The genesis of horology in the early 16th century brought forth delicate, mechanical marvels for the immensely affluent. Back in the day, these timekeepers could endure debilitating damage with just a modest bump. Their accuracy was erratic, often missing the mark by a considerable span of hours. Prioritizing shock resistance was unheard of; the focus was dedicated to ameliorating accuracy, dependability, and portability.

These evolved over centuries into refined and precise pocket watches, transforming from weighty pendulum clocks to sleek, wearables. Nonetheless, these pieces were vulnerable, notably the balance and hairspring - elements that wouldn’t see a viable shock resistance until the late 18th century.

The tourbillon’s inventor, master horologist Abraham-Louis Breguet, also birthed an effective shock resistance system. French for a parachute, he named his invention ‘pare-chute’, envisioning its role in cushioning forceful impacts, hence preventing damages. The implementation of this system led to significant improvements in watch durability.