The History of the Automatic Watch: From Pocket to Wrist
Author: Funny Items
Release time: 2026-08-19 19:10:49
View number: 23
A Story of Human Ingenuity
The automatic watch is one of the greatest mechanical inventions in history. From pocket watches to wristwatches, here is how it all began.
Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1770 | Abraham-Louis Perrelet creates the first self-winding pocket watch |
| 1780 | Hubert Sarton improves the design with a weighted rotor |
| 1923 | John Harwood creates the first automatic wristwatch |
| 1931 | Rolex develops the Perpetual rotor still used today |
| 1959 | Seiko creates the 420A Japan first automatic wristwatch |
| 1996 | Seiko SKX007 launched iconic mod platform |
The Modern Automatic
Today's automatic movements like the NH35 and NH34 build on 250 years of innovation. The Perpetual rotor design from 1931 is still the standard.
See: NH35 Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Who invented the automatic watch?
Abraham-Louis Perrelet in 1770, with modern refinements by Harwood and Rolex.
What is the oldest automatic watch?
Perrelet's pocket watch from 1770 is the earliest known self-winding mechanism.