Watches have become not only a time-counting mechanism, but also an original attribute, showing the status of a person and playing the role of jewelry. The question of how to choose a wristwatch for men and women should be decided in no hurry, considering what the accessory is purchased for.For a business person who matches the style and position, she’s not late anywhere, watches of classic models are suitable. They are stylish, not artsy, support a restrained and business style.
If you have to choose a woman, keep in mind that for her, a watch is part of an accessory that should fit into an outfit and be combined with it. The best choice is a designer fashion model.
For the evening, choose models made of precious metals decorated with precious stones. Fans of an active lifestyle will benefit from high-tech sports options.
It’s easier for children to choose: surely a bright and colorful design, high quality, environmentally friendly material.
Consider the main characteristics of the watch, which will help you choose a high-quality and reliable option that meets your requirements and capabilities.
The "heart" of the watch
This is often called the clockwork, because reliability and durability depend on its characteristics. There are three types of mechanisms that differ in the principle of operation.
- Mechanical
- Quartz
- Electronic
Mechanical
In mechanical watches, the main source of energy is a spring, tightly stretched in a spiral. When unwinding, it drives the mechanism, and it has arrows or time indicators. As the spring unwinds, the watch slows down. If you do not tighten (tighten the spring) completely stop. The disadvantage of the mechanism is that the spring unwinds unevenly, which leads to a churning of the stroke.
To correct the error, some manufacturers install an auto-winding system on the watch (the spring tightens up during the oscillation). The spring, thanks to this mechanism, is constantly in a twisted state. Disadvantage: a self-winding watch makes the design heavier, so this mechanism is not set on miniature female models.
Repairing a mechanical watch is not difficult for professionals, except for self-winding models. Such a mechanism is quite complex, so the repair is much more complicated and often the masters advise to remove it. Removing the automatic winding will not affect the work in any way, just the clock will become mechanical.
Mechanical watches are the world classics of watchmaking: high-precision tuning, manual assembly. If they are properly looked after, carried out prophylaxis, they will last more than a dozen years. This product is perfect new year present or birthday present.
Quartz
Quartz (electromechanical). Instead of a pendulum, a quartz crystal is installed in them, which is responsible for the operation of the mechanism. The mechanism (quartz generator) works from a conventional battery (in rare cases, a solar one). The error of the generator is minimal, up to 20 seconds per month, so it is considered the most reliable.
Plus - high battery life, no need to wind up and worry that they will stop.With good care, quartz watches, like mechanical ones, will last for more than a decade.
The lack of a volumetric mechanism in a crystal oscillator makes it possible to create more sophisticated models. The price of quartz watches is affordable, for the most part they only go through automatic assembly. Wonderful and inexpensive gift for February 23.
Electronic
By the principle of operation, an electronic watch is similar to a quartz one. A crystal oscillator is located inside and runs on battery power. The difference is the digital display. The principle of the mechanism: the generator sends pulses, which are converted into signals displayed on the display, showing the time. There is a kind of electronic clock that combines a dial with an electronic scoreboard.
The error is common. By setting the desired value, they are easily reinstalled. The life of an electronic watch is significantly inferior to mechanical and quartz.
The advantage of an electronic clock is a number of additional functions: a compass, a calculator, a thermometer, etc. They are developed taking into account the latest in the world of electronics, therefore they are popular among fans of know-how. The cost pleases with diversity and democracy.
Watch case
The service life, appearance, price and quality of watches depend on the case material. Manufacturers and suppliers of mechanisms use a number of basic materials for the case. There is also exoticism - cases made of expensive wood or precious stones. I will consider the basic, accessible materials:
- stainless steel
- brass
- aluminum
- plastics
- titanium
Stainless steel
Stainless case - the highest quality. Durable and durable, it is not for nothing that most well-known companies use steel. Prices for high-quality models "bite", and only such a watch can allow millionaire.
Aluminum
The aluminum case is used for cheap watches, since it is inferior in quality to the two previous materials. The aluminum case is soft, not particularly durable, weakly protects the mechanism from shock. Dark spots remain on the wrist, which is not pleasant.
Plastic
The plastic case is popular with manufacturers. A number of well-known brands use high-quality environmentally friendly plastic alloy, which compares favorably with cheap Chinese products, which can be identified and distinguished even by smell. It’s better not to buy a cheap plastic watch, it can cause a severe allergy. A good expression is “avaricious pays twice,” is it worth considering this?
Titanium
A titanium case is rarely used. Material processing is time and effort consuming. The most famous manufacturer with a titanium case was the Polet factory. Modern manufacturers use titanium alloys, which makes it possible to make cases lighter. The advantage of titanium and alloys is that the chemical composition of the material is harmless to health.
Brass
Brass body (an alloy of copper and zinc) is a high-quality material, durable, but inferior to steel. The disadvantage of brass or stainless steel watches is that they are heavy, which can cause some inconvenience when worn. The material is prone to scratches and oxidizes in the air, leaving dark spots on the wrist. To avoid this phenomenon, the housing is covered with a special protective layer. Popularity is explained by relative cheapness.
The coating has two functions: performs a protective and decorative role. Steel or chrome plated coating is one of the most durable, holds on the case for several years, so it is used by many world brands.
Gold plating does not last long, a maximum of 2-3 years and is erased. The quality of the coating is affected by the composition and thickness of the alloy. The titanium "gold" coating due to vacuum deposition lasts a long time.
It is recommended to choose a watch with a stainless steel or titanium alloy case.These materials are durable and do not need coating.
Smart Watch Video Tips
A bracelet
Some choose bracelet when choosing. Brand bracelets are of high quality and different in design. There are leather and metal bracelets for a certain style.
Many manufacturers produce watches only with leather straps. Stylists advise choosing a strap for a girl under bag, belt on trousers for a man or footwear in texture and color. The advantage of bracelets is that they can be changed, giving the image an emphasized style. Leather bracelets should be changed at least once a year.
- Metal bracelets should match the watch case material. Bracelets are made of rolled metal and all-metal links. When buying, pay attention to weight, the norm is not more than 100 g. Larger weight bracelets cause discomfort.
On metal bracelets, pay attention to the lock. The most common and convenient is an automatic clip.
Glass on the watch
How many times, looking at the watch, we look at the dial and at any time we can find out what time it is. Sometimes we just admire it for hours, but rarely does anyone think that we see arrows thanks to transparent glass. This element has become so familiar and ordinary that we do not attach much importance to its importance.
Glass is an important element, as is the mechanism. The “health” of the mechanism directly depends on the quality of the glass. Glass should have an important characteristic - transparency, so that it is easy to see the time through it.
Mineral glass
Mineral glass, the most common, many manufacturers prefer it. When compared with organic glass, it is harder and can only be scratched by applying force.
Sapphire crystal
The most expensive glass is sapphire. Strongly protects from mechanical impact, scratching is not easy. It is significantly inferior in strength, does not hold well.
Plexiglass glass
The cheapest and most affordable material is plastic (plexiglass). Easy to polish and easy to scratch. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, take a look at Plexiglass. He holds blows better than tempered mineral glass.
Women's Watch Tips
We considered the main parameters, it remains only to choose. The choice will still be as complicated as the mechanism in the watch, but I want to believe that the tips will help to figure out and make the right choice.
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