All over the world people are marking the 100 year anniversary of the start of the First World War. What many people do not know though is that this year also marks 100 years since wristwatches were first worn by men.
Up until 1914 men usually carried watches attached to a chain fob, leaving women to wear their timepieces on their wrists. Paul Maudsley, director of the watch department of auction house Bonhams, explains: "Wristwatches were seen as effeminate until the First World War. They had previously mostly been worn by women on bracelets. But soldiers found them more practical than the fob watch in armed combat."
Maudsley believes that, although collectable watches tend to date from the 1950's onwards, this year's centenary may spark renewed interest in the very old timepieces.
Watches worn in the trenches tended not to have the manufacturer's name on them, but they were often covered by grills to protect them from damage. Some, unmarked watches from the time can sell for around 2,000 pounds while others can make up to 700 pounds, depending on their condition.
Before quartz technology, watches were mechanical, driven by internal movements with mainspring, gears, levers, jewel-lined bearings and wheels driving the device. During the 70's, quartz technology, driven by crystal regulated electronic pulses, helped make watches more affordable and accurate.
Now, of course, investors also have the choice of digital timepieces - the Pulsar LED, the first commercial digital watch, was made by Hamilton Watch Company in 1970 and sold for 1,300 pounds. Now one would set you back over 7,000 pounds!
Maudsley says: "Although this is the most collected brand there are also lots of other iconic watches. These include Jaeger-LeCoultre and its Reverso model. Other collectable watchmakers include Breguet, Audemars Piguet, Cartier, Tissot, Breitling, TAG Heuer, Omega and Longines."
The most expensive watch ever, a Patek Philippe made in 1944, fetched a staggering 3.4 million pounds in 2010.
Investing in watches is becoming more and more popular - a watch is sold every 5 seconds on E-bay, adding up to 6.8 million watches every year!
So, if you are thinking of starting a collection, go for it! Just remember to do your research before investing. Do it right and you could be the proud owner of some historic pieces - and maybe even get a good return in the future!
Make sure to check The Watch Supermarket website regularly for more updates on this topic.
Up until 1914 men usually carried watches attached to a chain fob, leaving women to wear their timepieces on their wrists. Paul Maudsley, director of the watch department of auction house Bonhams, explains: "Wristwatches were seen as effeminate until the First World War. They had previously mostly been worn by women on bracelets. But soldiers found them more practical than the fob watch in armed combat."
Maudsley believes that, although collectable watches tend to date from the 1950's onwards, this year's centenary may spark renewed interest in the very old timepieces.
Watches worn in the trenches tended not to have the manufacturer's name on them, but they were often covered by grills to protect them from damage. Some, unmarked watches from the time can sell for around 2,000 pounds while others can make up to 700 pounds, depending on their condition.
Before quartz technology, watches were mechanical, driven by internal movements with mainspring, gears, levers, jewel-lined bearings and wheels driving the device. During the 70's, quartz technology, driven by crystal regulated electronic pulses, helped make watches more affordable and accurate.
Now, of course, investors also have the choice of digital timepieces - the Pulsar LED, the first commercial digital watch, was made by Hamilton Watch Company in 1970 and sold for 1,300 pounds. Now one would set you back over 7,000 pounds!
Maudsley says: "Although this is the most collected brand there are also lots of other iconic watches. These include Jaeger-LeCoultre and its Reverso model. Other collectable watchmakers include Breguet, Audemars Piguet, Cartier, Tissot, Breitling, TAG Heuer, Omega and Longines."
The most expensive watch ever, a Patek Philippe made in 1944, fetched a staggering 3.4 million pounds in 2010.
Investing in watches is becoming more and more popular - a watch is sold every 5 seconds on E-bay, adding up to 6.8 million watches every year!
So, if you are thinking of starting a collection, go for it! Just remember to do your research before investing. Do it right and you could be the proud owner of some historic pieces - and maybe even get a good return in the future!
Make sure to check The Watch Supermarket website regularly for more updates on this topic.