Archive for the ‘Watch Materials’ Category
Replacing Watch Crystal
It doesn’t matter how accurate your watch is or how ornately the face is designed if you can’t see through the crystal. Watch crystals have a propensity to become nicked, dinged and scratched specially with harsh wear. If the state of your watch crystal has you contemplating an investment in a new timepiece, you should be aware that you have other options.
Replacement watch crystals are relatively cheap and can be installed in just a few minutes. Before purchasing glass for your watch, take note of the material your current glass is made of, the diameter of the face, and if it is domed or not. For those who are apprehensive about changing the crystal themselves, you local jeweler can usually perform the repair the same day.
Maintaining a Family Heirloom
When my father passed away last year, my siblings and I had to go through the arduous process of dividing his assets according to the specifications in his will. Of all the items bequeathed to me, his watch that he wore during his bomber missions in WWII carried the most importance. The watch has been a family heirloom that his father passed on to him, and I am committed to keeping it in the family for years to come.
The watch hasn’t been used for several decades; needless to say, it was in need of some reconditioning. I certainly don’t want to wear the watch on a daily basis, but I would like to keep it functional. To that end, I recently purchased a set of watch repair tools and I have been meticulously making minor adjustments to improve its workings.
American Status Symbols
There are certain products that have become synonymous with success and luxury in American culture. For decades, the Cadillac was the status symbol for flourishing businessmen, and in many ways it still is. Although we usually don’t think of men as jewelry wearers, the Rolex was also become a codpiece of sorts.
When I opened up the third branch of my thriving Mexican buffet chain, I decided to reward myself by purchasing my first Rolex. Since I’ve gotten it, the timepiece has rarely left my wrist. For those rare occasions when I choose not to don it however, I have invested in a watch box to ensure that it is out of harm’s way.
The Evolution of Timepieces
In our digital age, it seems like virtually every process has been reduced to a series of code contained in a miniscule computer chip. It may be old-fashioned, but I miss the days when artisanship and intricate movements came together to create precision equipment. One of the places where this integration to the digital age is most apparent is in timekeeping.
Our most accurate timepieces now set themselves through a series of satellites. And while this innovation in the industry is the result of years of hard work and research, I miss the personal touch that was inherent in the watches of yore. There is something astounding about opening up a timepiece and seeing all of the watch parts moving in harmony and knowing that someone went through the painstaking task of putting them all in place.
Caring for Your Timepiece
For our 40th anniversary, I bought my wife a pricey timepiece. I know that you can tell the time by simply looking at your cell phone, but a watch is not only a timekeeping mechanism, it is also a piece of jewelry. In the past months, my wife has donned the watch with pious regularity.
However, there are inevitably times when the exquisite timepiece isn’t on her wrist. And for these occasions, I purchased her a watch storage case. Not only does the case keep the watch safe from criminals, but it also ensures that the face isn’t scratched by other pieces in her jewelry box.
Powering Your Timepiece
In the old days, people used to have to wind their watches manually to ensure that they kept accurate time. While the convenience of a wristwatch was certainly an improvement in those days, this task was certainly tiresome. Luckily, the watch battery surpassed the manual winder.
But even the watch battery has its flaws. When they die, watch batteries are a hassle to change, and many people stop wearing the watch instead of changing the battery. Now even this process has become antiquated thanks to automatic watch winders; these innovative mechanisms are used in conjunction with and assortment of timepieces and give power to the various watch movements with the need of winding or a battery.
DIY Watch Repair
Anyone who has ever had their watch break on them knows that taking the timepiece to a jeweler is an inefficient and regrettable process. It usually takes several days to get your watch back, and you will undoubtedly spend more on labor than you will for the parts. An option for those more ambitious individuals is to do the repairs yourself.
While you can’t simply use your typical screwdrivers and tools on your wristwatch, watch tools are relatively inexpensive. This one-time purchase of a set of watch tools will more than likely be less than a visit to a professional jeweler. You can view this as an investment, as you will be able to perform maintenance on all of your timepieces in the future.
The Evolution of Watch Movements
Even if you only have a rudimentary understanding of watch movements, you can’t help but to be amazed with the precision and meticulous nature of the various mechanisms. There are several components that work in harmony to create the movements, including the power source, wheel train, escapement and oscillator. The wheels and other moving elements of the watch are mounted between two plates, designated as front and back.
The front plate is always circular, but there are three different types of back plates that are used. A full plate movement was utilized in the earliest watches and features a circular design. As the watch evolved, part of the back plate was eliminated from the design to make room for balances; this was referred to as the three-quarter plate movement. In modern watches, the back plate is actually a series of bars or smaller plates that allow for more movement, known as a bridge movement.
There’s No Going Wrong With Quartz
You can’t go wrong with a quartz watch when it comes to timepieces. These watches perform magnificently - they are more accurate than mechanical clocks, are low maintenance, and needs no winding. Quartz watches spell elegance and style, that’s why they remain esteemed and sought after all over the world. They come in a range of styles for both men and women that complement many looks and can be worn during the most special of occasions.
A ladies quartz watch can be made of silver or gold and its variations. The watch face may or may not have luxurious embellishments such as diamond, crystal and other precious stones. Its straps can be the bracelet type, made of leather, or stainless steel. If you want a versatile ladies quartz watch, get the one with changeable, different-colored straps. Telling time is never boring with this type of watch since you can change the straps every day and pick the one that best suits your mood and outfit. Make sure that you keep your precious timepiece in pristine condition by investing in a watch storage box.
Prepping for the Big Presentation
When the company vice president chose me to make a presentation before the board of directors regarding our third-quarter earnings report, I was more than a little nervous. I knew right off the bat that I would need to rehearse enough to refresh my dormant public speaking skills. Beyond that, I would need to exchange my business casual look for a full-on high-powered professional wardrobe.
I tried on a number of power suits, eventually settling on a fetching pinstripe number. Then I picked out some wingtips and gold cufflinks to really convey the message that I’m a team player and an asset to the corporation. Still, it seemed like something was missing. It took me a moment to realize that I needed one of those impressive men’s watches with leather watch straps I had noticed online a few days before. A classy watch would truly complete the look.