Watch

Watch, small, portable timepiece. It is usually worn around the wrist, but may also be carried in a pocket or purse, or be worn as part of jewelry, such as a ring, necklace, or pin. Watches have been in use since the early 1500s when a method was discovered whereby a mainspring could be used to power a clock instead of falling weights; this made it possible to create portable clocks. Most modern watches are electronic, powered by small quartz crystals. After running a year, an electronic watch may be off fewer than 60 seconds.