Wrist watch

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

The evolution of watch movements has come a long way. The progenitors of popular devices are pocket watches, which were invented by the German master Peter Henlein back in 1504. The classic example of a portable chronometer with a comfortable dial was intended exclusively for men. At the peak of popularity, there was a golden half-hunter on a chain - a watch with a hole in the lid through which the dial with arrows was visible.

The earliest mention of a wristwatch is recorded in 1571. They were given as a present by Queen Elizabeth of England.This watch was decorated with luxurious pearls and diamond drops, had a dial with arrows, which gave a large error and, on the whole, little resembled a modern mechanism.

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

However, pocket mechanisms were convenient for everyone. In the field, bulky devices with lids turned out to be not very practical, so watchmakers began to make "trench clocks" by order of military personnel. At its core, it was still a pocket watch, but to make it a functional part of the uniform, watchmakers came up with leather straps and hand cases where the dial without a chain was inserted. Approximate time of appearance of the prototype men's watch is 1885.

Wearing pocket devices on the wrist was practiced after the war, until wrist models for the general public began to appear in the early twentieth century. They became thinner and more compact, acquired metal bracelets that fit comfortably on the arm and special ears on the sides for belts - this is how the design began to change. Fragile glass, which had to be protected from impacts with a lid, was replaced by reliable plastic, metal replaced enamel.

In 1926, Rolex presented a waterproof model, shock-resistant mechanisms, automatic winding appeared.

In 1957, Hamilton wristwatches with a quartz movement went on sale; in the same year, the company introduced a prototype of an electronic watch. Their appearance has turned wristwatches from a luxury item into an affordable accessory needed for everyday wear.

Analog mechanisms are distinguished by:

• Durability, reliability, quality;
• Possibility replacement parts and repairs;
• Index owner status;
• Usage manual labor in production, especially in products of manufacturers with a worldwide reputation;
• Beautiful design. Mechanical models, like no other, are available in a variety of appearances 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 - watches with a transparent case through which the device of the mechanism and the operation of the gears are visible;
• "Cuckoo" or fight – sound accompaniment that can be heard at certain intervals;
• Repeater. A kind of sound signal, more complex than the cuckoo. The repeater function is designed to strike time at certain intervals; minute, five-minute, half-quarter and quarter;
• Automatic winding;
• tourbillon - a mechanism for the most accurate movement of the clock. At present, it has lost its primary purpose and is preserved only in the watches of the elite segment as an element of luxury and chic.

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

Quartz watch features:

• work the mechanism provides a battery charge;
• Are the most accurate in the matter of measuring time;
• shock resistant;
• In production quartz watches use automatic machine assembly, and parts are made of durable and flexible plastic;
• budgetary price;
• Relatively light weight.

The downside of the mechanism is the aging of quartz.

Modern manufacturers offer a variety of quartz - electronic watches. These are models based on the principle of operation from a battery - batteries, 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 a symbolic image of the minute and second hands.

Models differ in a number 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.

Once upon a time, the only available model was a round gold watch with a minimal amount 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 of stores.

Among them stand out antique and vintage. They are distinguished by belonging to companies with a century-old history and a worldwide reputation, expensive materials, individual design, engraving.

Along with a few original models of the twentieth century, which are much more expensive than modern brands, there are many remakes that have absorbed the features of past years. Such "reissues" are maximally stylized as the original, repeating in great detail leather straps, large Roman numerals on the dial, design elements that are iconic from the point of view of the brand's history.

Modern styles are very diverse. Many product groups 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 young ladies. Youth options are popular in the steampunk style - things at the junction of technocracy, fantasy and Victorian elegance. Marine motifs in the design of products is a topic that is 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 timer.
• With compass. Will be indispensable for tourists and wildlife lovers, sailors, hunters;
• With tonometer. Shown primarily to those who have problems with blood pressure. They will save hypertensive patients from the need to make regular measurements, remind them of taking medications, and monitor heart function at night. Outwardly, such devices do not differ from ordinary watches;
• With barometer. Vital devices for those who are not used to being in "greenhouse" conditions. For fishermen, hunters, avid travelers, extreme sportsmen, it is very important to keep track of weather changes here and now. Accurate indicators of changes in atmospheric pressure and temperature will make it clear whether fishing will be successful and hiking in the mountains will be safe;
• With a camera. 4 GB of memory or 2 hours of high-quality color video recording with sound. The hidden camera is built into the case, it runs on batteries, like the device itself. You can view the recording on the clock, on the screen of a computer, TV and any other gadget. In addition to a video camera, they can be used as a flash drive, voice recorder, camera, webcam, fixing the time and date of file creation;
• With backlight. They come with backlight, which is turned on by pressing a button if necessary, with phosphorescent paint, luminous due to trigilight - a sealed tube filled with gaseous tritium 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;
• Mobile watch. A symbiosis of a smartphone and an ordinary wrist watch, which combines a number of functions of both gadgets;
• clock calculator. An interesting model that combines a counting device and a chronometer;
• Speakers.

Each eminent manufacturing company has distinctive features. These are special combinations of colors, symbols, ornaments, abbreviations, engraving. But iconic elements do not have to be branded.Watches with a custom-made company logo can be an excellent present for employees of a large organization, engraved or inscribed devices are suitable as a 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 most of the budget brands can be attributed to the first category, representatives of the elite segment a priori fall into the second category, then the third category includes devices equipped with functions necessary in specific living or working conditions. Among the specialized devices are models for athletes, hypertensive patients, sailors, military, tourists, as well as gadgets for the blind.

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

In the production of watch movements, 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.

Jewelry is made from natural or artificial stones, pearls, crystals.

Mechanical watches are characterized by the natural colors of the materials from which they are made, classic black and white colors. Quartz watches, due to plastic and silicone cases, cover a much larger color spectrum, and both bracelets, and the dial, and the backlight can be colored.

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

• Classic. An option for business meetings, negotiations and meetings, a demonstration of wealth and style as part of business etiquette. Among foreign manufacturers, of course, Rolex is well-known. The legend of domestic watchmaking is the self-winding commander's watch;
• Sport. For those who lead an active lifestyle;
• Copyright. Designer timepieces are designed for bold and creative men who are ready to experiment with style. Appropriately look at public people, representatives of creative professions;
• Combi. Balanced mix of styles from classic to sporty;
• Watch gadgets. In addition to standard add-ons, they are stuffed with useful “gadgets”: digital cameras, email applications and others.

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

Since the fair sex is more concerned about fashion trends than men, the variety of styles in their wardrobe requires at least two or three watch models. In this case, it is advisable to stop the choice on the first three categories.

A watch-phone or a watch with a stopwatch does not surprise any person who is at least somewhat versed in technical progress, but the original models are able to attract the attention of even worldly-wise connoisseurs of watchmaking.

These include handicrafts, devices made of unusual materials, such as transparent mechanisms, watches with a secret in the case, astronomical, navigational and other models with a unique design.

Unusual can be not only the shape, but also the filling.

The top most expensive models include pocket and wrist watches 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. Some of them take years to make. Among the leaders in terms of cost, there are several copies, the cost of which varies from 3 to 5 million. In the top five, there are exclusively exclusive models that appeared on an individual order.

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

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

• Accessories are chosen according to the status. Their cost should not exceed two salaries of the owner;
• For different cases, it is desirable to have suitable devices;
• Watches should be in harmony with the style of clothing;
• Additional functions are not a fashion trend, but a necessary and important thing.It is worth choosing them taking into account your own pace of life: for athletes - a chronograph, for travelers - world time indicators with a thermometer, for students - a calculator;
• The original is always preferable to the replica, even if it takes longer to save up for it.

The question of whether it is possible to give a watch as a gift has lost its relevance.

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

There is no universal way that will save you from buying a fake, but some knowledge will help you refrain from unnecessary spending:

• You should not buy products in non-specialized stores and on the street;
• It is necessary to pay attention to the accuracy of execution, especially those details that are the hallmarks of the brand;
• It is important to carefully study the mechanism. Often, devices that pass off as analog run 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 made of low-quality materials.

A watch is not only a functional item, but also a wardrobe element that obeys the laws of style. The hourly 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 hand;
• A harmonious combination of the shape of the brush and the shape of the watch. For example, an irregular geometric shape will visually reduce a brush that is too large;
• The bracelet can fit snugly to the hand or be slightly loose, but should not overtighten the wrist;
• It is acceptable to wear a watch over sleeves and gloves if it is not a business look;
• Jewelry adjacent to the clock should be located above them;
• Compliance of the accessory with the general style;
• When choosing the hand on which the watch will be worn, men are guided by convenience, and women by a combination of the appearance of the movement and other accessories.

Owners of watches, especially famous brands, are unanimous in their opinion: it is a comfortable, 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 of which brand is the best, so about a dozen manufacturers are included in the top review rating. Among foreign products, Swiss and Japanese products won the most confidence.

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

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

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

Russian manufacturers, known far beyond the borders of the country, are Poljot, Vostok, Slava, Record. These products combine the quality, experience and traditions of domestic watchmakers.