Wristwatches became common only in the twentieth century, replacing pocket watches for most people.

The longer version

Pocket watches dominated the nineteenth century, partly because a watch worn on the wrist was then seen as feminine and partly because small movements were unreliable. Straps with wire lugs were made for soldiers who needed both hands free, and the habit survived the war. Trench conditions made fumbling for a pocket chain impractical.

Manufacturers then marketed them to everyone, and by mid-century the pocket watch had become unusual. Wearing time on the body changed how people organised the day: punctuality became personal rather than something checked against a clock on a wall or a bell in a tower. Dial sizes shrank and waterproof cases appeared as designs matured.

Where this entry sits

These facts wander through clocks, calendars, time zones, and the long human effort to measure passing hours. You will find leap years, odd month lengths, ancient sundials, and the reasons modern timekeeping works the way it does. The full list sits on the Time and Calendars page, where every entry is listed in order.