Tutorial on the history of watchmaking by watchmaker Kalle Slaap from Chronoglide, Vintage Watch repair specialists near Amsterdam. This introductory video provides a broad overview of timekeeping history, ranging from ancient Sumerian systems and water clocks to the invention of the pendulum and balance spring. It highlights the core architecture of mechanical watches, specifically the mainspring, gear train, escapement, and balance wheel, explaining that these fundamentals have remained largely unchanged since the mid-19th century. Kalle also compares mechanical movements to quartz and atomic technology while detailing the transition from pocket watches to military wristwatches. Finally, the session explores the mechanics of the Swiss lever escapement and the functional importance of synthetic rubies in watch bearings.
