Timekeeping
Timekeeping devices have been used for thousands of years to measure and keep track of time.
Mechanical clocks, employing the verge escapement mechanism, were first invented in Europe around the start of the 14th century and were the standard timekeeping device until the pendulum clock was invented in 1656.
The mainspring invention (early 15th century) allowed portable clocks to be built but these were not accurate until the balance spring was added to the balance wheel (mid-17th century).
The pendulum clock remained the most accurate timekeeper until the 1930s when quartz oscillators were invented, followed by atomic clocks after WW2.
1913 pocket watch
This pocket watch was presented by the IEE's Scottish Local Section in 1913 to James E Sayers, Honorary Secretary and Treasurer of the Scottish Local Section between 1907 and 1914.
The watch was made in Birmingham and sold by the jewellers Edward & Sons Limited, 82 Buchanan Street, Glasgow.
We’re upgrading our systems, and this includes changes to our customer and member account log in, MyIET. It’s part of our big picture plan to deliver a great experience for you and our wider engineering community.
Whilst most of our websites remain available for browsing, it will not be possible to log in to purchase products or access services from Thursday, 17 April to Wednesday, 30 April 2025. Our Member Relations team is here to help and for many of our services, including processing payments or orders, we’ll be able to support you over the phone on +44 (0)1438 765678 or email via membership@theiet.org.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding.
For further information related to specific products and services, please visit our FAQs webpage.