Watch bracelets

The 21st century has marked itself as a time of discovery, erasing old patterns and overcoming obstacles. The world has opened up new possibilities.

Watch manufacturers also do not stand still, and, like the entire fashion industry, have stepped into an inexhaustible creative abyss. The market offers watches for every taste and color. And it doesn't matter who you are, what you do, what religion you profess and how you relax.

High technologies for the extraction and processing of raw materials, speed and quality of production - all this made it possible to translate the ideas of designers into reality.

Choosing a watch for the first time, the buyer faces a choice - a strap or a bracelet. But when you come to the salon and see the variety of models, from which your eyes run wide, this question becomes no longer relevant.

Each type of watch fastening on the wrist has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. First of all, you need to understand what you need a watch for.

Seeing the delightful patterns on silver bracelets, you forget that this is just an aid to keep the case on your wrist.Therefore, for an evening out, ladies also prefer watches on a bracelet.

People leading an active lifestyle, where work is replaced by classes in fitness clubs, and then more night parties follow, those who want to have time to take a better look at the straps everywhere. The fastening of the straps is more reliable, and during even extreme sports, the possibility of losing them is reduced to zero.

Watches with a metal bracelet have always looked richer on their owner's hand than with a strap, even leather. The clock was not only a mechanism for displaying time, but also became an accessory that added sophistication to the image of a person. To date, there are two types of bracelet designs: hard and soft.

The rigid type includes such models as:

• Frame or cast bracelets. They represent a closed single ring. As a rule, fasteners are not required.
• Hinged. This is the same closed ring as the frame type, only divided into two parts. Hinges are inserted at the break points, giving it the ability 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 springs.

The soft type includes the following models:

• Glider bracelets consist of separate independent links-plates and connecting elements. The plates are often made of precious metals and decorated with engraving or stones.
• Chain bracelets consist of separate links, which are themselves connecting elements. The principle of their work is similar to an ordinary chain.

• In jewelry bracelets, special attention is paid to decoration. For this, 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 covered with enamel to preserve the pattern.
• Wicker. Also used are names such as Milanese mesh, chain mail, shark bracelets. They really do look like chain mail. The links are made of brass wire and are tightly woven into a very dense pattern. Braided bracelets were popular back in the 60s and remain so to this day.

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 by placing it in an elegant metal case.

The leader in the manufacture of metal bracelets is steel. It is affordable, practical, unpretentious in care. With careful wear, even after decades, there is every chance to keep the appearance of the watch in its original state.

One of the most durable metals in watchmaking is cupronickel, an alloy of nickel and copper. There is an opinion that watches made of nickel are harmful to health. But this opinion is wrong. Nickel can actually be dangerous, but only on an industrial scale. Before going on sale, watches are 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 from precious metals, 583 gold is used, and silver - 875. Very often, jewelry stores offer gold-plated bracelets. Their price, of course, wins, but the quality ... Gold plating is erased over time and with improper care. Therefore, gold-plated watches are not suitable for daily wear.

Huge popularity, especially among collectors, is gaining watches with a titanium bracelet. The main advantage of buyers note its "warmth". It does not cool down like steel, and even in the cold season does not bring discomfort to its owner. Titanium watches do not cause allergies.

Ceramic watches have many of the above advantages. But for some reason, the attitude towards them is very wary, although there are few reasons for this. Ceramic bracelets are very wear-resistant, light, have a pronounced gloss, which can be spoiled only by a very hard impact on it. They are as "warm" as titanium ones.

Straps made of synthetic and textile materials have confidently come into fashion and strengthened their positions. Silicone, they are also called rubber, rubber, paracord bracelets are pushing classic models, taking up more and more space on store shelves.

Choosing a watch, we, first of all, think about the benefits, comfort and beauty. But along with these qualities, it is also necessary to provide for the convenience and reliability of their fixation on the arm.And just for these qualities the clasp is responsible.

There are five main types of fasteners (locks):

• Butterfly. The principle of its work is very simple. Three plates connected to each other with pins are attached to the edges of the strap. At the moment of fastening, the plates are folded, thereby tightening the edges of the bracelet. The main advantage of this clasp is that it is completely hidden under the strap. That is why jewelers love to use this lock.
• Another invisible lock is a box. Very difficult to make, and is usually used in women's bracelets made of precious materials.

• Clip. The locking mechanism is similar to the principle of the "butterfly". Only he has two plates that tighten the edges. The clasp itself remains on the surface, does not hide.
• Folding buckle. Not very reliable design, but super comfortable. 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 ensure a secure fixation. The edges can move at the slightest touch.

There are still many ways of fastening, but they are not suitable for metal and ceramic bracelets.

Studs also play an important role in the design of the bracelet. A hairpin, a pin or an eyelet are different names for one part, the task of which is to connect the watch case and the bracelet links together.

Nowadays, you can choose a watch for all occasions, for any image or wardrobe.

Despite the fact that in the manufacture of metal watches only its natural color is used (mainly shades of gold or silver), there are a lot of their varieties.They can be plain or combined, glossy or matte.

In order for the watch to look good on the hand, when choosing a bracelet, two parameters must be taken into account - width and length. It depends on the width whether it fits the watch case at all. And how all this will look depends on its length.

The width of the watch bracelets starts at 8mm and goes up to 32mm in 2mm increments. This is the widest bracelet. The most common sizes are 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24 mm, which are produced by almost all manufacturers of branded watches. Bracelets of this size can be called universal, so they can fit both women's and men's models.

How long the bracelet should be is, of course, up to the buyer to decide. Some like it tight, some like it loose. The main thing is that the clock does not hang down. Firstly, this is a sign of bad taste, and secondly, a watch on a long bracelet can be lost.

Every year the wrist watch market increases by 20%. But invariably leading positions in Russia are maintained by such brands as Tissot, Casio, Orient and watch:

• Tissot. The world-famous brand that conquered Russia back in the time of Alexander II. In those years, the Swiss company supplied pocket watches for officers of the Russian army. Tissot, remaining true to the traditions of Swiss watchmaking, to this day focuses on models with a classic stud fastening of the bracelet.Bracelets for Tissot watches are presented in a large assortment.

• Casio. Came to the domestic market in the 90s of the last century, Casio watches have 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 design elements are the main distinguishing feature of Casio watches. Case and bracelet are inseparable parts of a single whole. The transition between these two components is imperceptible and it seems that the bracelet cannot be removed.
• Orient. Another brand specializing in the production of classic models. Even the sports series Diving looks very conservative. Often, customers prefer the models of this brand, explaining this by affordable prices and 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 the world markets with low-quality watches. Swatch watches are made in the style of Japanese minimalism. In their reviews, buyers call them original and sophisticated. And it's understandable why. Very often this is a completely “clean” dial, a minimum of patterns and reliefs. Even women's models of decorated watches are not distinguished by special luxury.

If it is not difficult to fake a watch and few people will be able to notice the forgery, then what can we say about bracelets for them.

If in doubt, be sure to pay attention to the following:

• The original product will never be cheap.
• An official representative will never sell fakes.
• If it's a metal bracelet, check it for chips. The surface of the original bracelets is always smooth, without burrs and roughness.
• The structure of ceramic bracelets must be homogeneous, without streaks and internal cracks.
• All engravings on fittings are made using 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.

There are such situations that I really liked the watch, but the bracelet is too big. But this is not a problem, it can be shortened.

Metal bracelets have two adjustment methods:

• by moving the castle;
• by removing links.

The folding lock buckle has three crossbeams. But you can benefit from moving the fastener by a maximum of 5 mm.

The clip has three holes on its body, which allows you to change the position of the pin. But to do this, you first need to pull it out.

To remove the pin, more precisely, to extrude it, watchmakers usually use a device to reduce the length of the bracelet, but this procedure can also be done independently at home. To do this, you need a "gypsy" needle and pliers.

Before you begin to reduce the length of the bracelet, separate the watch case to avoid the possibility of scratching it. Next, place the tip of the needle on the pin and slowly press on it. Do this until the length of the pin appears on the opposite side, which could be picked up with pliers and pulled out to the end.

The links are removed according to the same principle, only for this you need to squeeze out two pins and remove the extra links.We squeeze out the pins, remove the links, but do not throw them away. Hide them, they might still come in handy. It happens that the wrist increases in volume and you may have to put them back in place. Almost everything is ready. It remains only to connect the two parts of the bracelet at the gap.

Everyone wants a watch to last as long as possible without losing its presentability. To preserve the eternal youth of this accessory, you must follow the recommendations described in the instruction manual and properly care for them.

You can clean iron bracelets, even with very fine and dense weaving, with a mild detergent and a toothbrush. After that, you need to dry it with a towel. If you delay with this, then traces of water drops may remain on the surface and a matte coating will appear.

That's when polishing will definitely be required. It is better to polish the watch with GOI paste and a soft dense fabric - cashmere or felt. This polishing method is also suitable for bracelets made of precious metals.

Before proceeding to water procedures, separate the watch case from the bracelet. Never use aggressive cleaning agents to remove dirt.

Ceramic watches do not need special care. Dirt almost does not stop to a flawless gloss. But if this still happened, it is enough to wipe them with a damp cloth.

It does not matter which hand you wear the watch on, whether you are right-handed or left-handed, and on which side of the wrist the case is placed - from the inside or from the outside. The main thing is that the watch should be convenient and comfortable.

In the last century, watches were a sign of discipline and responsibility. And every schoolboy dreamed of getting them for his birthday. Times have changed. Now young people prefer modern gadgets. And watches have remained an indispensable accessory only for true connoisseurs of beauty. As a rule, such people have a whole collection in which there are watches for all occasions.

For information on how to reduce the bracelet on a Curren watch, see the following video.