The history of portable timepieces dates back to 16th century Europe. The first step towards reducing the size of clocks was the development of the mainspring mechanism, which was invented by famous clockmaker Peter Henlein around the year 1510. Not only did the mainspring improve the accuracy of clocks, but it also allowed them to be wound without the use of weights. Henlein is often credited as the inventor of the watch but this claim is controversial due to a lack of conclusive evidence.
Small spring-driven clocks known as ‘Nuremberg Eggs’ became popular in the second half of the 16th century. One style of clock-watch produced in Nuremberg at this time was the pomander watch. These spherical watches were housed in small pomanders – small containers for perfume – that could be worn on a chain around the neck or the waist. They were, however, expensive and inaccurate, so they were more novelty items for the nobility rather than useful timepieces.