pomander-style clock — a pendant-like object that could be worn or carried. Though far from today’s wristwatches, it marked the beginning of portable timekeeping.
Fast forward to 1868, and Swiss watchmaker Patek Philippe created the first known wristwatch for Countess Koscowicz of Hungary. Initially crafted for women as a piece of fine jewelry, the wristwatch blended function and fashion — a tradition that continues today.
Yet, other names also enter this fascinating timeline. In 1810, Abraham-Louis Breguet designed a wristwatch for the Queen of Naples, predating Patek’s creation and adding another layer to this debate. Regardless of who was first, one thing is certain: these innovations laid the foundation for centuries of horological advancement.
The shift from mechanical to quartz precision
Early mechanical watches required frequent winding and delicate maintenance. The 20th century, however, ushered in a major transformation — the quartz movement. With the introduction of battery-powered mechanisms, timekeeping became more reliable, affordable, and precise.
At Nordgreen, we continue this legacy of precision by using the award-winning Japanese Miyota quartz movement across our collections. This ensures that every Nordgreen timepiece delivers durability and effortless accuracy — while maintaining the minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic that defines our brand.
