Innovations in timekeeping, ranging from ultra-thin mechanical timepieces to the health-monitoring prowess of smartwatches, continue to reshape our perception of what a watch can do. Yet, despite such advances, our fundamental approach to timekeeping has scarcely evolved from early mechanical timekeeping. It is disconnected from the drastic changes in our daily lives over the past 2000 years.
I believe that something vital was lost when humanity transitioned from the sundial to mechanical means of tracking time—a loss that we must address to foster healthier, more balanced lives in today’s fast-paced world. I am on a mission to advocate for a future where timekeeping is human-centred again. Here’s why:
Historical Timekeeping Practices
Originally, humans used the sun to mark the day’s progress. It was an intuitive method deeply aligned with our internal biological clock. The sundial didn’t just tell the time—it also indicated our position within our waking hours, signalling when to rest. However, as the Roman Empire expanded, it adopted two systems: the ‘Dies Naturalis,’ based on the sun, and the ‘Dies Civilis,’ aligned with the earth’s rotation, starting and ending at midnight. The civil day ultimately prevailed because it ensured a day was always the same length no matter the season or geographic location. It suited a society increasingly detached from natural rhythms.
This shift laid the groundwork for productivity gains during the industrial revolution, emphasising efficiency over biological needs. But despite technological advances—from electric lighting to ubiquitous computing—our physiological needs for regular periods of rest remain unchanged. This clashes with a modern lifestyle that stretches us thin and blurs the boundaries of day and night.
The Case for Human-Centred Timekeeping – the World’s First Circadian Chronograph
Today’s society often overlooks the importance of regular sleep, leading to heightened stress and reliance on technology to manage health indicators. Current timekeeping methods, mirroring an endless day, exacerbate this disconnect, in a sense almost pushing us to meet relentless deadlines.
It’s time to rethink our relationship with time. We need to reintegrate natural sleep cycles into our timekeeping, akin to the ancient sundial but with a modern twist tailored to individualised society. Merivian is the world’s first Circadian Chronograph. A pioneering 24-hour watch that you can adapt to your personal daily (circadian) rhythm. It organises your day in a manner that aligns with your life, making it the most intuitive 24 hour watch available. More than just a tool, it encourages a healthier lifestyle and fosters intentional living.
As we stand on the brink of an AI revolution that promises to accelerate change further, embracing a human-centred approach to timekeeping is crucial. By doing so, we not only enhance our daily lives but also ensure that we can thrive in the days ahead.
Michel Holper – Bos
Founder of Merivian
