Wrist Watch 101 & Wood Watch Buyers Guide - JORD Blog
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watch 101
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Interested in watch basics? Not sure how the specific mechanics work? Class is in Session! Learn the terms to better understand your new timepiece. |
| the anatomy of a watch |
| it's the details that make a watch tick. knowing the ins and outs will help you make the right choice. |
- When will you be wearing the watch? Work, going out, lounging around, playing sports?
- Are you looking for a high-tech gadget watch or a more casual everyday watch?
- What features would you like in the watch besides telling time? (Date, day, stopwatch, etc.)
- How much money do you want to spend? What is your range?
- Do you have a watch material preference (Metal, plastic, ceramic, wood)?
- Are there any materials you might be allergic to?
Watch Types & Options
When it comes to a wrist watch, some of the most important aspects are not just the looks. The watch movement, materials used, and the functionality of each aspect of the watch is important to consider. Understanding the different types of watch movements and their functionality can be a big factor when purchasing a new timepiece.Analog, Digital or Analog & Digital Watches
When deciding the style of watch that you prefer, it is very important to determine if would like an analog, digital, or analog & digital timepiece. Analog watches have a face that holds hour and minute hands. The hands of a wrist watch can point to numbers, markers, or Roman numerals that display a 12-hour or sometimes a 24-hour day. An analog watch is generally considered a more formal, classic watch type - perfect for business, dates, and formal events. On the other hand, digital watches either have a liquid crystal display (LCD) or light emitting diode (LED) face that displays the time in a numeric form (ex. 2:30). Watches with a digital display are considered more casual and do not give that classic and elegant look of an original timepiece.Selecting a Watch Movement...Battery-Powered, Quartz, or Mechanical
Digital watches are powered by a very small watch battery. The batteries are usually small and round and provide the necessary long-lasting power for the watch functionality. Digital time is displayed in numeric format on an LCD (liquid crystal display) or LED (light emitting diode) face. Touch-screen capability is sometimes offered.Quartz movements are analog timepieces that run on a tiny, vibrating, electrified quartz crystal. Quartz is the most common battery-powered movement. Quartz movements are extremely accurate - the majority of quality quartz movements will lose only a minute after one year of functioning.
The last type of movement for a wrist watch is a mechanical movement. This type of watch is powered by a complex array of gears and springs. Mechanical watches are generally priced higher due to their superior craftsmanship and quality. Although an automatic mechanical watch can lose accuracy like any other watch, mechanical watches must be wound regularly and can lose up to an hour a year. Most mechanical watches have a unique feel and look to their design. Visit the JORD 746 Series Limited Edition to get a better understanding of a wood timepiece with a mechanical movement.
Watch Case & Design
When picking a watch style, the case is one of the larger components. It is the primary pieces that holds your watch together. The case can also be known as your watch's frame. Watch cases can be round, rectangular, square or sometimes unique shapes such a polygon. The case is generally made from the same material as your watch band but in some cases, watch designers will use different materials and colors for the watch case and watch band. Although JORD provides 100% natural wood with a smooth clean finish, other cases made of steel, titanium, gold, silver, and platinum can have both shiny and matte finish. Men and women have different sized wrist and different interest in what they would like to see on their arm. The case size can be very important when selecting the style for the watch wearer.Watch Crystal
The transparent cover that protects the watch face and movement is very important when it comes to selecting your timepiece. The watch crystal can be made from Plexiglas, mineral (traditional) glass or synthetic sapphire glass. Every JORD timepiece is designed and built with ultra-hard, clear, scratch-resistant glass to provide protection to the watch face, internal mechanics, and your investment in a quality wood watch.Plexiglas is the cheapest of the three watch crystals. It is the least likely to shatter but most likely to scratch. Mineral glass, the more commonly used watch crystal, is used to reduce scratching of the watch crystal but is more prone to shattering.
Lately, synthetic sapphire crystals are more commonly used with higher end quality watches. The Sapphire glass is the most scratch resistant and can provide durability and clarity in to your timepiece.
If you are an frequent watch wearer you will understand the importance of having a watch with a durable crystal. Believe it or not, every day our wrist and arms are rubbing, hitting, and coming in to contact with something else. Having a watch with quality internal and external parts will provide you with a watch that continues to function for years to come.
