Hands of Time by Rebecca Struthers 

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Hands of Time by Rebecca Struthers: Episode 5

Hands of Time by Rebecca Struthers

Episode 5

BBC Radio 4 - Hands of Time by Rebecca Struthers, Episode 5

The 20th century saw personal timepieces move from the pocket to the wrist.

How did watches go from being worn on a chain, around the neck or waist or in a pocket to becoming the wristwatches we know now ?

"A watchmaker’s world is not much bigger than a thumbnail.

I spend whole days working on mechanisms which can contain hundreds of tiny components. Each of them has a specific task to perform. Every morning when I sit at my bench, it is an adventure into a new timepiece with its own history to lose myself in. And in their history, we can find the history of time itself."

Timepieces are one of humanity’s most ingenious innovations. Their invention was more significant for human culture than the printing press, or even the wheel. They have travelled the world with us, from the depths of the oceans to the summit of Everest, and even to the Moon. They regulate our daily lives and have sculpted the social and economic development of society in surprising and dramatic ways.

In Hands of Time watchmaker and historian Rebecca Struthers welcomes us into the hidden world of watchmaking, offering a personal history of watches that spans centuries and continents. From her workshop bench, Rebecca explores the ways in which timekeeping has indelibly shaped our attitudes to work, leisure, trade, politics, exploration and mortality.

A correction from the publisher and author: The date given in the extract for the moon landing is incorrect, it actually took place in 1969. 

Written by Rebecca Struthers
Abridged by Jill Waters and Isobel Creed
Read by Phoebe Pryce
Produced by Jill Waters
A Waters Company production for BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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Watchmaker Rebecca Struthers' unique exploration of the history and art of timekeeping.

Book of the Week. Watchmaker and doctor of horology Rebecca Struthers explores the ancient human urge to mark the passage of time and the devices that were invented to do so.

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