The Man’s Guide To Watches

This article will help you if you are interested in becoming a watch-wearer, or if you already do so, but don’t know much about the timepieces you carry around with you. We’ll discuss everything you need to know about this timeless accessory, from how they work to your advantage to the pros and cons to the different styles we offer.

This is the ultimate guide for men’s wristwatches. It contains all the information you need in one place.

Watch Movements

Watches are a fascinating topic to learn about. The movement of a watch is crucial in keeping time and how it functions. Consider it the “heart” or the watch.

There are three types of watch movements: quartz, automatic, or mechanical. We will explain below the differences and their pros and con’s.

Mechanical

A mechanical watch is powered by a mainspring, a coil wire of metal that is wound manually. After the mainspring has been wound, the watch’s second hand will move in a smooth, circular motion. Mainsprings typically measure between 9 and 13 inches in length. The mainspring’s length will determine how long your mechanical watch can run between windings.

All mechanical movements are not created equal. Watches are characterized by their precision and workmanship.

Many watch enthusiasts consider mechanical movement watches the best timepieces because of their heritage and the meticulous engineering involved in making them. These watch enthusiasts view a mechanical watch as more than just a timepiece. It’s also a way to show their appreciation for history and fine craftsmanship.

The pros of mechanical watches:

1. There is no need for a battery. A mechanical watch’s mainspring is hand wound so you don’t have to take it to the jeweler for a replacement. You can simply wind the watch up if it stops ticking.
2. Smooth hand movement. Some people prefer a smooth, sweeping movement of the second hand to the tick tick tick of quartz watches. You can choose a mechanical watch if that is important to you.
3. Character. It is amazing how much engineering goes into a mechanical watch. Your watchcase contains tiny springs and gears that work together to show you the time. It’s not obvious to the naked eye, but it’s all part of its charm. Watchmakers spend hours creating a mechanism that is hidden from the eyes. A mechanical movement watch is a great addition to your collection if you are a fan of craftsmanship.
4. Tactile. The ritual of winding your watch at night is a way to connect with the time. It’s important to take care of one of your possessions in order to keep it ticking and “alive”.

Cons of mechanical watches:

1. Regular winding is required. Most mechanical watch mainsprings will last for two days without needing to be wound, but it is recommended that you only wind it once per day. Some people enjoy this, while others find it annoying.
2. Sensitive to its environment. A mechanical watch can be sensitive to its environment because it keeps time with a variety of complex springs and gears. The Four Horsemen of Mechanical Watch Apocalypse are moisture, dust, shocks and magnets. Modern watches are designed to withstand the elements. However, it is important to be careful. You should choose a quartz watch to wear every day if you are in an environment where you come in contact with dirt, magnets, moisture, and/or large bumps (like splitting or hammering wood)
3. It is not as precise. A well-made mechanical watch can maintain time at 99.999% accuracy, which is approximately +/- 1 second per day. However, accuracy decreases with age and usage. To maintain your watch’s accuracy, you will need to take it to a jeweler every 5-10 years. Not all mechanical watches are the same. Some watches are more accurate than others. As mentioned, environmental factors can affect the accuracy of a mechanical watch. A quartz watch is the best choice if you are looking for precise timekeeping.
4. Expensive. You will pay more for all the precision engineering and craftsmanship that goes into a mechanical wristwatch. There are some excellent mechanical watches that are under $500, but most of them are much more expensive.

Automatic

Automatic watches look almost exactly like mechanical watches. They are powered by a mainspring, use intricate gears to move watch hands and require that the user hand-wind it to keep it ticking. Your watch’s movement winds the mainspring up throughout the day, while you are wearing it. Automatic movements are also known as self-winding watches.

How does an automatic watch self-wind? A small weight is contained within the watch, called a “rotor”, which moves with your wrist throughout the day. It connects to the mainspring, and winds it as it moves. To prevent your watch from becoming too worn, an automatic watch has a slip clutch.

You can store your watch in a watch winder if you don’t wear it. This is a small device that rotates your watch in a circular motion, while you store it so it stays wound. This is especially important if your watch features a date display or calendar. Let’s take, for example, an automatic watch that has a calendar. But you decide to not wear it for a few more days. The watch will lose its power if it is not stored in a case. Also, the display will show the date and time that the watch stopped ticking. You will need to reset the watch every time you wear it again.

The pros of automatic watches

1. No battery required.
2. You don’t need to wind it manually. An automatic watch is an acceptable compromise if you don’t like the idea of winding a mechanical timepiece by hand.
3. Smooth movement. Automatic watches are just like mechanical watches that have been wound manually. They also have smooth movements.
4. Character. An automatic watch is made with the same engineering and craftsmanship as a mechanical one.

Cons of Automatic Watches

1. Sensitiveness to the environment An automatic watch can also be affected by the same environmental factors as a mechanical watch.
2. When not in use, watch batteries must be kept in a watch winder. An automatic watch does not need to be wound if it is worn regularly. However, it will still need to be stored in a watch case.
3. Although they are inexpensive and don’t take up much shelf space, winders can be a cost-effective option. However, it is one more thing that you will need to purchase in order to own an automated watch.
4. It is less accurate. An accurate automatic watch that is well-crafted can be just as precise as a mechanical watch. However, it will eventually lose accuracy and require regular tune-ups.
5. Expensive. Similar issue with mechanical watches. Engineering and craftsmanship are not cheap.

Quartz

If you are like most people, your watch is likely a quartz watch. There is a reason why quartz watches are so popular. Quartz watches are extremely accurate and affordable.

A quartz movement is powered by electricity from a small, rechargeable battery instead of a mainspring. The small battery transmits electricity through a quartz crystal. This causes the crystal to vibrate 32.768 times per second. A circuit measures the vibrations and converts them into a pulse to move the second hand of the watch. Quartz watches have an distinctive tick tick tick movement because they use electric pulses to move their second hand. It is not as smooth as an automatic or mechanical watch.

Quartz movements are more precise and more durable than automatic or mechanical watches because they rely on electricity. Quartz movements are used in most field and sport watches.

Quartz watches are dirt-cheap too. A watch that is accurate and reliable can be purchased for as low as $4. You’ll have to spend more if you need something with more flair.

The pros of quartz watches:

1. Accurate time. Quartz is the most precise of all movements. You will never lose seconds or add seconds during the day.
2. You will need less maintenance. A quartz movement watch requires very little maintenance, other than changing the battery once a year.
3. Durable. Quartz watches are durable because they have few moving parts. A quartz movement watch is a good choice for everyday wear if you have a demanding job.
4. Affordable. Quartz watches are affordable. Although they are more expensive than the mechanical and automatic versions, they are usually cheaper.

Cons of Quartz Watches

1. There is no smooth movement. A quartz watch’s second hand is not as smooth as a mechanical or automated watch’s.
2. They are less romantic. Quartz watches are less romantic than mechanical watches. This is because they lack the history, technical craftsmanship and engineering that mechanical watches have.