Peter Henlein

Peter Henlein (also spelled Henle or Hele) (1485–August 1542) was a German locksmith, clockmaker and watchmaker from Nuremberg. He is often credited with inventing the pocket watch, particularly in connection with the fire-gilded pomander-shaped watch from 1505. He was among the first craftsmen to make small portable spring-driven clocks, worn as pendants, or attached to clothing, that are regarded as the earliest watches. Some popular accounts also credit Henlein with inventing the mainspring, although this fact is disputed.