Peter Henlein
Peter Henlein | |
|---|---|
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, 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), a locksmith, clockmaker, and watchmaker of Nuremberg, Germany. Due to the Fire-gilded pomander-shaped watch from 1505, he is often considered the inventor of the pocket watch. He was one of the first craftsmen to make small ornamental portable clocks which were often worn as pendants or attached to clothing, and which are regarded as the first watches. Many sources also erroneously credit him as the inventor of the mainspring.