Quartz wrist watch

Luxury, part of the image, fashion accessory and necessity - a wristwatch. Today these accessories are distinguished into two types: mechanical and quartz. Despite the mechanism, each model needs certain rules of care.

A watch in which a quartz crystal is used in an oscillatory system is called a quartz watch. For the first time in the world they were released by the American company Hamilton, however, the mechanism, which is the basis of the accessories, was invented more than 90 years ago by W. Morrison. Models with a quartz movement went into mass sale only 30 years after their discovery.

Since the appearance of the accessory on store shelves, they have gained unprecedented popularity. In the last century, quartz watches with a calculator were also in great demand.

• The main advantage of the mechanism is the accuracy of the movement. The discrepancy in time for elite quartz models can be up to five seconds per year. For accessories of the middle class or economy, the monthly deviation in time can be up to 20 seconds, depending on the brand, country of manufacture and operation.
• Unlike "mechanics", the quartz movement does not need to be brought down daily. Manufacturers today produce versions of quartz wrist models, the battery of which can last from three to ten years.

• Another plus of a model with such a mechanism is the price. Due to the automated assembly, the price of a quartz watch is attractive.
• Quartz watches, in contrast to products with a mechanical movement, are more functional: they can include a calculator, compass, stopwatch and many other useful things.
• Since the body of the company is made of high-strength plastic, children can also use such accessories.

The main parts of a quartz watch are an electronic unit and a stepper motor. The first, with an interval of a second, transmits an impulse to the engine, which "pushes" the arrows. The constancy of the generated pulses is guaranteed by a quartz crystal. The crystal, when exposed to current, begins to vibrate and stabilizes the electrical vibrations generated by the generator in the electronic unit.

Sometimes the hands of the clock that are familiar to us are replaced with a display. These models were called digital quartz watches. Such accessories most often add advanced functions (stopwatch, compass, etc.). The companies prefer to make products with an electronic dial in a sporty style, however, sometimes such models can also be found in a classic style.

We bring to your attention a video about how the mechanism of a quartz watch works and how it works.

Today, a huge number of ladies' models with quartz movements are presented. In any store, even a small one, you will be offered a choice of 10 firms that sell quartz wristwatches on the market. Among the novelties of this season, OKAMI round steel watches are gaining popularity. Their case is made of bijouterie alloy, with a steel bracelet. They are also protected against moisture ingress.

One of the most popular mass brands SUNLIGHT presents metal, ladies' quartz watches in several colors. This model, like many others from SUNLIGHT, is a budget option.

Stunning models are available from brands such as DKNY, Michael Kors, 33 element. DKNY models are manufactured in Hong Kong. Steel body material. The mount can also be made of steel or genuine leather. The case is covered with gilding. In its watches, the company uses mineral glass, which is resistant to scratches, and water-repellent protection.

Another well-known brand is Michael Kors. The models of this company are very expensive, however, the quality of the products is hidden behind the high cost.

The most popular are quartz products MK5076, MK3179, MK5020. This watch has a steel case with PVD coating - super-hard titanium nitride, on top of which there is a thin layer of gold or chromium oxide. This coating makes the watch case even stronger. The protection against water is different for each model. The minimum is 50RW. It will allow you to safely swim in the pool and not take them off before swimming. A number of models also have a chronograph.

Models of the 33 element company, as well as DKNY, are made in Hong Kong, however, the country of manufacture of 33 element is Switzerland. The watch case is made of steel, and the case cover is polished steel. Sapphire crystal in some series is framed with Swarovski crystals. There is water protection. The strap can be made of leather or steel. The case of some models is plated with gold.

Another company that has firmly established itself in the market is Orient. Models of this company are produced in Japan. Both in terms of cost and quality, the products are not inferior to Michael Kors. Some even compare the movements of Swiss quartz watches with the Orient, noting the high quality of the Japanese assembly.

The watch is made of stainless steel with a special protective coating. Some bracelets are made of steel and ceramic. All products also have a minimum protection against water.

Another indispensable Japanese brand is Casio. The Casio A-159WGEA-1E model has been known to the Russian consumer since the early 90s. These are products, the body of which is made of plastic, the mount is made of steel, and its color is yellow gold. The model has an electronic display, water protection.The watches themselves are designed for both men and women.

The model gained great popularity in the 90s thanks to the presence of a calendar, a stopwatch and an alarm clock in the watch. Until now, you can buy Casio A-159WGEA-1E in stores at very reasonable prices.

However, the Casio lineup does not stop there. About two years ago, there was a great demand for the G-shock, which was nicknamed the indestructible model. The products are made entirely of durable plastic with mineral glass. Features automatic LED backlighting, shock resistance, stopwatch, world time function, timer, five alarms, calendar and average speed display.

The company has prepared a whole range of models for children, women, men and adolescents. The main difference from all watches was mostly in color.

Plastic is perhaps one of the cheapest materials for creating wristwatches. Most often, products are supplied from China and Japan. The technology by which the plastic is processed has already been brought to perfection. There is an opinion that plastic products will not last long, however, this does not apply to all watches, but only to inexpensive products. In particular, Casio uses plastic in many of its models. Those G-shock that cannot be “killed” are made of durable plastic.

Alloy or an alloy of both aluminum and zinc is another inexpensive material for making watches. However, due to the softness of both materials, the high strength models do not differ. The production technology of alloe models is simple: the alloy is poured into molds. As a result, the texture of the resulting material is rather porous and brittle. In addition, a thorough grinding of the resulting product is not possible.

Models made of a more durable material - brass will cost you more. The metal processing method is more laborious than when working with alloe. However, because of this, the products are stronger and more reliable. At the same time, the price of the manufactured watches is low. One of the disadvantages of brass is the rapid oxidation of materials under the influence of external factors. This process can be avoided by applying a special protective coating.

The following materials are titanium and steel. The complexity of metal processing affects the final price of products, however, this cost hides quality and strength. Steel products are the most popular models today. The material is distinguished by high strength. In addition, steel housings do not require additional costs from you for the purchase and coating of the protective layer.

There are two types of steel watches:

1. All stainless steel. By purchasing models with such markings, you are buying a product made of stainless steel completely.
2. Stainless steel back. In this case, only the back cover of the model is made of steel. The case itself in this case can be made of plastic, titanium or other alloy.

Watches made of titanium are not as popular on the market as steel ones due to the fragility of the material. To achieve high strength of the case, companies have to resort to sophisticated product processing technologies. However, as a result, titanium watches are durable and lightweight. But manufacturers also note a number of disadvantages of this material. Models are not made from 100% titanium. The second drawback is that you can never open the case back.

Jewelry made of silver, gold or platinum are the most expensive accessories. For the most part, models made of expensive metals have become part of the status of the owner of the product.

In 2015, the most expensive quartz watch was presented at the Swiss exhibition Baselworld. The leader was the $ 40 million Fascination model from Graff. This model is set with white diamonds and is crafted in white gold and platinum. Designers have made more than just beautiful quartz watches. This is a transformable model that can become a bracelet.The model is presented in a single copy.

To set the time correctly, you need to carefully pull out the crown. Be careful - in some models, the head must first be slightly tightened. Then set the hands to the desired time. After setting the time, you need to press down on the crown slightly for a click to sound.

1. It is advised to change the date on the models when the hour hand is located at the number 6. Refuse to change the date between 19 and 04 o'clock, as this will lead to a defect in the calendar mode.
2. It is better not to keep the watch together with jewelry because of possible scratches on the glass.
3. Products cannot be stored in a cold place.
4. Avoid contact with salt water.
5. Try not to press the watch buttons in water, so that it does not get inside the mechanisms.
6. Do not place the watch near a microwave oven. Due to magnetization, the watch will run faster or slower.
7. It is better to entrust the change of batteries to the master. Battery life is about two years.

Hundreds of companies present quartz wristwatches on the market today. The main manufacturers are 33Element, Casio, Guess, Marc Jacobs, Orient, Samsung, Skagen.

Only a few brands present skeleton quartz watches. For these models, the case can be completely or partially open. The watch mechanism can be seen through a special window in the dial or back. For example, items with a quartz movement are presented by the luxury brand Devon Works in the Tread collection. The market value of such an accessory varies around 70 thousand dollars.