Watch Terminology Dictionary

A military watch. Compared to regular watches, it is required to be more robust and accurate. Napoleon Bonaparte is said to have carried a precision pocket watch made by Preguet during his Egyptian campaign. The first wristwatch was made by Girard-Perregaux in 1880. The usefulness of wristwatches for military use was recognized during World War I, and they became commonplace during World War II. Features such as luminous paint, center seconds, waterproof cases, ultra-magnetic resistance, and titanium cases were popularized through military watches. Due to maintenance issues, most military watches today have been replaced by quartz movements.