Clocks were invented in different forms over a long historical timeline. The earliest timekeeping devices were sundials and water clocks used in ancient Egypt around 1200 BC. Mechanical clocks, which are closer to what we consider clocks today, were first developed in Europe around the late 13th to early 14th century, with the first mechanical tower clocks appearing circa 1300. The first pendulum clock, a significant advance in accuracy, was invented by Christiaan Huygens in 1656. Portable clocks and watches started to develop in the 15th and 16th centuries, with Peter Henlein credited for making the first portable timepieces around 1500. To summarize:
- Ancient sundials and water clocks date back to about 1200 BC.
- The first mechanical clocks appeared around 1300.
- The first pendulum clock was invented in 1656 by Christiaan Huygens.
- Portable clocks emerged in the 15th century, with the first pocket watch around 1500.
This timeline captures the key milestones in the invention of clocks through history.
