Electrical and Electronic Wristwatches

Electrically powered movements with a balance wheel. In 1957 Hamilton (USA) brought the first electrical wristwatches onto the market. The balance wheel was kept in motion electrically.

A tuning fork as a regulator. In 1960 Bulova (USA/CH) introduced a watch movement that had no balance wheel; a tuning fork with a frequency of 300 Hz powered the movement mechanically. Instead of making a ticking sound, it had a barely audible hum.

Oscillating quartz crystals as regulators. In 1969 Seiko (J) presented the first wristwatch with an oscillating quartz at 8192 Hz; the impulses were transmitted electronically. It was precise to within a few seconds per month.

Electronic Displays. In 1971 Hamilton (USA) made a wristwatch that did not have any mechanical parts. The first models showed the time with red light-emitting diodes. Liquid crystal displays became available as from 1972.

Additional functions. Electronic movements provide a number of additional functions along with the time: a calculator, pulsimeter, barometer, radio reception; today there is even room for a PC with interface.