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Peter Henlein
German locksmith & clockmaker / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Peter Henlein (also spelled Henle or Hele)[1] (1485 - August 1542), a locksmith and clockmaker of Nuremberg, Germany, is often considered the inventor of the watch.[2][3] He was one of the first craftsmen to make small ornamental portable clocks which were often worn as pendants or attached to clothing,[4] and which are regarded as the first watches. Many sources also erroneously[5][6][7] credit him as the inventor of the mainspring.[1][8][9][10]
Quick Facts Born, Died ...
Peter Henlein | |
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![]() Peter Henlein | |
Born | 23 August 1485 Nuremberg |
Died | 1542 (aged 56–57) Nuremberg |
Monuments | Hefnersplatz (Nuremberg), by Max Meißner (1905) |
Nationality | German |
Other names | Peter Hele, Peter Henle |
Occupation(s) | master locksmith, watch maker |
Era | German Renaissance |
Known for | Inventor of the watch |
Spouse(s) | Kundigunde Ernst, (first wife) Maragarete (second wife) Walburga Schreyer (Third wife) |
Parents |
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Family | Herman Henlein (older brother) |
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