Archive for the ‘Watch Materials’ Category
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.
Pack a Little Class in Your Pocket
Certain accessories naturally express sophistication. These are the items that appeal to readers of GQ and similarly stylish men’s magazines. Men looking to cultivate a dapper, genteel sense of style often decide to go the extra mile, thinking beyond the typical shirt-pants-shoes combination. Pocket squares make for excellent yet subtle accents to a nice jacket, and pocket watches in particular are handy for any formal occasion.
Pocket watch chains should make an even larger statement than the pocket watch itself, as it will be visible at all times. Mix and match gold and silver chains according to other wardrobe choices. Pocket watches are eminently classy, but they are also delicate. As a matter of decorum, they should be kept out of sight unless you’re checking the time or someone asks to admire it.
A History of Jules Jurgensen
Jules Jurgensen is one of the world’s oldest watchmaking companies. Sometimes known as “the Jeweler’s Brand”, Jules Jurgensen was founded in 1740 in Denmark, with eventual ties to France and Switzerland. The company’s forward-thinking, innovative designs have earned more than 32 international awards and honors, such as being designated the official watchmakers of the Royal Navy. Jules and Urban Jurgensen, father and son founders of the company, were both knighted by the King of Denmark, granted appointment to the Danish royal court, and ultimately served as official watchmakers to the King. Recognition of the company’s exceptional products spread worldwide. The imperial crown logo has appeared on every Jules Jurgensen watch face since that time, and Jules Jurgensen watches have been presented by kings and presidents as honorable gifts to visiting dignitaries. On one more than one occasion, an American President has presented Jules Jurgensen watches to White House security staff, and President Franklin Roosevelt once bestowed one upon a doctor who assisted in saving his life.
Jules Jurgensen watches were produced until 1957, when manufacturing duties were outsourced elsewhere. The company was eventually sold to Morton Clayman in the 1970s, and he is still running it today. He ensures that Jules Jurgensen traditions, skills and history remain an honored component of the brand. Today, the company strives to bring the consumer quality products with creative designs at affordable prices. They currently produce about 400 different watch models and introduce new designs each year, ranging from the traditional to the very contemporary, working in several metals, diamonds, and many other varieties of precious stones to create a unique design, from watch crystal to the band.
Buying Watches Online
Today people are going to the internet to buy everything from ballpoint pens to million dollar homes. While the internet can be a convenient and affordable method for making purchases, it is nearly impossible to gauge the appropriate size of an item of clothing or an accessory with trying it on. The sizes of items like shoes and shirts vary by designer, making it nearly impossible to be certain of your purchase.
Luckily, there is a uniform method employed by watchmakers when sizing watch bands. The width measurement is always recorded in millimeters and should match the size of the face. The length of the band is also measured in millimeters and excludes the buckle. A lady’s band is typically 6-15mm, while a man’s is 16mm and up.