Time change: Let’s demystify this biannual tradition

Twice a year, the time change shakes up our habits and our watches . But why on earth do we continue this practice that sometimes seems to come from another time? Let's dive into the workings of this tradition that is as controversial as our automatic watches !

The origins of time change: a bright idea?

Imagine that the idea of ​​changing the time is not new! It was Benjamin Franklin, the inventor of the lightning rod, who had this "brilliant" idea in 1784. His goal? To save candles! Which just goes to show that even geniuses can have slightly crazy ideas.

But it wasn’t until 1916, during World War I, that Germany first put this idea into practice. The goal was to save coal. Not a very glamorous start to a tradition that would affect our luxury watches , right?

How time change works

The principle is simple:

• In spring, we move forward one hour: we sleep one hour less, but we gain one hour of light in the evening.
• In the fall, we turn the clock back one hour: we sleep an hour longer (yay!), but it gets dark earlier.

To remember, there's a little trick: "In April, we move forward; in October, we move backward." Easy, right? Almost as easy as setting your automatic watch !

Why do we bother with this?

So why do we continue this little merry-go-round twice a year? Here are the reasons given:

1. Energy savings : The idea is to make maximum use of natural light to reduce electricity consumption.
2. Road safety : More light in the evening in summer = fewer accidents, apparently.
3. Enjoying summer evenings : Who doesn't love those long summer evenings where you can admire your Rolex under the last rays of the sun?

Controversies: Not everything is rosy in the world of time change

As with the choice between a mechanical or automatic watch , the time change is controversial:

• Energy savings are being questioned. Some say that we save as much as a mosquito in a tanker truck!
• Health impact : Our body doesn't like it when its rhythm is disrupted. It's a bit like throwing a watch winder into the cogs of our internal clock.
• Complexity for certain sectors : Imagine the headache for international transport or IT systems!

The future of time change: towards the end of an era?

The European Union has long debated abandoning the time change. It's almost as complicated as choosing between a Tudor and a Rolex !

Some countries have already taken the plunge. Russia, for example, said "Stoi!" (Stop!) to the time change in 2011.

How to adapt to the time change without losing your mind?

Here are some tips to keep your body from feeling like a demagnetized watch :

1. Gradually adjust your routine : Start a few days before by slightly shifting your meal and sleep times.
2. Take advantage of natural light : Expose yourself to daylight as soon as you wake up to regulate your internal clock.
3. Exercise : It helps regulate your rhythm, like a good winder for your automatic watch!

Juicy anecdotes

Did you know that in 1999, a computer crash caused total chaos on public transportation in Philadelphia? Buses left an hour late, thinking the time hadn't changed yet. Imagine the faces of the passengers!

In Brazil, the time change was abandoned in 2019 because it disturbed... dairy cows! As it turns out, even cattle have their say on the passage of time.

The time change is a bit like a collector's watch : some love it, others would like to get rid of it. Whether we love it or hate it, it continues to punctuate our lives twice a year. So, while we wait to find out if this tradition will continue or disappear like pocket watches , don't forget to adjust your watches... and perhaps invest in a nice watch box to protect them from all these changes!

FAQ

1. When is the next time change? The last Sunday in October for winter time, and the last Sunday in March for summer time.
2. Do all countries change their time? No, only about 70 countries practice time change. Some, like Japan or Russia, have abandoned it.
3. Why do some devices update automatically? These devices are connected to time servers that send them the information. It's a bit like having an automatic winder for your watch!
4. Does the time change affect animals? Yes, animals, especially domestic animals, can be disturbed because their routine changes abruptly.
5. How long does it take for the body to adjust to the time change? It usually takes about a week for our body to fully adapt. That’s longer than getting used to wearing a new luxury watch !