Wrist Watch

Wristwatches today are not only a reliable guide in time, but also an integral element of the image of a business person. This accessory says a lot about the character of the owner and his status, because not everyone can afford a truly high-quality watch. By the hour you can determine those who are closely following the current trends. Several copies for different occasions can be found in the arsenal of every self-respecting fashionista and fashionista.

The evolution of clockwork has come a long way. Ancestors of popular devices are pocket watches, which in 1504 was invented by the German master Peter Genline. The classic example of a portable chronometer with a comfortable dial was designed exclusively for men. At the peak of popularity was the golden half-hunter on a chain - a watch with a hole in the lid through which the dial with the hands could be seen.

The earliest mention of a wristwatch was recorded in 1571. They received as a gift the Queen of England Elizabeth. These watches were decorated with luxurious pearls and diamond drops, had a dial with hands, which gave a large error and in general resembled a modern mechanism.

They were produced by the Swiss firm Jacquet Droz and Lesho. They were considered an ornament for hands, they had such fragile bodies and mechanisms that they were suitable only for women who did not participate in such harsh occupations as sports, hunting or war. The men's community did not take the wrist watches seriously, remaining faithful to their pocket models.

However, for all pocket mechanisms were comfortable. In the field, bulky devices with covers were not very practical, so the watchmakers began to produce "trench watches" on the order of the military. At its core, it was still a pocket watch, but to make it a functional part of the uniform, the watchmakers invented leather straps and cases on the arm, where the dial without a chain was inserted. The approximate time of appearance of the prototype of men's watches is 1885.

The wearing of handheld devices on the wrist was practiced after the war, until at the beginning of the twentieth century wrist models for the general public began to appear. They became thinner and more compact, purchased metal bracelets, conveniently lying on the arm and special ears on the sides for belts, so the design began to change. Fragile glass, which had to be covered from blows with a lid, replaced reliable plastic, metal replaced the enamel.

In 1926, the company Rolex presented a waterproof model, there were shock-resistant mechanisms, automatic plant.

In 1957, Hamilton wrist watches with a quartz movement were on sale; In the same year, the company introduced a prototype electronic watch. Their appearance has turned the wrist models from a luxury item into an affordable accessory necessary for everyday wear.

Analog mechanisms are distinguished by:

• Durability, reliability, quality;
• Opportunity replacement parts and repairs;
• Indicator owner status;
• Using manual labor in production, especially in products of world-famous manufacturers;
• Beautiful design. Mechanical models, like no other, offer a diverse look, from the classic combination of a dial with hands and a metal bracelet to the most original design solutions. Among the elite models, the so-called skeletons are common - a watch with a transparent case through which the mechanism of the mechanism and the work of gears can be seen;
• "Cuckoo" or fight - sound, which can be heard at certain intervals of time;
• Repeater. A kind of sound signal, more complex than the "cuckoo". The repeater function is designed to beat time at regular intervals; minute, five-minute, half-quarter and quarter;
• Automatic winding;
• Tourbillon - a mechanism for the most accurate movement of the clock. Currently lost its primary purpose and is preserved only in the watches of the elite segment as an element of luxury and chic.

The clock on the mechanics loses exactly quartz and electronic: the daily error can be from -20 to +40 seconds. For this reason, they are more an attribute of prestige than a reliable tool for measuring time.

Features of quartz watches:

• Work mechanism provides battery power;
• Are the most accurate in the question of measuring time;
• Shock resistant;
• In production quartz watches used automatic machine assembly, and made parts from durable and flexible plastic;
• Budget cost;
• Relatively low weight

A disadvantage of the mechanism is the aging of quartz.

Modern manufacturers offer a variety of quartz - electronic watches. These are models that are based on the principle of battery operation - a battery, but with a screen instead of a dial. Such watches display information on a special display or electronic display in the format of Arabic numerals or symbolic images of the minute and second hands.

Models differ in a variety of characteristics.

They are divided into mechanical, quartz and derivative devices, the "heart" of which is quartz - electronic. Modern models can be with arrows and with numbers.

Formerly, the only available model was a golden round watch with a minimum number of additional elements and decor. With the development of the watch industry, the model range has expanded, today you can find the most unexpected and beautiful samples on the shelves.

Stand out among them are antique and vintage. They are distinguished by belonging to companies with a century of history and a world name, expensive materials, individual design, the presence of engraving.

Along with the few original models of the twentieth century, which cost significantly higher than modern brands, there are many remakes that incorporate the features of previous years. Such “reissues” are the most stylized for the original; leather straps, large Roman numerals on the dial, design elements that are significant in terms of the brand’s history are repeated in great detail.

Modern styles are of great variety. Many groups of products are designed for a specific target audience. For example, large watches with rhinestones, with labels of fashion houses on the dial are popular with glamorous ladies. Youth options are popular in the style of steampunk - things at the junction of technocracy, fantasy and Victorian grace. Marine motifs in the design of products - a topic relevant both for the resort, and for integration into the basic wardrobe.

Nowadays, watches that are used only for their intended purpose are very rare, smart gadgets that combine several functions at once are much more common. Among them are:

• Clock with a timer.
• With a compass. Will be indispensable for tourists and wildlife enthusiasts, navigators, hunters;
• With tonometer. Shown primarily for those who have problems with blood pressure. They will relieve hypertensive patients from the need to make regular measurements, remind you of taking medications, monitor the work of the heart at night. Outwardly, such devices do not differ from ordinary watches;
• With a barometer. Vital devices for those who are not used to being in "greenhouse" conditions. For fishermen, hunters, avid travelers, adventurers, it is very important to track the changes in the weather here and now. Exact indicators of changes in atmospheric pressure and temperature will make it clear whether fishing will be successful and the trip to the mountains is safe;
• With a camera. 4 GB of memory or 2 hours of high-quality color video with sound. The hidden camera is built into the case, it works on battery, just like the device itself. You can view the recording on the clock, on the computer screen, TV, and any other gadget. In addition to the video camera, they can be used as a USB flash drive, voice recorder, camera, webcam, recording the time and date of file creation;
• Backlit. There are backlights, which are turned on by pressing the button if necessary, with phosphorescent paint, luminous due to the tri-light, a sealed tube filled with tritium gas inside the dial. Tritium is safe for health and retains its brightness for a long time. Watches with luminous displays are available in white, blue, blue, green, yellow, orange, red;
• Watch-cell phone. The symbiosis of a smartphone and ordinary watches, combining a number of functions of both gadgets;
• Clock calculator. An interesting model that combines a counting device and a chronometer;
• Talking

Each famous manufacturer has distinctive features. These are special combinations of colors, symbols, ornaments, cuts, engraving. But iconic elements do not have to be branded. Watches with a company logo, custom-made, can be an excellent gift to employees of a large organization, devices with an engraving or with the inscription will be suitable as a memorable souvenir for loved ones.

It is important to distinguish between devices for everyday life, for demonstrating status, for representatives of a narrow profile of activity. If the majority of budget marks can be attributed to the first category, representatives of the elite segment fall into the second a priori, then the third category includes devices equipped with functions necessary in specific living or working conditions. Among the specialized devices can distinguish models for athletes, hypertensive, sailors, military, tourists, as well as gadgets for the blind.

It does matter, no matter what anyone says. Big, big models are style. They look impressive, but not cumbersome and successfully complement the image. Suitable mainly for men, but also emphasize the elegance of the female hand.

In the manufacture of watch mechanisms, steel, precious metals (gold, silver, platinum, bronze), leather or eco-leather, sapphire, mineral, Murano glass are used. Silicone, titanium, plastic, bamboo, metal cases and bracelets are common.

The jewelry is made from natural or artificial stones, pearls, crystals.

Mechanical watches are inherent in the natural colors of the materials from which they are made, the classic black and white colors. Due to plastic and silicone cases, quartz watches cover a much larger color spectrum, and bracelets, dials and lights can be colored.

Watch for a man is an indicator that he appreciates time, a synonym for punctuality, reliability and status. There are 5 categories of watches for men:

• Classic. Option for business meetings, negotiations and meetings, demonstration of wealth and style in the framework of business etiquette. Among foreign manufacturers at the hearing, of course, Rolex. Legend of domestic watchmaking - self-winding command watches;
• Sport. For those who lead an active lifestyle;
• Author's. Designer chronometers are designed for bold and creative, ready to experiment with the style of men. It is appropriate to look at public people, representatives of creative professions;
• Combi. A balanced combination of styles from classic to sporty;
• Watch gadgets. In addition to the standard additions, filled with useful "gadgets": digital cameras, e-mail applications and others.

For girls, girls and women, manufacturers of watch movements create in four styles: classic, sports, designer, combined.

Since women are more concerned with fashion trends than men, the variety of styles in their wardrobe requires at least two or three models of watches. In this case, it is advisable to stop the selection in the first three categories.

Watching a phone or a watch with a stopwatch doesn’t surprise a single person who is even slightly versed in technical progress, while the original models are able to attract the attention of even seasoned watchmakers.

These include handicrafts, devices made of unusual materials, for example, transparent mechanisms, watches with a cache in the case, astronomical, navigator and other models with a unique design.

Not only the shape, but also the filling can be unusual.

The top most expensive models include a pocket watch and a wrist watch made of precious metals, stones and diamonds, the minimum weight of which is 50 carats. These works of art cost from 2.5 million dollars. On the manufacture of some of them takes more than one year. There are several copies among the leaders in terms of value, the cost of which varies from 3 to 5 million. The top five exclusively exclusive models that have appeared on individual orders.

Their cost from model to model increases significantly - from 5 to 26 million.

Choosing a watch, you should pay attention to the type of mechanism, the material from which the case is made and the strap, protection from shock and water. It is important to remember that:

• Accessories are selected according to status. Their cost should not exceed two wages of the owner;
• For different cases, it is desirable to have suitable devices;
• Watches should be in harmony with style in clothes;
• Additional features - not a fashion trend, but a necessary and important thing. They should be chosen according to their own pace of life: chronographs for sportsmen, world time indicators with a thermometer for travelers, calculators for students;
• The original is always preferable to the replica, even if you save for it will take longer.

The question of whether to give a watch, has lost its relevance.

Such a taboo is a relic of past years, because it is this device that is able to demonstrate that the giver knows a lot about a person to choose a chronometer taking into account taste preferences, lifestyle and clothing preferences. Hours as a gift will also tell you about the sincere feelings for the object of donation, if you decorate them with an engraving or a memorial inscription.

There is no universal way to save from the purchase of a fake, but some knowledge will help to refrain from unnecessary expenses:

• Do not buy products in non-specialized stores and on the street;
• You need to pay attention to the accuracy of performance, especially those parts that are the distinctive marks of the brand;
• It is important to carefully study the mechanism. Often, devices that give out for analog work on batteries;
• The low cost of luxury accessories is a sure sign of fraud;
• Original watches made of precious metals by weight significantly exceed replicas of low-quality materials.

A watch is not only a functional item, but also an element of wardrobe that obeys the laws of style. Hour dress code implies some features:

• The width of the wrist determines the size of the product. They should not look too bulky or get lost on the arm;
• A harmonious combination of the shape of the brush and the shape of the clock. For example, an irregular geometric shape will visually reduce a brush that is too large;
• The bracelet can fit snugly to the arm or be a little loose, but should not overtighten the wrist;
• It is permissible to wear watches over sleeves and gloves if this is not a business image;
• Neighboring decorations should be located above them;
• Matching the accessory to the overall style;
• When choosing a hand on which the watches will be worn, men are guided by convenience, and women by a combination of the appearance of the mechanism and other accessories.

The owners of watches, especially famous brands, are unanimous in their opinion: This is a convenient, beautiful, stylish accessory that adds zest to any look and makes it complete. Practical buyers praise quartz movements; patient ones prefer good analog ones.

There is no single answer to the question which brand is the best, therefore about a dozen manufacturing firms are in the top review rating. Among overseas, Swiss and Japanese products have won the most confidence.

Switzerland is famous for the products of such companies as Tissot, Kolber, Certina, Omega, Longines, Rado. Japanese favorites are Casio, Orient, Seiko, Citizen.

Among the products of both countries you can find both budget and luxury copies.

Separately, it is worth noting the Italian brand that uses the Swiss mechanisms in production - Anonimo.

Russian producers, known far beyond the borders of the country - are “Flight”, “East”, “Glory”, “Record” These products combine the quality, experience and traditions of domestic watchmakers.