Physicists, astronomers, architects, geometricians, mathematicians, chronometer-makers, watchmakers: these are just some of the interested people who, through the years, have displayed a passion for the measurement of time. Their research led to major discoveries and inventions that are still relevant today. Whether physical or geometrical theories, natural laws or mechanical applications, their fundamental contributions have all made it possible to measure time with greater accuracy, to create timepieces to ever higher specifications while allowing aesthetic qualities to become more refined, and even to design increasingly efficient and modern production methods.
Isaac Newton
(1642 - 1727)
Eminent English mathematician and physicist. He discovered the law of gravitation and formulated a corpuscular theory of light and the infinitesimal calculus. He was one of the chief founders of theoretical mechanics.