Wrist Watch Bracelets
The 21st century marked itself as a time of discovery, erasing old patterns and overcoming obstacles. The world has opened up new opportunities.
Watch manufacturers also do not stand still, and, like the entire fashion industry, have stepped into the inexhaustible creative abyss. The market offers watches for every taste and color. It doesn’t matter who you are, what you do, what religion you profess and how you relax.
Features
High technologies of extraction and processing of raw materials, speed and quality of production - all this allowed to turn the ideas of designers into reality.
Picking up the watch for the first time, the buyer gets to choose - a strap or a bracelet. But having come to the salon and seeing a variety of models, from which eyes run up, this question becomes no longer relevant.
Each type of watch fastening on the wrist has its own features, advantages and disadvantages. First of all, you need to understand why you need a watch.
If you are a business person and every detail of your wardrobe complements and enhances your status, it is better to opt for a bracelet. This impression is made by a Swiss watch: wealth, style, chic.
Seeing the delightful patterns on silver bracelets, you forget that this is just an auxiliary tool for keeping the case on the wrist. Therefore, for the evening appearance, ladies also prefer watches on the bracelet.
People who lead active lifestyles, where work gives way to classes in fitness clubs, and then night parties follow, those who want to have time to look at the straps better. The fastening of the straps is safer, and during classes even in extreme sports the possibility of losing them is reduced to zero.
Models and types
A watch with a metal bracelet always looked richer on the hand of their master than with a strap, even a leather one. Watches were not only a mechanism for displaying time, but also became an accessory that adds sophistication to the image of a person. To date, there are two types of designs bracelets: hard and soft.
The hard type includes such models as:
- Skeleton or cast bracelets. Represent a closed single ring. As a rule, do not require a fastener.
- Articulated. This is the same closed ring as the frame type, only divided into two parts. Hinges are inserted at the break points, enabling it to fold.
- Springy. This model is a cut circle, which may not converge along the contour. It is due to this that the elastic plate of the bracelet will spring.
The soft type includes the following models:
- Glider Bracelets consist of separate independent links plates and connecting elements. Plates are often made of precious metals and decorated with engraving or stones.
- Chain bracelets They consist of individual links, which are themselves also connecting elements. The principle of their work is similar to an ordinary chain.
- In jewelry bracelets special attention is paid to decoration. For this purpose, not only stones of natural origin, such as pearls, but also rhinestones, beads, beads are used. The links are made in the form of an openwork pattern or ornament, which are then enameled to preserve the design.
- Wicker. Also used by names such as "Milan net", "chain mail", "shark-bracelets". They really look like chain mail. The links are made of brass wire and tightly woven into a very dense pattern.Braided bracelets were popular in the 60s and remain so to this day.
A separate model can be distinguished designer watches Chirono Tsuboi. This is a metal bracelet with an integrated LED dial, which is activated using two buttons. Very unusual and stylish model of watches that are suitable for both men and women.
Another model that deserves attention is a watch with a tonometer and a heart rate monitor. Initially, such functions were offered in watches made of synthetic materials. But over time, the designers were able to give this watch a new look, placing them in an elegant metal case.
Materials
Steel is the leader in the manufacture of metal bracelets. It is affordable, practical, unpretentious in the care. If neat socks are provided, even decades later there is every chance of preserving the look of the watch in its original condition.
One of the most durable metals in watchmaking is nickel silver - an alloy of nickel with copper. There is an opinion that nickel watches are harmful to health. But this opinion is erroneous. Nickel can actually be dangerous, but only on an industrial scale. Before going on sale, the watch is tested for toxicity. This test is carried out in accordance with GOST, developed in Russia.
Gold and silver do not need advertising. For the manufacture of bracelets made of precious metals, gold 583 is used, and silver - 875. Very often jewelry stores offer gold-plated bracelets. The price of them, of course, wins, but the quality ... Gold plating with time and with the wrong care is erased. Therefore, watches with gilding are not suitable for everyday wear.
Huge popularity, especially among collectors, is gaining a watch with a titanium bracelet. The main advantage of buyers is its “warmth”. It does not cool down like steel, and even in the cold season does not bring discomfort to its owner. Watches made of titanium do not cause allergies.
But despite all these advantages, not everyone can afford such luxury. The high cost of extracting raw materials and their further processing sets the corresponding price for watches.
Many of the above advantages have a ceramic clock. But for some reason, the attitude towards them is very wary, although there are few reasons for this. Ceramic bracelets are very wear-resistant, lightweight, have a pronounced gloss, which can be spoiled only by a very hard impact on it. They are as warm as the titanium ones.
Confidently straps made of synthetic and textile materials became fashionable and strengthened their positions. Silicone, they are also called rubber, rubber, paracord bracelets push classical models, taking up more and more space on store shelves.
Representatives of this category are distinguished by their durability, moisture resistance, an abundance of color, shapes and textures.
Fittings
Selecting watches, we, first of all, think about the benefits, comfort and beauty. But along with these qualities it is necessary to foresee the convenience and reliability of their fixation on the arm. And just for these qualities is the clasp.
The main types of fasteners (locks) are five:
- Butterfly. The principle of its work is very simple. Three plates connected to each other with pins attached to the edges of the strap. At the time of fastening the plates are folded, thereby bracing the edges of the bracelet. The main advantage of this fastener is that it is completely hidden under the strap. That is why this castle is very fond of using jewelers.
- Another invisible lock is a box. Very difficult to manufacture, and, as a rule, used in women's bracelets made of precious materials.
- Clip. The mechanism of fixation is similar to the principle of the "butterfly". Only he has two plates, tightening the edges. The fastener itself remains on the surface, does not hide.
- Folding buckle lock. Not very reliable design, but super-easy. This type of lock is preferred by domestic manufacturers.
- Magnetic lock. Here the name speaks for itself. The two edges of the bracelet are magnetized and, accordingly, they are attracted to each other. The disadvantage of this type of lock is that the magnet cannot provide reliable fixation. The edges can move away from the slightest touch.
There are still many ways of fastening, but for metal and ceramic bracelets, they are not suitable.
Also an important role in the design of the bracelet play studs. A pin, pin or eyelet is a different name for one part, the task of which is to connect the watch case and the bracelet links between them.
How to choose?
Nowadays, you can choose a watch for all occasions, for any image or wardrobe.
Colors
Despite the fact that in the production of watches from metal, only its natural color is used (mostly gold or silver shades) there are a lot of varieties of them. They can be monophonic or combined, glossy or matte.
Considering black and white as the pinnacle of aristocracy and nobility, manufacturers of ceramic watches always have in their collections such models that are able to emphasize the exquisite taste of their owner.
Length and size
In order for the watch to look good on your hand, when choosing a bracelet you need to consider two parameters - width and length. It depends on the width whether it will fit the watch case at all. And how it will look like depends on its length.
The width of the watch bracelets starts from 8 mm and in 2 mm increments reaches a value of 32 mm. This is the widest bracelet. The most common sizes are 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24 mm, which are produced by practically all manufacturers of branded watches. Bracelets of this size can be called universal, so they can be suitable for both female and male models.
How long the bracelet should be - of course, it's up to the buyer to decide. Someone likes close fitting, someone free. The main thing is that the clock does not hang down. Firstly, it is a sign of bad taste, and secondly, the watch on a long bracelet can be lost.
Manufacturers review and reviews
The wristwatch market increases by 20% annually. But invariably, leading brands in Russia retain such brands as Tissot, Casio, Orient and Swatch:
- Tissot. The world famous brand that conquered Russia in the times of Alexander II. In those years, the Swiss company supplied pocket watches for officers of the Russian army. Tissot, remaining faithful to the tradition of Swiss-made watches, to this day focuses on models with a classic bracelet attachment to the studs. Bracelets for Tissot watches are presented in a large assortment.
Analyzing the opinion of buyers, we can conclude that this is the most common Swiss watch in Russia.
- Casio. Came in the 90s of the last century on the domestic market, Casio watches firmly strengthened their positions and continue to gain momentum. The Japanese were not afraid to combine a colored dial and a classic metal case. Bright elements in the design are the main hallmark of Casio watches. The case and the bracelet are inseparable parts of a whole. The transition between these two components is imperceptible and it seems that the bracelet can not be removed.
- Orient. Another brand specializing in the production of classic models. Even a sports series "Diving" looks very conservative. Often, customers prefer it to the models of this brand, explaining that it is affordable and has an excellent long-term reputation.
- Swatch. There is an assumption that the Swatch corporation began to produce watches only in order to push out the unscrupulous Chinese “brother” who flooded world markets with poor-quality watches. Swatch watches are made in the style of Japanese minimalism. In their reviews, customers call them original and sophisticated. And I understand why. Very often it is a completely “clean” dial, a minimum of patterns and reliefs. Even female models of decorated watches do not stand out as special luxury.
How to distinguish the original from the copy?
If it is not difficult to forge watches and very few people will be able to notice forgery, then what can be said about bracelets to them.
If in doubt, be sure to pay attention to the following:
- The original product will never be cheap.
- An official representative will never trade fakes.
- If it is a metal bracelet, check it for chipping. The surface of the original bracelets is always smooth, without burrs and roughness.
- The structure of ceramic bracelets should be homogeneous, without strains and internal cracks.
- All engravings on fittings are made with a laser and therefore must be smooth and deep. If they lie on the surface, then they are simply stamped, which is a clear sign of a copy.
How to setup?
There are such situations that the watches are really liked, and the bracelet is too big. But this is not a problem, it can be shortened.
Metal bracelets have two ways of adjustment:
- by moving the lock;
- by removing the links.
The folding buckle has three crossbars. But it is possible to gain from movement of a fastener at most 5 mm.
The clips clasp has three holes on its body, which allows changing the position of the pin. But for this you first need to pull it out.
To remove the pin, more precisely, its extrusion, watchmakers usually use a device to reduce the length of the bracelet, but this procedure can be carried out independently at home. To do this, you will need a "gypsy" needle and pliers.
Before you begin to reduce the length of the bracelet, separate the watch case in order to avoid the possibility of scratching it. Next, place the tip of the needle on the pin and slowly push it down. Do this until from the opposite side there appears such a length of the pin that you could pick up with pliers and pull it out to the end.
Removal of links occurs on the same principle, only for this you need to squeeze two pins and remove unnecessary links. We extrude the pins, remove the links, but do not throw them out. Hide them, they can still be useful. It happens that the wrist increases in volume and, perhaps, you again have to put them in place. Almost everything is ready. It remains only to combine the two parts of the bracelet at the point of rupture.
It should be noted that the links are quite large. Therefore, reducing the length of the bracelet will be a multiple of its size. Then its removal may not bring the desired result. This moment must be taken into account at the stage of selection of hours.
Care
Everyone wants their watches to serve as long as possible and at the same time not lose their presentability. To preserve the eternal youth of this accessory, it is necessary to follow the recommendations described in the instruction manual and take proper care of them.
Iron bracelets, even with very fine and dense weaving, can be cleaned with a mild detergent and a toothbrush. After that, wipe it dry with a towel. If you delay with this, then on the surface may remain traces of water droplets and a dull plaque will appear.
That's when you certainly need polishing. It is better to polish the watch with the help of GOI paste and a soft dense fabric - cashmere or felt. This method of polishing is also suitable for bracelets made of precious metals.
Before you break into the water procedures, separate the watch case from the bracelet. Never use aggressive detergents to remove dirt.
Ceramic watches do not need special care. Dirt practically does not cease to perfect gloss. But if it did happen, it is enough to wipe them with a damp cloth.
How to wear?
It doesn't matter what hand you wear the watch, right or left-handed, and on which side of your wrist the case is placed - inside or outside. The main thing is that the watch is convenient and comfortable.
In the past century, watches were a sign of discipline, responsibility.And every schoolboy wanted to get them for his birthday. Times have changed. Now young people prefer modern gadgets. And watches remained an irreplaceable accessory only for true connoisseurs of the beautiful. As a rule, such people have a whole collection in which there will be watches for all occasions.
A watch is not the only part of the image that is responsible for your status and respectability. They can only emphasize it, add. The main thing is that your bow is harmonious and does not go into the cut with your character.
How to reduce the bracelet on the watch Curren, see the following video.