According to the archives presented by Breguet, Caroline Murat commissioned wristwatch no. Breguet — order, 1810 Breguet — delivery, 1812
2639 on 8 June 1810. Breguet — order, 1810 Breguet — delivery, 1812
Breguet describes it as the first known wristwatch and gives its delivery year as 1812: 1810 is the order date, not the delivery date. Breguet — order, 1810 Breguet — delivery, 1812
Seiko states that the Quartz Astron 35SQ, which the brand describes as the world’s first quartz wristwatch, went on sale on 25 December 1969. Seiko — quartz Astron
These documented milestones are not a comprehensive history of the watch.
Frequently asked questions
Who invented the watch?
The sources retained here do not establish a single inventor of the watch.
What was the first wristwatch?
Breguet describes the watch ordered in 1810 as the first known wristwatch and gives its delivery year as 1812. Breguet — order, 1810 Breguet — delivery, 1812
When did the quartz watch appear?
Seiko states that the Quartz Astron 35SQ, which the brand describes as the world’s first quartz wristwatch, went on sale on 25 December 1969. Seiko — quartz Astron