Invented in 1923 by John Harwood (1893 – 1964), a watch repairer from Bolton Lancashire who took out a UK patent with his financial backer, Harry Cutts, on 7 July 1923, and obtained a corresponding Swiss patent on 16 October 1923.
Sealed Watch
Recognizing that dust and dampness were decisive factors leading to most wrist watches inaccuracy and functional problems, Harwood looked to develop a watch with a winding mechanism inside the watch.
Harwood self-winding watch Harwood watch face
Self Winding Watch Company
The watches were first shown at the Basel Fair in 1926. He set up the Harwood Self Winding Watch Company in 1928 to market the watches in the UK.
