Two designers can claim to have invented the modern
wristwatch: Louis Cartier (France), who in 1904 made one for the aviator
Santos-Dumont; and, in the same year, Hans Wilsdorf (Switzerland), founder of
Rolex. Earlier versions date back to around 1800, but they were essentially
items of jewelry rather than a watchmaker's product. Wristwatches quickly
achieved widespread popularity among women, but it was not until World War I that
they were generally adopted by men.
In 1910 Rolex produced the first wrist
chronometer.
(Inventions and Discoveries)
