Blog: AOTM - First Automatic Wristwatch

Date: 26 October 2021

Horological Journal July 2020 AOTM - First Automatic Wristwatch: Click image to access article

The British Horological Institute (BHI) has published the Horological Journal every month since the institute was founded in 1858.

Since January 2020 the BHI has made an article from each issue freely available on its website as an Article of the Month (AOTM) under the heading Each month the BHI post one of the articles from the latest edition of the Horological Journal on the BHI website to give those of you that are not already members a chance to see the high quality peer-reviewed content that has kept the HJ at the forefront of the industry for over 160 years.

The Article of the Month for July 2020 was written by me on the subject of the first automatic wristwatch, a wristwatch that didn't need to be wound with a key or by turning a crown. If you would like to read or download it, follow this link: First Automatic Wristwatch.

The cover image has nothing to do with my article. It shows a gilt brass, quarter-striking, astronomical clock with alarm, circa 1740, by Johann Peter Mayr. It is believed that he made it to gain admittance to the Augsburg Guild. On the rear cover is another Augsburg clock from circa 1610, by Caspar Buschmann II. It is an astronomical monstrance table clock with cross-beat escapement. Both clocks were sold at Sotheby's 'Decorative & Fine Art from Unique Homes & Collections' online auction in May. Images © Sotheby's.

The BHI website says “Feel free to download and share these articles” so please go ahead. If you would like to become a member of the BHI and receive the Horological Journal every month, you can join via the BHI website.