Reading Int 2: Clock-watches

Clock-watches

The first timepieces that were worn are the so-called clock-watches of the mid 16th century. They were quite different from the modern day wristwatch in several respects. They were made almost completely from brass and were not round but cylindrical in shape with a hinged metal cover instead of a glass face. This was in the form of a grill so that the hour hand – there was no minute hand or second hand – could be seen without opening it.

Another difference was that these clock-watches were almost entirely decorative in purpose and were worn in the same way as a necklace or a brooch, typically being attached to the clothing or hung around the neck. Part of the reason for this is that the many of the first watch makers were jewellers by trade, men who had to find a new form of work after Calvin banned the wearing of jewellery in 1547. So they brought the skills of ornamentation to their new craft. So while the most famous clock-watches were the plain Nuremburg Eggs made by Peter Henlein, who is sometimes credited with the invention of the watch, the designs rapidly became increasingly ornate and included shapes such as flowers, stars and animals. Indeed, the nobility, who were the only people able to afford these timepieces, bought them almost exclusively for their appearance and not for timekeeping purposes for the simple reason that they would often gain or lose several hours in the course of a day.

Are the following statements true, false, or not given in the text? 

1. Clock watches only had one hand
2. Peter Henlein first worked as a jeweller
3. All the first clock-watches were ornate.