Watch

A watch is a portable timekeeping device designed to be worn on the wrist or carried in a pocket. Modern watches display hours, minutes, and seconds, and many include additional complications such as the date, day, month, or a moon phase. Watches are powered by mechanical, quartz, or digital/electronic movements and may include smart features.

A typical watch has a movement, a dial with hands, a case, a crystal, a crown, and a strap or bracelet. Movements differ: mechanical (manual-wind or automatic) use a mainspring and gears; quartz movements rely on a quartz oscillator and electronics; digital and smart watches display numerals electronically.

Historically, portable clocks emerged in Europe in the 16th century, becoming the predecessor of pocket watches. The term watch originally referred to a small, portable clock. Wristwatches gained popularity in the 20th century after World War I, when soldiers found wrists more practical than pockets; civil adoption followed.

In contemporary markets, mechanical watches are valued for craftsmanship, while quartz models emphasize accuracy and affordability. Smartwatches add sensors, connectivity, and apps. Common materials include stainless steel, gold, titanium, and ceramic for cases, with sapphire or mineral crystals and various straps. Water resistance and accuracy standards vary by model and certification such as COSC or ISO ratings.

Watches have played roles in travel, navigation, and sport, and remain both practical devices and collectibles. The market includes luxury brands, midrange timepieces, and consumer-grade devices, with price reflecting movement quality, materials, and brand heritage.