WATCHES

WATCHES

Watches are portable timekeeping devices with either mechanical movements (powered by springs and gears) or quartz movements (using a vibrating crystal and electricity) The first watches were developed in the 16th century from clocks, with pocket watches appearing in the 16th century and wristwatches evolving later. While quartz watches became dominant after the "quartz crisis" of the 1980s, mechanical watches remain popular for their craftsmanship and luxury appeal. Modern watches can also be smartwatches, which are advanced electronic devices with features like fitness tracking and smartphone connectivity.

Types of Watch Movements

Mechanical Watches:

How they work: Powered by a mainspring that is wound by hand or by a self-winding rotor. The energy is transmitted through a series of gears to a balance wheel, which oscillates at a constant rate, controlling the release of energy by the escapement to move the hands. 

Characteristics: Known for complex engineering and craftsmanship, but generally less accurate than quartz watches

Quartz Watches:

1. How they work: Use a quartz crystal that vibrates at a precise frequency when an electric current is applied. These vibrations create a stable oscillator that paces a timekeeping mechanism, often driving traditional mechanical hands. 

2. Characteristics: More accurate and less expensive than mechanical watches, with few moving parts.

3. Power source: Battery.

4. Mechanism: A battery sends an electrical current through a small, vibrating quartz crystal.

5. Movement: The second hand has a distinct, one-second "tick".

6. Accuracy and maintenance: Highly accurate, affordable, and requires minimal maintenance aside from battery changes.

Smartwatches:

How they work: Are advanced electronic devices that connect to smartphones and incorporate various sensors and features. 

Characteristics: Can include fitness trackers, heart-rate monitors, GPS, and connectivity through Bluetooth and radio technology.

Key Components and Functions

Mainspring: Stores energy in mechanical watches when wound. 

Balance Wheel and Escapement: The core components of a mechanical movement that regulate time. 

Quartz Crystal: The vibrating component in a quartz movement. 

Complications: Extra features on a watch, such as day/date displays, moon phases, or chronographs. 

Luminosity: Luminous paste or gas tubes are applied to watch hands and markers to allow for visibility in the dark. 

Water Resistance: Depth ratings are important, but can vary by brand, with some brands being more transparent about their capabilities. 

Types of watches by display and function

Display types

Analog: Features a classic clock face with hour, minute, and sometimes second hands.

Digital: Displays the time numerically on an LED or LCD screen.

Analog-Digital: Combines the look of an analog watch with the added features of a digital display.

Hybrid: Looks like a traditional analog watch but includes hidden smartwatch tech, like step counters or notifications.

Tactile/Braille: Analog watches designed for the visually impaired, with raised markers that allow the time to be read by touch