Watch Fact of the Day: The 1914 Eterna Was the First Wristwatch to Wake You Up

📅 Monday, October 19, 2026

While mechanical alarm complications existed in pocket watches for centuries, shrinking the mechanism into a wristwatch proved exceptionally difficult. In 1914, Swiss watchmaker Eterna solved this spatial puzzle by launching the world’s first production alarm wristwatch, utilizing a patent filed years prior. Because it relied on a single tiny mainspring to power both the timekeeping and the chime, the alarm could only sound for a brief six seconds.

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Category: Watch History

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to keep these watch facts accurate, but the world of horology is full of myths, disputed stories, and fascinating trivia. Consider these facts a starting point for discovery rather than the final word. If you have corrections or additional insights, let us know—we’re always happy to keep the record ticking in the right direction.

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