Jewels. Lots of Jewels.
Discussion
The closet watch-fancier in me is floating to the surface. But none of this stuff makes any sense.
What is the difference between a chronograph, a tachymeter and, er, a 'watch'?
Are quartz watches only for cheapskates? (Presumably people who can afford thousands for a watch don't need to be on time?)
Why are only some watches "automatic?" In this internet era, will I have to wind my own if I get one that isn't?
And most of all... this one I saw says it has 23 jewels. http://www.creationwatches.com/products/seiko-auto... They don't appear to be anywhere visible, so where are they and what are they doing?
What is the difference between a chronograph, a tachymeter and, er, a 'watch'?
Are quartz watches only for cheapskates? (Presumably people who can afford thousands for a watch don't need to be on time?)
Why are only some watches "automatic?" In this internet era, will I have to wind my own if I get one that isn't?
And most of all... this one I saw says it has 23 jewels. http://www.creationwatches.com/products/seiko-auto... They don't appear to be anywhere visible, so where are they and what are they doing?
Gizmo! said:
The closet watch-fancier in me is floating to the surface. But none of this stuff makes any sense.
What is the difference between a chronograph, a tachymeter and, er, a 'watch'?
Are quartz watches only for cheapskates? (Presumably people who can afford thousands for a watch don't need to be on time?)
Why are only some watches "automatic?" In this internet era, will I have to wind my own if I get one that isn't?
And most of all... this one I saw says it has 23 jewels. http://www.creationwatches.com/products/seiko-auto... They don't appear to be anywhere visible, so where are they and what are they doing?
Right each one in turn :-What is the difference between a chronograph, a tachymeter and, er, a 'watch'?
Are quartz watches only for cheapskates? (Presumably people who can afford thousands for a watch don't need to be on time?)
Why are only some watches "automatic?" In this internet era, will I have to wind my own if I get one that isn't?
And most of all... this one I saw says it has 23 jewels. http://www.creationwatches.com/products/seiko-auto... They don't appear to be anywhere visible, so where are they and what are they doing?
Chronograph - is basically a stopwatch - all measure at least to the second - below a second accuracy depends on whether it is quartz or mechanical - I won't go into why unless you really want me to
Tachymeter - is usually in conjunction with a chronograpgh - basically its a scale round the dial. You start the watch at the start of a measured mile, stop it at the end -0 and then you can read off the scale what speed you were doing.
Quartz will ALWAYS be more accurate than mechanical - its personal choice at the end of the day - yes Quartz are generally cheaper but that doesn't make them cheapskate. I like the mechanical aspect of watches and therfore I am willing to live with the disadvantages.
All mechanical watches need to be 'wound' - the difference being, auto watches have a weight inside that spins as you move your wrist/arm around - thereby winding up the watch. If you don't wear it they will stop just like a manual wind. Purely manual ones, then you have to hand wind them - normal time between winds is once a day but they will last aboiut 40ish hours
Jewels are inside the watch - normally rubies - they are used as bearings for the wheels - the number of jewels, in simple terms, is a reflection of how many wheels there are in the watch.
Edited by sparkyhx on Wednesday 17th November 20:31
Not much to add to sparkyhx's very comprehensive answer. COuld perhaps add:
1) Quartz are certianly not only for cheapskates, some are very expensive indeed, I saw one the other evening that was time only (may have had a date), was a limited edition, and cost £2,000!
2) jewels are usually synthetic rubies, and as said used as bearings - they are very hard and have very low friction, so resist wear and offer very little resistance, which given how small the watch power source is (just the mainspring) is pretty important. Also they are used for more than just "wheels" - pretty much anything that moves or turns may have a jewel. Some watches, especially modular chronos may have a lot of jewels, I have a modular G-P with 63 jewels.
1) Quartz are certianly not only for cheapskates, some are very expensive indeed, I saw one the other evening that was time only (may have had a date), was a limited edition, and cost £2,000!
2) jewels are usually synthetic rubies, and as said used as bearings - they are very hard and have very low friction, so resist wear and offer very little resistance, which given how small the watch power source is (just the mainspring) is pretty important. Also they are used for more than just "wheels" - pretty much anything that moves or turns may have a jewel. Some watches, especially modular chronos may have a lot of jewels, I have a modular G-P with 63 jewels.
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