Polshorloges

Polshorloges is the Dutch term for wristwatches, timekeeping devices worn on the wrist with a strap or bracelet. They are designed to provide portable timekeeping and can be analog or digital. The term distinguishes these devices from pocket watches, which are carried in a pocket and attached with a chain.

History and development: Modern wristwatches emerged in the late 19th century, with early models produced for women and military use. Their popularity grew during World War I, when soldiers found wristwatches more practical than pocket watches. After the war, wristwatches became common among civilians, leading to rapid innovation in case design, movement, and materials. The advent of quartz technology in the 1960s–70s further transformed the industry, enabling cheaper, more accurate timekeeping and expanding the market for mass-produced watches.

Movements and features: Wristwatches use mechanical movements (manual-winding and automatic) or quartz/electronic movements, and some include digital displays. Common complications include date, day/date, chronograph, and moon phase. High-end models may feature tourbillons, multiple time zones, or heart-rate sensors in smartwatches.

Design and materials: Cases are typically made from stainless steel, gold, titanium, or ceramics; crystals from sapphire glass are common. Straps may be leather, metal bracelets, rubber, or fabric. Styles range from dress watches with slim profiles to sport and diving watches with higher water resistance and robust design. Water resistance ratings (e.g., 30 to 300 meters) indicate suitability for daily wear or diving.

Market and culture: Wristwatches span a wide price range, from affordable mass-market models to luxury timepieces and collectible pieces. Maintenance is important, including regular servicing and battery replacement for quartz models. In recent years, smartwatches have become popular, providing connected features alongside traditional timekeeping, health tracking, and apps, which has influenced both fashion and device categories.