In antiquity, time was treated with awe. To have the opportunity to observe its progress was the privilege of special sections of the population. The first hours were inaccurate, massive, unreliable. The evolution of watchmaking modified the mechanism and form, making them more and more perfect and desirable. And at the beginning of the 16th century, the German master invented the first watches that could be worn with you. For its characteristic shape and some other features, this type of device around the world began to be called so: "Nuremberg eggs." We will devote our article to this wonderful invention.
The first portable watch
During the Renaissance in the German city of Nuremberg, wonderful pocket watches that had a rounded shape were invented. Men wore them fastened on a chain to their belts. For the unusual shape of their products they were nicknamed "Nuremberg eggs." In Germany and many other countries, they were very popular. Thus, we now know the interpretation of the word "Nuremberg egg".
The main distinguishing feature of pocket Nuremberg watches from all similar products of that time is their portability. Such a useful device has become convenient, however, due to the complexity of manufacturing, it was an attribute of people of high status. The case was richly decorated. On it were various ornaments, stones, images. Masters gave vent to their imagination in the manufacture of such gizmos.
Watch maker
As with the description of any other great creation, it is worth mentioning the name of the author in order to know whom to thank for a masterpiece. "Nuremberg egg" - a watch created by a master from the German city of Nuremberg in the early 16th century. The name of this talented person is Peter Henlein.
The time of creation of unusual watches is not determined with such accuracy as the name of the author. When could the first Nuremberg eggs appear? Presumably between 1480 and 1511. The device was unusual, and the finish was so beautiful that everyone started talking about the new watch. As a result, most wealthy Europeans wished to have such an accessory.
origin of name
It is widely believed that the name "Nuremberg Eggs" owes only to the shape of a pocket watch. And indeed: their case is round or even oval, moreover, the dial is inside. To see the time, you need to open the halves of the "egg". However, not at all the form became the basis for the unusual designation of a unique product.
In German, the name of the watch sounds like Nurnberger Ei - "Nuremberg Egg". It is consonant with the Latin word for "hour". Hence the wordplay, and the name "Nuremberg eggs" entrenched in use. It became recognizable and helped the creation of Peter Henlein to keep its history to this day.
Device features
The new device was unusual for its time, and from the heights of the development of modern technology. Only one hand moved on the dial. Accordingly, she showed time only approximately. However, for that stage of technology development, this was considered a great achievement.
The watch case of Peter Henlein was made of iron. That is, they were quite resistant to mechanical damage and were well suited for the role of things that they often carry with them.
The device with which Nuremberg watches were endowed was considered very complicated in those days. Dozens of different gears worked inside, but they were all so small that the watch easily fit in your pocket. It is amazing to realize that such an compact idea can be implemented so compactly and functionally.
Henlein also made a great contribution to the development of mechanics by using a spring in a watch.
A masterpiece of art
We already managed to get acquainted with the unusual concept of "Nuremberg egg". That this watch, perhaps some did not even guess. In addition, such a product is an incredibly beautiful work of art (applied and jewelry, in particular).
After its appearance, Nuremberg watches began to gain popularity extremely quickly. The demands of those sections of society who could afford them were very high. To know did not suit a simple iron case. Jewelers began to encrust watches with precious stones, bizarre patterns. This made every such work unique. Suspended on a gold chain, Nuremberg pocket watches were exquisite men's accessories.
In private collections you can find amazing examples of such products. In the history of watchmaking, this stage is considered special.
Conclusion
During a fascinating journey into one of the eras of the past, we described a pocket watch “Nuremberg egg”. Their creator created something special: a portable watch with a complex mechanism. They were a wonderful accessory.
In conclusion, it is worth saying that devices that have maintained good condition to this day are real masterpieces of art. The rich inlay and the generous use of the most expensive materials show how highly people appreciated time and devices, giving a semblance of power over it.
The Nuremberg Egg is a watch that only the rich people of the Renaissance could afford. Now rare specimens of these beautiful works of art are in museums and occupy prominent places in private collections.
We hope that the information presented in the article helped you to present the splendor that is inherent in the first pocket watch called “Nuremberg eggs”.