I recently began an internet business selling watches, and while studying my niche market, I was overwhelmed at the vast range of styles and brands available.
You can pick any brand of watch to discover the different styled watches, colour of watch faces, colour of watch bands, Stainless steel watches, gold plated watches even wood watches are available. When you get into the expensive range of watches you discover a whole new range of watches with diamonds, solid gold watches, titanium, and lots of other precious metal watches and jewel filled watches.
The watch movements vary as well from manual to fully electronic with some newer style watches having heart monitors, temperature, speed, and a whole lot of analytic information available. Then there are dive watches going down to 4000 Mtr, now that's a long way down but deep sea divers need reliable watches that can handle the pressure at these depths so it's great to see a range of wrist watches that cater for the individual as well as all the other divers who enjoy the ocean or cave diving.
Glamorous watches make up a large part of the industry because everybody wants to look different from the girl next door. New watches come on the market every day so keep watching or searching for your favourite style of watch, there is something out there to keep you happy when you look at all the watches available right now. I saw a watch the other day that has belts going in different directions to tell the time I was really intrigued as to how it works, it would be a real talking point at a party or with your friends.
In the beginning people could only tell the time from sun dials which they placed over doorways of their homes or businesses, showing midday and the four stages of the sun as it travels throughout the day, the other forms of clocks for telling time were water clocks, not easy to transport when you were on the move. In the 1500's with the invention of the springs, portable clocks and watches were produced. One locksmith from Germany Peter Henlein created the "Nuremberg Eggs" which could be put on the table instead of being hung from the wall, they only had an hour hand as the minute hand was not introduced until much later and they lost time as the spring unwound but they were popular with the wealthy individuals as they were a truly portable timepiece.
With the invention of the humble spring the world of clocks and watches took a giant leap into the forward. Men didn't wear wrist watches back in the 1800's they were thought to be too feminine and only ladies wore them. Men had a watch on a chain which they kept in the pocket of their vest which was called a fob pocket. Remember in the old movies, there would be someone standing at the train station taking out his watch on a gold chain from his fob pocket checking the time, today the fob pockets are still on the vest of men's 3 piece suits. It wasn't until someone tied one of these watches to his wrist with a piece of string so he could kept track of time and keep working that he asked a watchmaker to make a watch he could wear on his wrist, a couple of lugs were attached to the sides of the watch and a strap was put on so he could wear it.
It took a long time for this to become popular as the first real use was in the military and watches were worn by soldiers so they could synchronise battle plans, check time without fumbling with a pocket watch, Soldiers wore watches in the Boer War and in WW1. After the Great War more men were wearing watches as they had done during the war and it became recognised as a tribute to those who had served their countries on the battle fields so from this time on women weren't the only ones wearing watches. By 1920 it was fashionable for men to wear a watch and new designs were being made by a whole range of watchmakers, glass faces were replaced with plastics, different metals were used for the casing, minute hands were added and the rest is history.
When I was child, watches weren't really worn by children unless you were from the upper class as most families couldn't afford to buy their children a watch, when out playing one day I remember asking my friend what the time was but neither of us had a watch so he pulled up his sleeve looked at his arm and said "A hair passed a freckle" and we burst out laughing, it shows how far we have come over a short period of time. How many children have a watch today?
The first watch I ever got was back in 1960. Two sailors we knew had just returned from Singapore and brought these watches back for us as gifts I do remember they didn't last all that long maybe because I didn't know how to treat or look after it properly, I probably over-wound it, breaking the main spring.
A few years later I was given another watch from a close friend of the family he was an American Pilot and it was a gold Bulova which I still have to this day although I don't wear it. Every time I see or think about it, I see the person who gave it to me, unfortunately he passed away a short time ago so he and his watch are constantly on my mind.
Its funny when you have your wrist watch on, it becomes a part of you, and you don't give it another thought all day, you check it quite regularly for the time doing this action without thinking about it. Then one day you leave your watch off your wrist and all day long you worry about where you left it and it nags you until it is back on your wrist. One time during my travels I was at the airport in Paris and wanting to freshen up, went to the toilets, took off my watch, and had a quick wash and then walked off leaving my watch behind. A few minutes later I looked to check the time for my flight and no watch. My heart sank, I hurried back down to the toilets and thankfully my watch was still there on the basin - there are some honest people in the world. I had such a strong feeling of loss when my watch was missing for that short time, it confirmed how much the watch meant to me.
A few months later I was not so lucky. I was on a ferry travelling from Italy to Greece, the same thing happened, washed my hands, left the watch on the basin then went up on deck, I soon realised that I had left the watch in the toilet but this time when I got back it was gone. I reported it missing and had it broadcast over the ships speakers but the person who took it did not return it and I felt naked without it on my wrist, There was a strong feeling of loss, I guess we all have feelings like this when something is taken away from us, something we treasure. So look after your Wrist Watches.
The more I look into Wrist Watches I discover that they certainly have come a long way from the sundials produced in 500AD to the century we live in now, going to the Moon and beyond, humans love inventing new ideas and there is a lot more discoveries to be made on how we calculate TIME and the humble watch will be travelling as fast as the next discovery. Keep inventing Please!
To answer to my question - How many watches out there in our universe? - Billions.
Author Box
Neville Farr: [http://www.oldmantime.com] has recently entered the world of watches and is astonished at the huge array of modern wrist watches available. Take a look, you are sure to be impressed, AND watches make a great gift for all occasions.
People buy watches for many reasons. Maybe it's your daughters graduation, or maybe your son has made the local football team or maybe it's your partners birthday.
Maybe you're going on an expedition or holiday and your current watch is not up to it. Or maybe your watch has just plain died and its time to get a new one.
Well you've come to the right place!
The internet has become a huge part of peoples lives these days. Its a great way to research the options and a great place to buy.
You'll want to decide on the main purpose of the watch. Just telling the time? Just telling someone that you love and appreciate them? Or being able to measure your race car's performance. There a 101 reasons to buy. Yours will boil down to a few.
Once the purpose is decided you'll want to think about the image. Big Brand watches have a no nonsense story to tell. But you dont want to be attacked by someone who wants your watch! There's a good case for owning a number of watches. A beautiful, top brand watch, for those special occasions when you need to impress, a cheapo for touring 3rd world countries and a daily for the office or school campus.
If the watch is a gift you want to be remembered by, consider a mechanical watch. Its likely to retain its value, certainly if its a big name and one day, it may be handed on to another generation, with the words, "my father gave me this watch, when I went to my Prom. Its always been very special to me. I want you to have it now."
Watches are jewellery too and can have a lot of meaning to those who receive and own them.
Who knows, you may be remembered one day by the watch you buy today.
What is a, Sport Chronograph Watch?
Basically a, Sport chronograph watch, is a watch with additional timing functions. Many sports have the competitor completing a task in a set time. Any watch can tell you roughly how fast the competitor is going. A chronograph watch has separate functions to precisely measure the elapsed time. Check how many timing features your watch has. One additional dial means you can start, stop and cancel a sequence. Two additional dials usually means you can stop and zero one timer, while the other continues. This gives you elapsed time and individual lap times.
Waterproof watches.
Many waterproof watches have a screw down winder function. Like divers watches. This improves their waterproofness. If you want a watch to go diving with, you must check whether the watch is just "splash proof" or is OK to dive as deep as you can. Manufacturers are careful to specify what conditions their watches will perform in. Always check these figures, before plunging your watch. Jumping into the water can considerably increase the pressure on your timepiece. Be sure it can handle it.
What is a "Flyback Function?"
This means that the timer part of your watch can be zero'd after a timing event. i.e. the timer hand "flys" back to zero. Different watches have different functions. If this is important to you, check before you buy.
Watch Movement.
The "movement" is the driving component inside your watch case. You can get basically 3 types of movement.
Mechanical movements:
These date back 100's of years to when timepieces were first made. Huge strides have been made in the manufacture of mechanical watches. The metals used, the techniques and the functions of mechanical watches are amazing and delicate. Mechanical watches, are the most collectible. Clearly demonstrating the makers skill. Check that the watch you are buying is "mechanical". If it is, you will need to have it serviced every 3 or 4 years, more important with the better quality ones. They do wear and get dirty. They are also more prone to sudden shock. Like mountain biking etc. But they are the most fascinating. Early watches had to be wound every day. It is a daily ritual. Create a "habit" by stopping to wind it, every time you put it on. Modern watches are often "auto winding". If you have one of these, they should be removed during vigorous exercise.
Quartz and Electronic
Many modern watches now have no moving parts. Except for a vibrating crystal. A battery powers the crystal, which oscillates at a constant frequency. This gives the watch its amazing time keeping qualities. They are easy to own and manufacture. So you can often get very good value, with a lot of functionality and good looks. They dont need winding, but its a good idea to replace the batteries every three years. Sometimes the batteries will corrode and leak. This can damage the function of your watch.
Timekeeping is accurate and maintenance almost zero. So you will always know the time, without any effort.
New Technology
New methods of driving a watch have recently come on the market.
Seiko, produced a kinetic watch that is powered by your movement.
Citizen have created a light powered watch called an "Eco-Drive." This uses sunlight to run it and can store as much power as is needed to run the watch for up to 5 years.
How to care for your watch
Firstly wear your watch only where it is appropriate. If you are going rock climbing or mixing concrete, its a good idea to not wear your watch. They are not indestructible and despite their "rugged" good looks they do need looking after.
Never leave your watch in direct sunlight. The sun can overheat your watch and damage its function.
Thermal shock can also damage a watch. Heating in the sun then plunging into cold water can affect your watch. Best to avoid.
The battery in your quartz watch is affected by extreme heat and extreme cold. Keep your watch at temperatures you live in. Dont expose to extremes.
Leather straps can be damaged with household cleaners or any chemicals. Keep your watch away from chemicals. Clean your watch strap, as per the manufacturers instructions. Metal straps can be affected by sand and grit. Keep them clean or clean after exposure.
If your glass "fogs" take the watch immediately to a watch repair agent, to avoid movement damage.
If your watch is exposed to sea water and is waterproof, rinse it off with fresh water. Otherwise wipe with a damp cloth to remove any corrosive salt.
How much to Pay?
Always a tough question. Just remember the old adage. "A cheap price is great on the day, but quality rewards you, over time." 2 years down the track, the few extra dollars you spent on buying quality, will be valued far more than the "price paid" on the day. Buy the best your budget will allow.
Take your time looking for your next, sport chronograph watch. You will get many years of faithful service from the big name watches. They have a substantial reputation to live up to. People rely on the brand and the merchant to deliver a quality product more than capable of delivering excellent service and satisfaction.
John Franzis is a watch collector and historian. To find some incredible deals on the worlds best watches, visit his website at [http://www.sportchronographwatch.net]
Watches are one of the most sought after items in the world. Some people have a watch for every single occasion - business, casual, weddings, sports events, etc. Watches come in all kinds of brands, sizes, options, colors, and of course prices. If you are looking for cheap or moderately priced watches you sure aren't going to find them in this article! This article is all about the most expensively insane and somewhat gaudy watches you can find on the market right now like the The Audemars Piguet Las Vegas Strip Limited Edition watch that costs... well, read on and find out for yourself! People will actually pay the price for these watches, and I can't blame them. These are some of the best watches on this planet!
First off, you have the Harry Winston Men's Tourbillon Glissiere 350/MATRL. The tourbillon is known as being one of the most expensive watch types, and this one is going to cost you around $350,000! I've even seen these watches be sold as used, and they are still $150,000. This is without a doubt a Donald Trumpian watch! Second on the list is the Vacherin Constantin's Tour de l'Ile coming in at a smooth $1.5M! I think the main reason this watch is so expensive is because they only made seven of them, so it's definitely a collectors watch in the worst kind of way.
This watch is also said to be one of the more complicated made watches as well because of the double faced option. Of course it also has a million attributes as well that pay toward the price such as sixteen different points, calendar, sunset and rise time, second time zone, a tourbillon device, and the equation of time for the representation of the night sky. Crazy stuff! Third on the list, is the Supercomplication watch by Patek Philippe which is at a very high $3M!
If you're looking for something more moderate, more like in 200,000 dollars zone, you might want to feast your eyes on The Audemars Piguet Las Vegas Strip Limited Edition watch. There are only 35 pieces of this baby made and if you're a true gambler (although there's nothing really to gamble with this watch) get your hands on this little devil ASAP.
The Audemars Piguet Las Vegas Strip Limited Edition watch is built around a blackened titanium case and has a self winding movement that is secured with a Red Stitched Black Hornback Crocodile Strap and AP Folding Clasp. Not enough? Well, you've paid nearly a quarter mil to get this watch so the guys at AP watches will throw in a special presentation box has 2 decks of Audemars Piguet playing cards and a full set of Audemars Piguet poker chips! Now that's what I'm talking about baby!
It's said that this watch took over 5 years to design and was actually designed in 1933 by Henry Graves - the watch also bears Graves name as well. Famous people whom have worn Patek Philippe watches include that of Marie Curie, Albert Einstein, Tchaikovsky, Duke Ellington, and Rudyard Kipling.
Watches are one of the most sought after items in the world. Some people have a watch for every single occasion - business, casual, weddings, sports events, etc. Watches come in all kinds of brands, sizes, options, colors, and of course prices. If you are looking for cheap or moderately priced watches you sure aren't going to find them in this article! This article is all about the most expensively insane and somewhat gaudy watches you can find on the market right now like the The Audemars Piguet Las Vegas Strip Limited Edition watch that costs... well, read on and find out for yourself! People will actually pay the price for these watches, and I can't blame them. These are some of the best watches on this planet!
First off, you have the Harry Winston Men's Tourbillon Glissiere 350/MATRL. The tourbillon is known as being one of the most expensive watch types, and this one is going to cost you around $350,000! I've even seen these watches be sold as used, and they are still $150,000. This is without a doubt a Donald Trumpian watch! Second on the list is the Vacherin Constantin's Tour de l'Ile coming in at a smooth $1.5M! I think the main reason this watch is so expensive is because they only made seven of them, so it's definitely a collectors watch in the worst kind of way.
This watch is also said to be one of the more complicated made watches as well because of the double faced option. Of course it also has a million attributes as well that pay toward the price such as sixteen different points, calendar, sunset and rise time, second time zone, a tourbillon device, and the equation of time for the representation of the night sky. Crazy stuff! Third on the list, is the Supercomplication watch by Patek Philippe which is at a very high $3M!
If you're looking for something more moderate, more like in 200,000 dollars zone, you might want to feast your eyes on The Audemars Piguet Las Vegas Strip Limited Edition watch. There are only 35 pieces of this baby made and if you're a true gambler (although there's nothing really to gamble with this watch) get your hands on this little devil ASAP.
The Audemars Piguet Las Vegas Strip Limited Edition watch is built around a blackened titanium case and has a self winding movement that is secured with a Red Stitched Black Hornback Crocodile Strap and AP Folding Clasp. Not enough? Well, you've paid nearly a quarter mil to get this watch so the guys at AP watches will throw in a special presentation box has 2 decks of Audemars Piguet playing cards and a full set of Audemars Piguet poker chips! Now that's what I'm talking about baby!
It's said that this watch took over 5 years to design and was actually designed in 1933 by Henry Graves - the watch also bears Graves name as well. Famous people whom have worn Patek Philippe watches include that of Marie Curie, Albert Einstein, Tchaikovsky, Duke Ellington, and Rudyard Kipling.
