Why are there 60 seconds in a minute?

The ticking of our watches marks the rhythm of our days, but have you ever wondered why a minute is exactly 60 seconds long? This division of time, so familiar that it seems natural to us, actually has a fascinating history that goes back thousands of years.

From the Sumerians to our modern automatic watches

The origin of our time system dates back to the Sumerian civilization, more than 4000 years ago. These ancient inhabitants of Mesopotamia used a sexagesimal numbering system, that is, based on the number 60.

Why 60? This number has several mathematical advantages:

• It is divisible by 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 15, 20, 30 and 60
• It allows simple fractional calculations

This system was then transmitted to the Babylonians, who perfected it and applied it to the measurement of time. They divided the day into 24 hours, each hour into 60 minutes, and each minute into 60 seconds.

The astronomical heritage

The choice of the number 60 is not only linked to its mathematical properties. It also finds its origin in the observation of celestial cycles:

• The year has approximately 360 days (6 x 60)
• The Babylonian zodiac was divided into 12 signs (60 / 5)

This relationship between time and celestial movements has profoundly influenced the way we measure and conceive of time, a legacy that can still be found in our modern luxury watches .

The persistence of a thousand-year-old system

Despite attempts at reform, such as the French Revolution, which wanted to establish a decimal system of time, the sexagesimal division has persisted. Why? Mainly for two reasons:

1. Its deep roots in our cultures and habits
2. Its practicality for precise calculations and measurements

This persistence is reflected in the design of our analog watches , which continue to divide the dial into 60 minutes.

The impact on modern watchmaking

Today, this system inherited from ancient civilizations continues to influence the design of our automatic watches . Watchmakers face the challenge of creating mechanisms capable of dividing time according to this sexagesimal system.

Automatic watch winders play a crucial role in maintaining the accuracy of these complex mechanisms. They keep watches moving even when they are not being worn, ensuring consistent precision.

The minute in our daily life

The division of time into 60 seconds per minute has deeply marked our language and our culture:

• "In a minute" to mean a short moment
• "At the last minute" to evoke the urgency

This measurement of time also influences our perception of duration and our daily organization. It is at the heart of the functioning of our automatic watches , which we wear every day.

To preserve these precious timepieces, many collectors opt for elegant watch boxes , available in different materials such as leather or wood .

The future of time measurement

Although firmly anchored in our societies, could the sexagesimal system one day be replaced? With the advent of digital technology and smartwatches , new ways of measuring and displaying time could emerge. However, the force of habit and the practicality of the current system make a radical change unlikely in the short term.

The next time you glance at your luxury watch , remember that behind this simple gesture lies a thousand-year-old story, a testament to human ingenuity and our relentless quest to master time.

Whether you prefer to store your watch in a convenient case for travel or display it on an elegant watch stand , each accessory helps preserve the legacy of this fascinating division of time.

FAQ

Why don't we use a decimal system to measure time?

Although the decimal system is more intuitive for calculations, the sexagesimal system offers more divisors, making it more practical for many applications, particularly in watchmaking.
Are there cultures that use a different system for measuring time?

Yes, some traditional cultures use systems based on lunar or solar cycles, but the international system remains predominant in modern watchmaking.
How do modern watches adapt to this ancient system?

Watch movements are designed to divide time according to the sexagesimal system, either mechanically or electronically. Automatic watches in particular are true feats of engineering to maintain this precision.
Does the sexagesimal system influence other areas besides time measurement?

Yes, we find it in particular in the measurement of angles in geometry and navigation, areas closely linked to the history of precision watchmaking.
Can we really appreciate the precision of a second without an instrument?

Human perception of time is subjective, but with practice, it is possible to estimate a second fairly accurately. This is one of the reasons why luxury watches continue to fascinate watch enthusiasts.