Ever since the Egyptian’s used sundials to mark the solar calendar, humankind has asked, “Do you have the time?” It became much easier to find the time in the 1700s, when wearable clocks came into fashion, and in the 1800s, when pocket watches were available. Since the mid 1900s, wristwatches have been commonplace, and it’s easy to find fine men’s watches and to match any occasion. Fine watches display the engineering skill and craftsmanship of the watchmaker, and each men’s watch model and women’s watch style contains a unique combination of materials and movement. Possessing some information on materials, movements and components before purchasing a wristwatch will help you make a more informed buying decision. Let us help you buy watches with confidence.
16 PCS Watch Tool Kit
- 16 Common Use Generic Watch Repair Tools
- Great For Changing Batteries & Bands On Most Watches
- The Highest Quality 16 Piece Watch Kit on The Market
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This set of 16 watch repair tools includes: 1 watchband link pin remover, 1 watchband holder, one spring bar remover, 3 Pin punches, 1 metal and plastic hammer, 1 case knife, 3 slotted screwdrivers, 2 Phillips screwdrivers, 1 case wrench, 1 pair of long nose pliers with side cutters, and 1 pair of stainless steel tweezers.
Case materials: To protect the movement and dial, most watch cases are made of metal. Stainless steel is the most popular metal used in high-quality watches. Stainless is attractive and resists both tarnish and discoloration. However, titanium is gaining in popularity as a material for men’s and ladies watches. Titanium is as durable as stainless steel but is quite a bit lighter. Gold sets the standard for truly luxurious men’s and ladies watches. Watchmakers craft these models in 14k, 18k or 22k gold of yellow, rose and white hues. When you buy watches, consider the style and durability of the case material.
Band materials: Watch bands are available in many materials and feature two distinct styles: the bracelet and the strap. A bracelet is a series of interlocking metal links. A strap is leather, fabric, nylon, rubber or synthetic. Leather adds beauty to a casual everyday watch or a dress timepiece. Some wristwatches also feature fine faux leather or fabric straps. Sport watches are designed for outdoor activities and generally feature a durable rubber strap, nylon strap or a metal bracelet. Expand your style options with extra watch bands for each case. A fine gold watch is a major expenditure but well worth the investment to create a treasured heirloom that will be loved for generations. Gorgeous jewelry watches are also available in sterling silver and platinum. For the look of a fine precious metal, choose a gold-plated or silver-plated watch — a brass or steel timepiece electroplated with gold or silver.
Quartz movements: The “movement” refers to the interior mechanism of the watch that drives the timekeeping functions. Watches have quartz, mechanical or automatic movements. A quartz movement is powered by a battery. In this design, a vibrating quartz crystal drives a step motor to move the hands at a constant rate. Passing an electric current through the crystal keeps it oscillating at over 32,000 vibrations per second, which makes the movement extremely reliable. Quartz movements are also cost effective designs for the manufacturer, and the most affordable watches usually have this feature. Swiss quartz combines the movement with the chassis and jewels of a mechanical watch to form the most accurate and most durable quartz watches. On average, the battery needs to be changed every 1.5 years; however, a few quartz watches have solar-powered rechargeable batteries or kinetic technology.
Mechanical movements: A mechanical movement uses a spring that must be wound by hand using the crown. The spring slowly unwinds to release the energy that powers the timekeeping functions. Consumers who appreciate the skill of gifted watchmakers choose these fine watches for their intricate composite of gears and other parts. Well-built mechanical watches can last for generations.
Automatic movements: have mechanical movements that harness the energy produced by the wearer’s arm to wind the spring. Thus, the wearer does not need to manually wind the watch every day; however, it is recommended that you manually wind the movement every two weeks or use a watch winder. Also, adjust the time once a month as automatic and mechanical movements can gain or lose a few minutes per month.
Watch sizing: Case size is an important factor in the watch style. On average, men’s watches have a case width or diameter of 35 millimeters, which is just under 1.5 inches. Women’s watches have a case width or diameter of 34 millimeters or smaller. The thickness measurement refers to the width between the case back and the top of the crystal. The watch band is measured from the buckle to the last hole in the watch strap or from clasp section to clasp section. In general, a watch band will measure 7.5 inches to 8.5 inches for a men’s watch and 6.5 inches to 7.5 inches in length for a women’s watch. Be sure to check the sizing disclaimer in the product description for a listing of the band length.
Watch care: Good watches are examples of fine craftsmanship and will last for decades with proper care. Clean a watch regularly with a soft cloth to remove dirt and oils and use a mild soap and water solution to clean metal bracelets. Avoid exposing your watch to extreme hot or cold temperatures. Even water-resistant timepieces should not be worn in a hot tub or shower. Chlorine, perfumes and other chemicals may damage watch finishes and sealants. Always rinse a water-resistant watch in fresh water after swimming or snorkeling. Finally, keep the watch case away from magnets; they can damage the movement of quartz watches.
Tips from Overstock.com:
Just as jewelry and apparel complement different occasions, so do watches. Start with a classic steel bracelet watch for the office or everyday wear; then enhance your collection with a metal bracelet, leather and fabric strap watches. A sport watch complements an active lifestyle and a luxury timepiece makes a stylish accessory. Materials distinguish the luxury dress watch. For simple elegance, choose a sleek bracelet with a white or black dial. If you like a little more sparkle, look for mother-of-pearl dials and diamond-studded bezels.
Protect your timepieces by storing them in watch boxes. Similar to fine jewelry chests, watch boxes are crafted of beautiful woods and leathers for an impressive presentation. The padded interiors usually include several slots to securely hold watches; a much better option than tossing them into a dresser drawer where they can be scratched. Many of the best boxes features automatic watch winders. The constant gentle rotation keeps your automatic watch ticking even after days without wear.
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