Jump hour watches

The first “jump hour” watch, which displayed the hour and minute as discrete digits, was invented in 1883.
The first “jump hour” watch, which displayed the hour and minute as discrete digits, was invented in 1883.

Take a moment and picture a pocket watch. Are you thinking of a hunting case watch with elaborate relief decorations and an engraved monogram? A minimalist open-faced watch with a 14K gold case? Maybe a chain and a fancy fob? One thing is safe to assume: The watch probably tells time with hands on a dial. “Jump hour” watches like the one pictured here show that isn’t always the case.

The jump hour,…