The introduction of coiled mainsprings in the early 1500s revolutionized timekeeping by enabling the creation of portable clocks and watches. This innovation allowed for greater accuracy in time measurement and made it possible for individuals to carry timepieces with them. The development of mainspring technology laid the groundwork for the modern horology industry and changed how people interacted with time.

The invention of the mainspring in clocks around 1500 revolutionized timekeeping, influencing Renaissance sonnets that contemplated time and mortality. Poets like John Donne and William Shakespeare used the newfound precision of time to explore themes of love, loss, and the ephemeral nature of life.