Peter Henlein
Peter Henlein | |
|---|---|
Peter Henlein | |
| Born | 23 August 1485 Nuremberg |
| Died | 1542 (aged 56–57) Nuremberg |
| Monuments | Hefnersplatz (Nuremberg), by Max Meißner (1905) |
| Other names | Peter Hele, Peter Henle |
| Occupations | master locksmith, clockmaker, watchmaker |
| 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) |
Peter Henlein (also spelled Henle or Hele) (1485–August 1542) was a German locksmith, clockmaker and watchmaker from Nuremberg. He is often credited with inventing the pocket watch, particularly in connection with the fire-gilded pomander-shaped watch from 1505. He was among the first craftsmen to make small portable spring-driven clocks, worn as pendants, or attached to clothing, that are regarded as the earliest watches. Some popular accounts also credit Henlein with inventing the mainspring, although this fact is disputed.