Watch Knowledge Center

Your newly purchased wristwatch is designed to provide you with accurate and reliable service over a long duration of time. However, like any other precision-crafted instruments such as automobiles, a watch does require periodic daily maintenance and care to ensure that it operates precisely. The frequency of when you should have your watch serviced is contingent upon the environment you live in as well the individual daily care given.

Whether you have an automatic, mechanical or quartz timepiece, a worn-out part or aged oil inside could cause your watch to start losing time or stop altogether. In addition the water-resistance of a watch is not permanently guaranteed. We recommend that you consider having your automatic, mechanical and quartz watch serviced every two to three years at an authorized service center.

Standard Maintenance

Most quartz watches require replacing the batteries every two to three years, so having your watch inspected and serviced at this time is optimal. Automatic and mechanical watches may require a complete overhaul after two or three years of use. The process involves the movement being removed from the case, completely disassembled and thoroughly cleaned, then reassembled, properly lubricated, timed and tested to factory accuracy. The movement is installed into the newly refinished case with a restored crown, seals and push-pieces. Afterwards the case is sealed and pressure-tested.

Everyday Care

Cleaning

Use a soft cloth daily to wipe off moisture, sweat and dirt daily on the case, case back and band when you take your watch off to maintain the durability of the case back and band.

Do not use solvents or harsh chemicals such as peroxide and bleach for cleaning your watch. This may create a chemical reaction on the case and band, resulting in the deterioration of the watch or create discoloration on the case and band.

Watch bands may require more attention since they directly touch the skin and could easily become soiled from perspiration and dust.

Since the watch band touches the skin directly, it may become damaged or dirty from perspiration, dust particles and other substances. The lack of care may accelerate deterioration of the band, cause skin irritation or stain the sleeve of apparel you're wearing.

Water Resistance Safeguards

Whether your watch is water-resistant to 200 meters or 30 meters, there are certain measures to take to keep it running smoothly. There are several precautions to consider as well:

• Avoid having your watch come into any contract with water when the crown is pulled out.
• Avoid using the crown when the watch is wet.
• Do not place watch under running water from a faucet, even if the crown is locked and closed. The water pressure could create moisture inside the watch chamber.
• Keep the watch dry at all times when not in the water, to preserve the seal.
• The water-resistance of a watch is not guaranteed and the seal could be reduced over time. It is best to have the water-resistance periodically checked over time.

Whether you are making your first important watch purchase or adding another new timepiece to your collection, taking into consideration the watch's movement is a necessary factor to consider. Simply put, the watch movement is actual heart of a watch. It is the mechanism that measures and displays the time on the watch dial. Automatic, mechanical and quartz watches are the top choices.

Mechanical Watches hold the distinction of having the oldest movement around dating back to the introduction of timepieces in the early 17th Century. Mechanical watches are highly regarded for their Old World workmanship, bespoke quality and expertise. The mechanism inside is spring driven and is powered by a series of gears oscillating back and forth at a constant rate. Mechanical watches do require manual winding on almost a daily basis to keep the movement running smoothly.

Automatic Watches are revered for their time-keeping excellence and are among today's most coveted timepieces in the world. A true automatic or self-winding watch features a built-in mainspring mechanism that winds automatically from the natural motion of a user's arm and provides sufficient energy to run the timepiece and avoid manual winding. In 1770 Swiss watchmaker Abraham-Louis Perrelet invented the first self-winding automatic timepiece, a pocket watch which was designed to operate when the user walked, using an oscillating weight that moved up and down and provided sufficient energy to run the watch.

Automatic timepieces for generations were produced by hand, being both costly and only worn by a prestigious few. Today automatic watches are produced both by hand and in mass at watch factories throughout the globe and come in a wide variety of prices from affordable to highly expensive.

Although automatic timepieces operate on the motion of the wrist when in use, they will wind down in 10 to 72 hours depending upon the power reserve inside. Winding the watch is one solution. An automatic watch winder, which replicates the movement and oscillation of the wrist is another solution.

Quartz Watches offer the most accurate display of time and are powered by batteries. The movement inside has a vibrating quartz mineral that operates with a battery to convert the vibrations into power and time.

Today, quartz watches are the most widely produced and popular watch styles in the world. In comparison to mechanical and automatic timepieces, they are also the most inexpensive watch styles. The batteries on most quartz watches have to be replaced anywhere from 12 to 36 months.

An easy way to tell the difference between an automatic or quartz watch is the movement on the second hand of each. Automatic styles have a smooth second hand operation that runs fluidly in a continuous sweeping movement. Quartz models have a second hand operation with a pulsating or ticking repeated starting and stopping action.

A chronograph is a timepiece featuring independent display and stop-watch functions on the dial, the latter of which is presented on a separate subdial window. The term comes from the Greek phrases for time: "chronos" and writing: "graph." Today, the term is interpreted more about the recording of time rather than writing.

The first chronograph with an independent stop-watch function was introduced by Edouard Heuer on a pocket watch model in 1882. Five years later, Heuer introduced a chronograph with an oscillating pinion mechanism, a movement which is still used in the craftsmanship of mechanical chronographs by many watchmakers today.

The push-pieces, which are generally located directly adjacent to the crown, serve to activate the split-second, minute and/or hour functions on the dial.

Today chronographs come in all types of movements: automatic, quartz and mechanical. Each records time in durations ranging from split-seconds to sixty-seconds, 30-minutes to 60-minutes, as well as twelve and twenty-four hour intervals. Unidirectional and bidirectional rotating bezels on chronographs are used for calculations of speed, time and distance. Although a timepiece may have several subdials, it cannot be considered a chronograph without the stopwatch function on the dial. Numerous wristwatches today have day, date and alarm and small-second subdials yet are not classified as chronographs. They are however categorized as multi-function watches.

Prior to the late 1990's, chronographs were produced almost exclusively for men. In 2000, the brand TechnoMarine introduced chronograph watches expressly for women. The brand created a revolution with their women's chronographs, which paired premium crafted Swiss-made watches with stainless steel cases on colorful transparent plastic straps in a wide array of fashionable colors.

Many of the TechnoMarine chronographs also featured dazzling diamond bezels with impressive carat weights. The watches were water-resistant to 200 meters and could be worn anywhere. The TechnoMarine diamond chronographs soon became the most sought-after watches across the globe and were seen on the wrists of celebrities, fashionistas and trend-setting women.

Chronographs are still preferred today by many to record times for races and other track, field and sports related activities, along with auto racing, sailing, aircraft piloting and deep-sea diving.

There are many details and terms about wristwatches you’ll want to be familiar with whether you are selecting a timepiece for yourself or as a gift.

Watch Case – The case houses the mechanism and integral movement inside a timepiece along with the watch dial above it. Cases come in many sizes and shapes from petite and slender to bold and oversized…round, oval, square, rectangular and Tonneau. Stainless steel, ceramic, titanium, 14K and 18K gold are among the popular material choices for watch cases.

Lugs – The lugs are the portion of a case usually located at the top and bottom sides that attach the case either to the bracelet or strap.

Crystal – The watch crystal is the clear protective glass above the dial that lets you precisely see the hands, hour markers and other watch functions. The crystal also safeguards the dial from water entering the case. Watch crystals range from standard mineral to scratch-resistant Sapphire and Sapphitek models, many of which may also be glare-resistant.

Bezel – The bezel on a watch is the round shaped ring, square or rectangular shaped foundation surrounding the dial. Bezels are usually crafted in material similar to the case and bracelet. Many watch bezels are stationary. Others have unidirectional or bidirectional rotating functions. Bezels on dress and fashion watches feature sparkling inlaid diamond, gemstone or crystal accents.

Dial – The dial or face of a watch displays the time. Traditional analog dials feature two hands and hour marker indices. Many analog models also have a sweeping second hand function. More modern designs feature just two hands, no second hand movement and limited or no hour indicators. Date window apertures are featured on many dials. Some dials have skeleton windows or backgrounds that let you see the movement inside.

Subdial – The subdial is an independent window on the dial of a watch. Many analog watches have small-second subdials. Chronograph and multi-function dials have subdial windows featuring elapsed time second, minute, hour functions to date and month indicators.

Crown – The crown is usually positioned on either the left or right side of the case. It serves to adjust the time on a watch as well as the date functions. The crown on a mechanical timepiece requires winding almost on a daily basis to keep the watch running smoothly. Locking and screw-down crowns protect the interior of the watch from allowing water to enter through the case.

Push-Pieces – Push-Pieces are located adjacent to the watch crown and are usually positioned on each side of the crown. They serve to stop, start or adjust the secondary time functions on a chronograph or multi-function watch.

Tachymeter – A tachymeter is presented on a stationary bezel ring or the outside exterior of a watch dial. It serves to measure distance based on speed and is featured on many racing inspired timepieces.

These words are used frequently in watch lingo. Refer to the following definitions if you have any questions about technical specifications or terms.

A subdial on a chronograph that can record time periods of up to 12 hours.

A subdial on a chronograph (see "chronograph") that can time periods up to 30 minutes.

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Refers to rate constancy of a watch, not only on whether it is showing the exact time. A watch gaining or loosing exactly the same amount every day is considered accurate.

Sometimes referred to as Hesolite, an acrylic crystal is composed of plastic composite that is generally less expensive and less durable than a sapphire or a mineral crystal. Benefits of an acrylic crystal are that it flexes rather than shatters on impact. It also produces little glare under bright light and can be polished easily.

A device that makes a sound at a preset time. There are both quartz and mechanical alarm watches.

Function that provides altitude by responding to changes in barometric pressure, commonly found in pilot watches. Inside a pressurized airplane cabin, the altimeter registers as if on land.

A watch with a dial, hands, and numbers or markers that present a total display of 12-hours.

A watch that shows the time by means of hands (analog display) as well as by numbers (a digital display). The analog display has a traditional dial with hour, minute and sometimes second hands. The digital display shows the time numerically with a liquid crystal display. This feature is usually found on sport watches.

A watch showing the day, date month and 24 hours, adjusting automatically for short and long months. The calendar needs setting only once a year - at the end of February to the 1st of March.

Small opening. The dials of some watches (in French: montres à guichet) have apertures in which certain indications are provided (e.g. the date, the hour, etc).

Unit of pressure used in watch making to indicate water resistance.

Provided by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology, Time and Frequency Division, Boulder, Colorado, atomic time is measured through vibrations of atoms in a metal isotope that resembles mercury. The result is extremely accurate time that can be measured on instruments. Radio waves transmit this exact time throughout North America and some 'atomic' watches can receive them and correct to the exact time. To synchronize your watch with atomic standard time, call (303) 499-7111.

A mechanically powered watch that is wound by the motion of the wearer's arm rather than through turning the winding stem (manual mechanical). In response to this motion, a rotor turns and winds the watch's mainspring. Most automatic watches have up to 36 hours of power reserve. If an automatic watch is not worn for a day or two, it will wind down and need to be wound by hand to get it started again.

A vague, generic term used to refer to the band that holds a watch on your wrist. The preferred terms bracelet and strap, clearly describe the two major types.

Battery End Of Life indicator. This function forewarns of impending battery failure in a quartz watch by means of the second hand jumping in two or sometimes four-second intervals. The wearer usually has approximately two weeks before battery failure.

The period of time that a battery will continue to provide power to run the watch. Life begins at the point when the factory initially installs the battery in the watch.

A device that converts chemical energy into electricity. Most watch batteries are the silver oxide type, delivering 1.5 volts. Much longer-lasting lithium batteries deliver 3 volts.

Also known under various marketing names, including Kinetic (Seiko), Omega-matic (Omega), and Auto quartz (Invicta). Terms for the modern hybrid watch technology of using a quartz movement powered by a small electric current generator operated by a rotor. Electricity generated from the rotor's movement is stored in a capacitor, rechargeable battery, or similar means to keep the watch running. So, like an automatic watch, these also must be worn regularly to keep up their electrical power reserve.

A bezel that can be moved either clockwise or counterclockwise. These are used for mathematical calculations or for keeping track of elapsed time.

A bracelet is the flexible metal band consisting of assembled links, usually in the same style as the watchcase. Detachable links change the length of the bracelet. Bracelets can be made of stainless steel, sterling silver, gold, or a combination. See also strap.

Used to indicate a smooth round or oval convex shaped polished gemstone. In watch terminology, it describes a decorative stone set in the watch crown.

The calendar mechanism or function on a watch can consist of a date only showing in a window through to a triple calendar, showing the date, day and month. A combination of dial cut outs and pointer hands may be used. The most complicated calendar mechanisms may be mechanically programmed to show the year and months including those with less that 31 days; leap years can also be mechanically allowed for. Sometimes referred to as a perpetual calendar.

The metal housing that contains the internal parts of a watch. Stainless steel is the most typical metal used, but titanium, gold, silver and platinum can also be used.

Case Diameter is measured without the taking the crown into consideration. All measurements are approximate.

The addition of a flyback hand (rattrapante) significantly increases the potential uses for chronographs. It makes possible the measurement of split second times or timing simultaneous events of unequal duration.

A multifunction sport watch with a stopwatch function. Most have two or three subdials, or minidials, for measuring minutes and hours. When used in conjunction with specialized scales on the watch dial it can perform many different functions, such as determining speed or distance ( see "tachometer" and "telemeter"). Some can time more than one event at a time (see "flyback hand" and "split seconds hand"). Do not confuse with "chronometer" which is a timepiece that has met certain high standards of accuracy set by an official watch institute of Switzerland.

This term refers to a precision watch that is tested in various temperatures and positions, thus meeting the accuracy standards set by C.O.S.C. in Switzerland. These watches are provided with a chronometer certifcate detailing specific test results by the C.O.S.C.

The attachment used to connect the two ends of the watch bracelet around the wrist.

Control Officile Suisse de Chronometers or Swiss Controle Officiel des Cronometres- the independent Swiss regulatory organization that rigorously tests and certifies (or fails) watch movements for chronometer status.

A function that lets the wearer keep track of how much of a preset period of time has elapsed. Some countdown timers sound a warning signal a few seconds before the time runs out. These are useful in events such as yacht races, where the sailor must maneuver the boat into position before the start of a race.

The crown often referred to as the winding crown or winder is used for winding the watch in the case of a non-automatic, for setting the hands to the correct time and often for setting the date in the case of calendar equipped watches. On diving/sports models, the crown may be screw-down whereby it screws onto a threaded tube, which protrudes from the case of the watch. This often ensures superior water resistance.

The cover over the watch dial is called the crystal. There are three types of crystals commonly used in watches: acrylic crystal is an inexpensive plastic that allows shallow scratches to be buffed out. Mineral crystal is composed of several elements that are heat-treated to create an unusual hardness that aids in resisting scratches. Sapphire crystal is the most expensive and durable, approximately three times harder than mineral crystals and 20 times harder than acrylic crystals. A non-reflective coating on some sport styles prevents glare.

Caseback made of transparent material such as hardened mineral crystal or sapphire crystal that reveals the intricate movement of the watch.

A small window or lens in the crystal that is added to magnify the date 2 1/2 times.

A watch that indicates not only the date but also the day of the week.

A three-folding enclosure that secures the two ends of the bracelet and allows enough room for placing the watch on the wrist when fully deployed. When closed, the buckle covers the two-piece folding mechanism.

An alarm on a diver's watch that sounds when the wearer exceeds a preset depth. In most watches it stops sounding when the diver ascends above that depth.

A device on a diver's watch that determines the wearer's depth by measuring water pressure. It shows the depth either by analog hands and a scale on the watch dial or through a digital display.

The dial, often referred to as the face is usually marked with numbers or batons to which the hands point in order for the wearer to tell the correct time. Dials may be minimalist with no markers at all or extremely complex as in the case of pilots' chronographs. Dials may be decorated with patterns or in some cases with precious stones.

The display of time in numbers instead of hands on the dial. The numbers can appear in an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), which shows a continuous reading or an LED (Light-Emitting Diode), which shows the time at the push of a button.

Indication of time or other data, either by means of hands moving over a dial (analog display) or by means of numerals appearing in one or more windows (digital or numerical display); these numerals may be completed by alphabetical indications (alphanumerical display) or by signs of any other kind. Example: 12.05 MO 12.3 = 12 hours, 5 minutes, Monday 12th March. Such displays can be obtained by mechanical or electronic means.

Divers' watches traditionally feature a graduated, rotating bezel, screw down winding crown, and caseback... must be water resistant to at least 200m or 660 feet.

A rotating bezel, which can be used to display a separate time zone distinct from that shown on the dial.

A graduated rotating bezel (see "rotating bezel") used to keep track of periods of time. The bezel can be turned so the wearer can align the zero on the bezel with the watch's seconds or minutes hand. You can then read the elapsed time off of the bezel. This saves from having to perform the subtraction that would be necessary if you used the watch's regular dial.

The actual time taken for an object to travel over a specified distance.

Decorative engraving, usually on a watch dial.

End of Life. In quartz movement, the end of battery life is indicated by the second hand, which starts to jump every four seconds. The battery should be changed immediately.

The visible side of the watch or the dial.

An additional hand on a chronograph which moves with the second hand but, can be stopped independently to measure an interval which can then "fly back" to catch up with the other hand. This is useful for capturing lap times without losing the ability to capture the finish time.

A three-folding enclosure that secures the two ends of the bracelet and allows enough room for placing the watch on the wrist when fully deployed. When closed, the buckle covers the two-piece folding mechanism.

A rubber or plastic ring that seals the internal works of the watch against dust, moisture and water.

GMT (Greenwich Mean Time), also known as Zulu Time, as set to the international clock in Greenwich, England, reflects, through an additional hour hand, the world time on a 24-hour scale and is used by pilots worldwide.

An application of gold over the surface of an item.

The only natural form of gold is yellow gold. But since gold is too soft in its pure form to make jewelry, it is normally made into an alloy by mixing it with other metals. The portion of pure gold to other metals determines the Karat rating. 24K is pure gold. 18K is 75% pure. The exact nature of the other metals used determines the color. A moderate amount of copper in the alloy creates Rose Gold. A moderate amount of palladium and nickel creates white gold.

Indicator, usually made of a thin, light piece of metal, variable in form, which moves over a graduated dial or scale. Watches usually have three hands showing the hours, minutes and seconds.

A watch with a manual mechanical movement, which needs to be wound by the wearer using the winding crown. This winds the mainspring up which then releases its energy to power the watch.

The bearing, endstone or pallet used for reducing friction within the movement of a watch are made of synthetic material of precious or semi-precious stones. Usually a very inexpensive form of synthetic ruby, these are used for virtually frictionless pivots or hubs at certain critical places in the watch mechanism. These jewels do not add any monetary value to a watch. It is also important to understand that more jewels does not necessarily make a better watch.

A jump hour indicator takes the place of an hour hand. It shows the hour by means of a numeral in a window on the dial of the watch. The word "jump" refers to the fact that the numerals jump from 1 to 2 to 3, etc., rather than showing intermediate times between hours as hour hands do. The minutes and seconds in a jump hour watch are read as normal from the analog hands and dial.

An indication of the purity of the metal used, expressed in the number of 1/24th of the pure metal used in the alloy. Metals such as gold are too soft in their pure state use in jewelry, so they are typically made into an alloy with other metals for strength. 24K (equal to 24/24ths) is pure metal. 18K is 18 parts pure metal mixed with 6 parts of other metals. That translates to 18/24=0.750, which is 75% pure, or 750 parts per thousand.

Refers to the Seiko line of Kinetic watches. This innovative technology has a quartz movement that does not use a battery. Movement of your wrist charges a very efficient capacitor which powers the quartz movement. Once the capacitor is fully charged, men’s models will store energy for 7-14 days without being worn. Ladies models store energy for 3-7 days. The watch alerts you to a low capacitor charge when the seconds hand starts to move in two second intervals.

The ability, in some quartz sport watches, to preserve in the watch's memory the times of laps in a race that have been determined by the lap timer (see "lap timer"). The wearer can recall these times on a digital display by pushing a button.

A chronograph function that lets the wearer time segments of a race. At the end of a lap, the wearer stops the timer, which then returns to zero to begin timing the next lap.

A digital watch display that shows the time electronically by means of a liquid held in a thin layer between two transparent plates. Followed from the earlier LED or Light Emitting Diode display of the first quartz digital watches. The LCD was preferred as it used vastly less power than the LED thus the time could be shown constantly as opposed to having to press a button for time display.

Extensions on both sides of the case where the bracelet or strap is attached.

A small window or lens in the crystal that is added to magnify the date 2 1/2 times.

Refers to a watch with a manual mechanical movement, which needs to be wound by the wearer using the winding crown. This winds the mainspring up which then releases its energy to power the watch.

A movement based on a mainspring which when wound slowly unwinds the spring in an even motion to provide accurate timekeeping. As opposed to a manual mechanical watch which needs to be wound on a consistent basis, an automatic mechanical requires no winding because of the rotor, which winds the mainspring every time you move your wrist.

When time is measured in 24-hour segments. To convert 12-hour time to 24-hour time, simply add 12 to any p.m. time. To convert 24-hour time to 12-hour time, subtract 12 from any time from 13 to 24.

Watch crystal made from what is essentially a form of glass. More scratch resistant than acrylic, a mineral crystal will however scratch and is extremely difficult to polish.

A Complication on a watch that can strike the time in hours, quarters, or seconds by means of a push piece.

An indicator that keeps track of the phases of the moon. A regular rotation of the moon is once around the earth every 29 days, 12 hours and 44 minutes. Once set, the moon phase indicator accurately displays the phase of the moon.

Iridescent milky interior shell of the freshwater mollusk that is sliced thin and used on watch dials. While most have a milky white luster, mother-of-pearl also comes in other colors such as silvery gray, gray blue, pink and salmon.

The means by which a watch keeps time, often including the power source. For example, a watch with mechanical movement uses a spinning balance wheel powered by a tightly wound spring, whereas a watch with quartz movement measures the vibrations in a piece of quartz and often is powered by a battery.

O-rings are used to seal the backs of watches, which feature either a press-in back or a screw on back. They ensure water resistance. Usually also used on the winding stems of watches and in the winding crowns to protect against the ingestion of water and dust. Normally made from a rubber/plastic compound.

A device that counts the number of strides taken by the wearer by responding to the impact of the wearer's steps.

A calendar complication that adjusts automatically to account for different lengths of the month (30 or 31 days) and leap years. Perpetual calendars, which can be powered by quartz or mechanical movements, are programmed to be accurate until the year 2100.

One of the most rare precious metals, platinum also is one of the strongest and heaviest, making it a popular choice for setting gemstone jewelry and watches. It has a rich, white luster, and an understated look. Platinum is hypoallergenic and tarnish resistant. Platinum used in jewelry and watches is at least 85 to 95 percent pure. Many platinum watches are produced in limited editions due to the expense and rarity of the metal.

A feature that shows when the watch will soon need a new battery or winding. A battery reserve indicator on a quartz watch informs the wearer when the battery is low. Often this is indicated by the seconds hand moving at two or three-second intervals. Seiko's Kinetic watches are quartz watches that do not have a battery (see Kinetic). When a Seiko Kinetic needs to be wound, the seconds hand will also move in two-second intervals.

A measure of the amount of time a watch will run after being fully powered or wound, with no additional power input. Normally, this means when a mechanical watch is fully wound or a quartz watch has a brand new battery. Many modern mechanical watches have a power reserve of 40 hours. Power reserve also applies to battery-less quartz watches, which may have power reserves from 40 hours to 6 months. On battery-operated quartz watches, the term is sometimes used to refer to the expected battery life--typically 12 to 32 months.

A scale on a chronograph watch for measuring the pulse rate.

Button that is pressed to work a mechanism. Push-pieces are usually found on chronographs, striking watches, and alarms.

A caliber that uses the vibrations of a tiny crystal to maintain timing accuracy. The power comes from a battery that must be replaced about every 2-3 years. In recent years, new quartz technology enables the watch to recharge itself without battery replacement. This power is generated via body motion similar to an automatic mechanical watch, or powered by light through a solar cell (Kinetic & solar-tech).

A bezel ring that can either turn one way (counter clockwise) or both ways and generally clicks into place.

The addition of a flyback hand (rattrapante) significantly increases the potential uses for chronographs. It makes possible the measurement of split second times or timing simultaneous events of unequal duration.

Another name for a subdial; this is usually a dial within the main dial of a watch. The best example is possibly a chronograph where there may be registers for the chronograph minutes and hours. Some watches have registers with pointers showing the day and date.

A device that chimes the time when the wearer pushes a button. Some repeaters, called "quarter repeaters" sound just the hours and the quarter hours ( by means of two different pitched tones); others called "five minute repeaters", sound the hours, quarters, and five minute periods after the quarter; and still others called "minute repeaters", sound the hours, quarters and minutes.

Used to describe a pointer hand on a watch dial (often a subdial), which returns to zero at the end of a prescribed period. For example a watch may have retrograde date - in this case the hand moves up a scale a day at a time, pointing to the current date - when it reaches 31 it will spring back to 1

Protective coating of metal with a thin layer of rhodium; hard, brittle metal which does not oxidize and is malleable only when red hot.

A softly hued gold that contains the same metals as yellow gold but with a higher concentration of copper in the alloy. A popular color in Europe, rose gold in watches is often seen in retro styling or in tricolor gold versions. Some 18k red gold watches achieve their color from additional copper in the alloy.

A bezel (the ring surrounding the watch dial) that can be turned. Different types of rotating bezels perform different timekeeping and mathematical functions.

The part of an automatic (or self-winding) mechanical watch that winds the movement's mainspring. It is a flat piece of metal, usually shaped like a semicircle, which swivels on a pivot with the motion of the wearer's arm.

Synthetic sapphire formed for use as the crystal of a watch. Extremely scratch resistant (9 on the Moh scale), a sapphire crystal is the material of choice for many watch collectors. The downsides are that sapphire can chip at the edges if they protrude and can shatter.

Highly scratch resistant crystal created by the fusion of sapphire and mineral glass crystal.

A crown that aids water resistance by sealing the crown to the case of the watch. The seal is achieved by the matching of a threaded pipe on the case with the crown's internal threads and gaskets, while twisting the crown to lock it into place.

An additional dial that can be set to the time in another time zone. It lets the wearer keep track of local time and the time in another country simultaneously.

This term refers to a mechanically powered watch that is wound by the motion of the wearer's arm rather than through turning the winding stem (manual mechanical). In response to this motion, a rotor turns and winds the watch's mainspring. Most automatic watches have up to 36 hours of power reserve. If an automatic watch is not worn for a day or two, it will wind down and need to be wound by hand to get it started again.

As defined by the U.S. government regulation, a watch's ability to withstand an impact equal to that of being dropped onto a wood floor from a height of three feet.

A rotating bezel, or ring, around the outside edge of the watch case that is printed with a logarithmic scale and assorted other scales and is used in conjunction with fixed rules of mathematics to perform general mathematical calculations or navigational computations.

A type of quartz movement where the batteries are recharged via solar panels on the watch dial. They have a power reserve so they can run even in the dark.

Solar powered quartz watch. This technology provides the accuracy of quartz, without the inconvenience and cost of regular battery changes.

A feature on a chronograph that actually is two hands, one a flyback, the other a regular hand. To time laps or different finishing times, the wearer can stop the fly backhand independently while the regular hand keeps moving.

An extremely durable metal alloy (chromium is a main ingredient) that is virtually immune to rust, discoloration, and corrosion; it can be highly polished, thus resembling a precious metal. Stainless steel is often used even on case backs on watches made of other metals and is the metal of choice used to make high quality watchcases and bracelets. It is also hypoallergenic because it doesn't contain nickel.

A precious metal. Sterling refers to silver that is 92.5 percent pure. The silver fineness should be stamped on the metal, sometimes accompanied by the initials of a designer or country of origin as a hallmark. A protective coating may be added to prevent tarnishing.

A watch with a seconds hand that measures intervals of time. When a stopwatch is incorporated into a standard watch, both the stop watch function and the timepiece are referred to as a "chronograph".

A watchband made of cloth, rubber, leather or other non-metal material.

A small dial used for any of several purposes, such as keeping track of elapsed minutes or hours on a chronograph or indicating the date.

A mark identifying a watch that is assembled in Switzerland with components of Swiss origin, primarily used in Bedat watches.

Instrument for measuring speed or units. In watch making, a timer or chronograph with a graduated dial on which speed can be read off in kilometers per hour or some other unit (see timer).

A metal with a texture similar to titanium, but a color similar to gold. Used by Omega for the gold-like trim on certain titanium watches. Many of these watches are also available in titanium with real gold trim.

A watch function that finds the distance of an object from the wearer by measuring how long it takes sound to travel the distance. Like a tachometer, a telemeter consists of a stopwatch function and a special on the dial of a chronograph.

Instrument used for registering intervals of time (duration, brief times), without any indication of the time of day.

A "space age" metal, often having a silver-gray appearance. Because it is 30 percent stronger and nearly 50 percent lighter than steel, it has been increasingly used in watch making, especially sport watch styles. Its resistance to salt water corrosion makes it particularly useful in diver's watches. Since it can be scratched easily, some manufacturers use a patented-coating to resist scratching. Titanium is also hypoallergenic.

A mechanism that keeps track of elapsed time and displays it, usually on a subdial on the watch dial. Same as a "recorder" or "register". The term "totalizer" can be used more generally to refer to any counter on a watch.

An elapsed time rotating bezel, often found on divers watches, that moves only in a counterclockwise direction. It is designed to prevent a diver who has unwittingly knocked the bezel off its original position from overestimating his remaining air supply. Because the bezel only moves in one direction, the diver can err only on the side of safety when timing his dive. Many are ratcheted, so that they lock into place for greater safety.

Universal Time Coordinated. A universal time based on the Greenwich Meridian used by the military and in aviation. Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) can be considered approximately equivalent to Universal Time Coordinated (UTC). GMT as such is now obsolete however, being replaced by UTC. Using this timezone/standard avoids errors and problems associated with different time zones and summer times operational in different countries.

Describes the level of protection a watch has from water damage.

The ability to completely exclude the possibility of water entering into any working portion of a watch. According to the Federal Trade Commission, no watch is fully 100 percent waterproof and no manufacturer that sells watches in the U.S. may label any of their watches "waterproof." The FTC demands that watches only be referred to as "water resistant."

The button on the right side of the watchcase used to wind the mainspring. Also called a "crown."

Operation consisting of tightening the mainspring of a watch. This can be done by hand (by the crown) or automatically (by a rotor, which is caused to swing by the movements of the wearer's arm).

A dial, usually on the outer edge of the watch face, which tells the time up to 24 time zones around the world. The time zones are represented by the names of cities printed on the bezel or dial. The wearer reads the hour in a particular time zone by looking at the scale next to the city that the hour hand is pointing to. The minutes are read as normal. Watches with this feature are called "world timers."

A countdown timer that sounds warning signals during the countdown for a boat race.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is the most-popular metal used in the production of watches today. It is extremely durable and is less expensive than gold, titanium, silver and platinum. Stainless steel is also resistant to saltwater corrosion and is one of the top metal choices for diver's watches.

There are several grades of stainless steel. The lower grades are less corrosion-resistant and magnetic resistant than higher grades which include 316L and 904L, both of which are used in the production of high-end luxury watches.

Gold

18K rose, yellow and white gold are featured on the cases and bracelets. Nothing compares to the lustrous appeal and exceptionally rich feel of gold and wearing a gold watch one will certainly elevate your wrist.

Gold wristwatches are ideal for dressier, more formal occasions. Many high-end watches are presented on premium grade leather and exotic skin straps for more affordability. Many watchmakers also offer two-tone gold and stainless steel styles for their stylish appeal and striking contrasts.

Although gold is one of the most luxurious watch metals, it is susceptible to scratching and is not impervious to sea water.

Titanium

Titanium is incredibly lightweight and extremely durable metal. It is stronger and more resilient than both gold and steel and is also less corrosive in seawater than either metal as well. It is also lighter and more comfortable to wear on the wrist and is more hypoallergenic than gold and silver.

Titanium is the top choice for both professional and amateur deep-sea divers. Sports enthusiasts and runners prefer titanium not only for its lightweight characteristics but for its ability to not corrode against sweat on the wrist.

Electroplated and Ion-Plated Metal

Today's high-tech electroplated and ion-plated processes offer a variety of finishes from 18K rose and yellow gold and titanium plate to black, blue and gunmetal ion-plate. The two finishes both involve applying a metal or colored finish to a metal, generally stainless steel through a vaporization process. An actual metal such as gold, platinum or rhodium is used in the electroplated process and is also the more costly of the two finishes. Both finishes also offer an economic alternative to the less expensive genuine metals.

Ceramic

Ceramic wristwatches are virtually scratch-resistant, hypoallergenic and exceptionally comfortable on the wrist. There are several drawbacks to owning a ceramic watch. One is that ceramic is extremely fragile if it hits against a marble, tile or concrete surface and can easily break under such conditions. In addition a ceramic bracelet watch is far weightier than a titanium, stainless steel or gold watch.

Tungsten Carbide

Tungsten Carbide is a new and popular choice for wedding rings, bracelets, necklaces and wristwatches. It is a chemical compound powder that is shaped and formed through a heat process into watch cases, bracelets and other jewelry. Tungsten carbide is also used for drill bits and tools, mill rods and road planning picks. Denser and extremely harder than steel, gold and titanium, Tungsten carbide has a high resistance to scratching.

Tungsten carbide offers a richer, weightier feel than titanium and is also considerably more scratch resistant than titanium. Both metals can be highly polished to a mirror bright glow and share a gunmetal gray tone in their natural state. However, white tungsten has a lighter appearance, similar to both white gold and platinum.

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is a man-made substance with an appearance and likeness to plastic that is used for bullet-proof vests, digital music player cases, smart phones, riot shields hard-side luggage and watch cases. It is extremely durable and remarkably lightweight. Polycarbonate can be finished in any color with a matte or glossy surface.

Congratulations! You have a new watch on your wrist and the case back reads "Water Resistant 30 Meters." Before you start taking a swim in your backyard pool or planning a diving adventure in the deep seas of the Caribbean, it is best to know that this watch is not intended for swimming and especially not for diving.

While it's easy to assume that you can take your watch in water up to 30 meters or 100 feet, a watch with this designation is ideal for everyday use and can withstand casual exposure to water, such as splashes of water, being caught in the rain, accidentally wearing one in the shower or immersing into water.

Watchmakers today rely on the Water-Resistant standards created by the International Organization for Standardization in 1990, which use comprehensive laboratory tests to determine how well a watch is sealed against the entry of water.

The purpose of these tests is to determine the amount of pressure a watch can withstand while immersed in water and before water can force its way through the crystal seal, setting crown, and case back gasket. Temperature changes are also taken into consideration as well, since a watch may have to withstand both cold and hot water conditions.

The overall results from these tests are presented in units of pressure such as a Bar, Atmosphere or the equivalent of water depth in Meters or Feet. Hence, a watch water-resistant to 3 Bars or Atmospheres (ATM) can only withstand 30 overall meters of water exposure before condensation, erosion or any interference with the mechanisms inside start to taking place.

Watches with 50-meter water-resistance can be worn around household sinks and infrequent swimming in shallow water, however it's best not to wear one when bathing, snorkeling or scuba diving.

100 meter water-resistant watches can withstand the same pressures as 50-meter models, yet you can also swim in deeper depths of water, dive or snorkel. However, it is best not to go deep-sea diving with one.

Timepieces with locking screw-down crowns, case backs and nylon, rubber or Teflon gaskets are expressly made for the rigors of deep-sea diving and are water-resistant up to 200 meters or more. Both screw-down crowns and case backs on these watches prevent water from entering the inner chambers of the timepiece, while the gaskets act as protective seals preventing water from entering the chambers.

Although a timepiece is labeled Water-Resistant it cannot be classified as Water Proof. The Federal Trade Commission prohibits watchmakers from using this claim even for deep-sea diving watches water-resistant, 200, 500, 1000 meters or more, since the seals that keep water out on these watches are not completely indestructible and their effectiveness may be reduced over any duration of time, taking both aging and deterioration into consideration.

Watch Water Resistance Guide

Here's a guide to help you determine how water resistant your watch really is:

Deployment Clasp is a type of bracelet closure with a clasp that opens and folds out. It easily locks into place with a latch mechanism inside.

Deployment Clasp With Safety is Also known as a fold-over safety clasp, this type of bracelet closure has a clasp that opens and folds out, along with a fold-over closure that provides added layer of security. It locks into place first with the latch mechanism and then with the folding clasp on the outside.

Hidden Clasp is a hidden deployment clasp, also known as a butterfly clasp, which opens at both ends of the bracelet and resembles a butterfly’s wings when it is fully opened. The bracelethhas a seamless look when completely closed.

Push Button Hidden Clasp is a push-button hidden clasp is a hidden or butterfly clasp with a push-button release mechanism that easily opens the clasp. Push-Button Deployment Clasp is a single locking deployment clasp with a push-button mechanism that easily opens the bracelet. The push-button mechanism serves as a safety feature, since the bracelet will not open unless the push-button is released.

Push-Button Foldover Clasp With Safety is a deployment clasp with a push-button mechanism that opens the bracelet, along with a fold over closure on top that provides a second layer of security.

Jewelry Clasp is a jewelry clasp and a widely used clasp used on many bracelets. It features a latch that snaps opens and closes when attached to the latch bar at the other end of the bracelet.

Deployment Buckle Clasp is a hidden or butterfly clasp used on watch straps. One end of the clasp is attached to the strap on one side, the other end of the clasp requires fastening onto the holes of the strap for a comfortable fit. The clasp easily opens and closes for added convenience and avoids the user of having to adjust the strap length after the first use.

Buckle Clasp is a strap buckle is and a common clasp closure identical to those found on belts. It features a loop and pin that are secured through the holes on the strap.

Mechanical watches require winding almost on a daily basis. Although mechanical watches have a power reserve of 40 hours, many watch experts feel it is a good practice to wind your watch on a daily basis at a fixed time each day.

Most watch experts concur that is best to wind your mechanical watch in a clockwise manner, winding the crown towards the upper face of the dial towards the 12 o'clock hour. Some mechanical watch wearers prefer winding their watches in a back and forth movement. This is also an effective manner to keep your watch properly wound.

It is best to avoid winding your watch counter clockwise towards the 6 o'clock hour, since this is considered a neutral gear mode and may not be effective in keeping your watch effectively wound.