When we glance at our wrist to check the time, we’re engaging in a tradition far older and deeper than most of us realize. Rarely do we stop to ask. Why were watches invented in the first place? Was it merely to keep track of hours and minutes, or was there something more profound behind the invention of wristwatches?
From Sun Dials To Watches: A Brief Journey Through Time
Long before watches existed, humans were already obsessed with tracking time. Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians used sundials and shadow clocks, while others relied on water clocks and hourglasses.
These instruments helped organize society, from agriculture to the practice of religious rituals. However, they weren’t portable. They were rooted in place, much like early human settlements.
It wasn’t until the 16th century that portable clocks became more common, and by the 17th century, the first mechanical pocket watches began circulating among the elite ranks of society. These early timepieces were extremely innovative, but they weren’t exactly accurate. Their main function? Prestige. If you wore a watch, you were someone. You had status.
Caroline Murat - Queen of Naples.
The First Wristwatches Were Made for Women
Wristwatches were first seen as elegant accessories made specifically for women. The very first wristwatch record was created in 1812 for Caroline Murat, the Queen of Naples and sister to Napoleon Bonaparte. It was made by the famous Swiss watchmaker Breguet.
At the time, pocket watches were still the norm for men. Wristwatches were considered delicate and ornamental, and in a sense, they were regarded more as jewelry than precision instruments.
These early ladies' watches often featured thin straps of gold or fabric, decorative dials, and luxurious designs. Their purpose wasn’t so much functional as it was a means to showcase status and art.
This changed dramatically over the next century. As the industrial age advanced and societal roles began shifting, the utility of wristwatches began to be reconsidered. And it wasn’t long before a far more urgent need for portable timekeeping emerged.
Time as Power: Watches in Warfare
One of the most significant turning points in the history of watches came not from fashion or convenience but from warfare. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, military commanders needed precise coordination for complex operations. Pocket watches were simply too slow and impractical on the battlefield.
This is where the wristwatch entered the scene. Once dismissed as a dainty accessory, it was repurposed into a tool of war. Soldiers needed both hands free while still being able to check the time quickly, efficiently, even in complete darkness.
Wristwatches became essential for synchronizing attacks, coordinating artillery fire, and maintaining formation.
During World War I, military-issued wristwatches — often with luminous dials and protective grilles — became standard gear. They weren’t about personal fashion; they were instruments of survival, communication, and victory.
Even today, many features of modern men’s watches trace back to battlefield needs: rugged materials, luminous hands, and shock resistance. In this context, the wristwatch became not just an accessory but a utility-focused tool.
From the Trenches to the Masses
After the wars, soldiers returned home with their watches still strapped to their wrists — and kept wearing them. The association between wristwatches and masculine utility had been cemented. What began as a fashion item had evolved into a symbol of efficiency.
The post-war years brought an explosion in popularity as manufacturers marketed wristwatches to the general public as emblems of modern life. Brands began designing models for pilots, engineers, businessmen, and students alike.
Wristwatches were no longer accessories reserved for the elite or rugged military gear; they became everyday essentials.
By the mid-20th century, wearing a wristwatch was a cultural norm across social classes. From there, the evolution of the modern watch only accelerated.
Watches also offered a new sense of autonomy. Measuring and managing one’s own time became a symbol of independence. People no longer had to rely on public clocks or bells — they owned their time.
Tufina Theorema Oman GM-108-6 Rose.
Watches as Identity and Legacy
We all know that a watch can say a lot about a person. Are you precise and punctual? Artistic and expressive? Understated and elegant? The watch you wear reflects not just your sense of style, but your values too.
Here, we often hear from customers who chose a particular model not just because “it looks good” but because it represents something deeper, such as a graduation, a promotion, or a turning point in life. These watches become part of your story.
So, we can say watches weren’t invented just to track time. They were invented to mark time. To honor milestones and to remember that “this moment mattered”.
The Shift Toward Luxury Watches
Now, there’s also a reason why fine luxury watches continue to hold value in an ever-evolving digital world. Your phone can tell time, sure. But it can’t reflect prestige like a luxury timepiece does.
The process of creating a luxury watch nowadays is regarded as a fine mastery. People who choose to wear luxury timepieces understand the appeal of these collectibles. They show your vision, values, and that you care about the finer things in life.
Although time-telling has become accessible to everyone due to technology, timepieces still preserve their status as a revered luxury item. Watch collectors, as well as the general public, recognize the beauty and craftsmanship that goes into creating these pieces.
Today, they carry another idea: that watches and time can be appreciated, respected and even admired.
Tufina Theorema Casablanca GM-101-3 Gold.
Watches as Emotional Pieces - Why We Make Watches at Tufina
Many people remember their first true watch. Perhaps it was a gift from a parent, a milestone reward, or a personal indulgence after a demanding chapter in life. A watch is more than a functional object — it’s an emotional artifact. Unlike phones or other electronics, we form lasting bonds with our timepieces.
This emotional resonance is why watches were created, why they continue to endure.
At Tufina, every watch is crafted with this legacy in mind. Rooted in centuries of tradition yet designed for today, our timepieces are meant to carry meaning. They are built not just to tell time, but to mark moments.
Each collection reflects a distinct spirit — a mood, a city, a personality. Some designs are bold and extravagant, others refined and understated. But all share one thing: a story worth wearing.
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