Since all watches tell the time automatically, are they all automatic watches?
In this case, these kinds of watches are defined by their kind of movement rather than what they look like on the outside.
Automatic watches work by transferring energy gained from the natural motion of the wearer's hand into a rotor/ oscillating weight. The rotor spins, sending the energy to the mainspring, where a power reserve is created to keep running the watch.
Since it is a kind of mechanical watch, the automatic movements are separated from the manual watches in that they don't need to be wound by hand to work.
According to the name prefix, the "automatic" movement takes the mechanical watch movement to a new level.
Instead of requiring manual winding, the self-winding nature of the watch makes it automatic.
That doesn't answer the question of how the self-winding timepiece works, though. But here goes:
When the wearer moves their hand while wearing the automatic watch on their wrist, the inner rotor/ oscillating weight spins, transferring energy to the mainspring of the watch. The mainspring stores the energy and gently redistributes it to power the seconds, minutes and hour hand of the watch.
This energy release from the watch's mainspring is also responsible for running other complications that might feature on the watch.
The older mechanical watches were hand-wound and would only work with how much energy you had stored inside the mainspring.
With an automatic movement, though, you don't have to wind them to get them working at all.
It is, thus, easy to think that these automatic watches share something in common with quartz watches – the battery. That would be wrong.
Depending on the quality of the automatic watch movement, a power reserve is created when the self-winding watch is worn to ensure continuous operation. The energy stored in the mainspring is slowly released to power the watch over time, even when the watch is not being worn, or the wearer's hand is stationary.
The power reserve that comes with automatic timepieces differ from one another, so be on the lookout for that.
While a good automatic watch can last for a few days, some will only keep ticking for a few hours when left idle. The same is true for the manual winding watch, which also has a power reserve based on how much you wind it, and how much energy the mainspring is willing to store in the first place.
Since the watch is self-winding, you don't have to worry about manually winding it by yourself many times.
A good automatic movement watch should have a decent power reserve that lasts between the last time you wore the watch and the next time you wear it.
For people who like to wear different watches on different days, you can invest in a quality watch winder to keep the watch powered.
In the instance where the self-winding mechanism has not been started yet, the watch is not fully wound, or the power reserve is empty, here's a video guide to winding the watch.
If you didn't watch the video, or you'd just like some fast and quick tips, do these:
As a rule, we don't recommend winding the watch more than 20 turns if you plan on wearing it immediately. After all, the rotor inside the watch takes over and starts generating energy to run the watch for you from the movement when you wear it.
There is a growing debate among users about the automatic watch and how they use it.
Should you let this watch sit to the point where it fully unwinds, or should you always ensure it is running?
Older automatic watches were at a higher risk of sitting idle for too long.
The ball bearings inside the automatic watch are not as hardened as those that you would find in the manual movement. Thus, they are more likely to be damaged by excessive winding – which will only occur when the watch has been allowed to stop too many times.
Likewise, the gears in the automatic watch movement need lubrication to work. When sitting idle for too long, these lubricating oils coagulate and could damage the internal system. In some cases, you might need a trip to a licensed repair shop to salvage the watch at all.
With that in mind, it is not bad to let the automatic watch stop but don't make that a habit.
Otherwise, a watch winder is a wise investment to protect the automatic watch and keep it running longer.
Before anything else, you should know this:
The automatic watch movement is a kind of mechanical movement requiring intricate parts, delicate engineering and a high level of precision to work. These watches have many moving parts that have to be carefully placed by hand, resulting in the high level of craftsmanship that they offer.
Now that you know this, it is easy to see how automatic watches can cost more than the average quartz watch.
When you go to Rolex's version, as well as other makers of luxury watches, the prices might scare you off. Those are not typical automatic watch prices either.
While they are not cheap, you will find affordable options that are made with quality materials and from reputable brands too.
Knowing that automatic watches are a good investment into quality timepieces that can end up becoming a family heirloom for you, they are worth every penny that you spend on them.
]]>These little units have been an important accessory for centuries, and they are still popular with consumers today. The advancements of timepieces over the last 100 years have seen the introduction of timepieces that can be used underwater and in space.
Yes, the first wrist watch has been here for more than a hundred years now, which leaves us with the question of when the first wrist watch was made.
The first watch was created in 1868 by Patek Phillipe and was designed for Countess Koscowicz. At the time, Patek Phillipe was a watchmaker based in Switzerland, which explains the rich watch history in the country.
In this piece, we dive deeper into the history of watches – from pocket watches to the automatic watch and quartz watches – to see how far these pieces of accessories have come.
When talking about what the oldest watch in the world is, there are a series of concerns to have in mind.
For one, not all watches are wristwatches. There are a couple of mechanical clocks which come as pocket watches or simple chain watches over time.
That said, the oldest watch is believed to be the Pomader watch which was designed sometime in the 16th century. With that timeframe, it looks like this watch came before the one Patek Phillipe designed for the Countess of Hungary.
However, the Pomader, which was made in the early 16th century (1505) by Peter Heinlein, is a small portable pendulum clock that mimics the idea behind the first wristwatch. After all, these watches are meant to be carried around to tell the time portably instead of having to look for a wall clock everywhere.
When it comes to timepieces, though, we will defer to the first wristwatch that made its way to the Countess Koscowicz of Hungary.
As you would have seen in this piece alone, there are many firsts in the world of watches.
We have the quartz movements making waves these days, mechanical clock watches with their balance wheel and extensive components, accurate clock-style watches, digital watches, and more.
In the world of hand watches alone, we could also debate that the wrist watch and portable clock fall into this category, leaving out the pocket watch (since it goes into the pocket, as the name suggests).
So, with that in mind, who invented the first hand watch?
The battle of who invented the first hand watch should be between Patek Philippe (who made the royal watch in 1868) and Peter Henlein (who invented the portable hand clock in 1505).
However, Patek Philippe might not be in contention at all when you realize that Abraham-Louis Breguet set up a modern wristwatch practice in 1775 and was credited with making a watch that went to the Queen of Naples in 1810.
This surely predates Patek, who is officially credited as making the first watch but comes after Heinlein's creation.
With many experts claiming that they are not sure if Heinlein truly made the watch or just signed off on it, the prize might just be Abraham-Louis' to claim.
We will leave this piece of history up here for you to decide who your first hand watchmaker is.
Although it seems that men have taken on the wrist watch niche these days, it was not always so. In fact, the production of these timepieces was mostly for women till necessity made it reasonable for men to have one also.
What necessity would make the men switch their fashion tastes so much that they have these accurate pieces of machinery telling the time on their wrists these days?
Men were used to carrying pocket watch with them, evolving from the small clock that Heinlein signed in the early 16th century. This also made a good part of the gentleman's dressing and spoke of a class without ever uttering a word.
When the first World War kicked in, though, things changed.
Some British and American soldiers found it convenient to keep track of the time with wristwatch rather than those that they had to reach into their coats to get. Since watches became a significant part of the war also (as they helped to sync and plan attacks better), the move to the wristwatch was made.
Thus, men did not start wearing these timepieces till the 20th century – and it was surely not a fashion-backed decision as it was for women.
After the war, most of the men kept their wristwatches on, and we started getting more of these modern designs for men. In little time, watchmakers moved in, and entire lines of wristwatches were developed for men, run by anything from mechanical energy to battery-powered mechanisms.
It is interesting to note that men created the first watches worn around the wrist, even if they were for women. Yet, they didn't have any of their own for well over a century.
Some interesting aspects of history to think about if you ask us.
One of the most notable changes in the world of traditional watches is the switch between movements.
Of course, you will still find the occasional mechanical wristwatch around today, but not as much as you would in the past.
For these early watches, they needed to be wound at intervals lest they stop working. When they do stop working, they lose time and need to be wound and reset.
The mechanical device was also popular with pocket watch styles; it featured on the first set of wristwatches also. However, all of the concerns above persisted.
Thus, advances in technology were needed to solve these problems, bringing about the battery-powered quartz movement watches we have around in the watchmaking industry today.
Now, you don't need to worry about winding your watch all the time; users have lesser moving parts to deal with, setting up the watch works just fine, and you can get quality service for your quartz timepieces almost anywhere today.
That, and we have not talked about how less costly they are.
These are some of the many reasons why we have chosen to go with the award-wining Japanese Miyota quartz movement for our timepieces at Nordgreen. They don't only allow us to offer you luxury at reasonable prices, but these modern timepieces make all the difference when it comes to maintenance, handling, and everyday usage.
In the latter half of the 20th century, timepieces went through a series of developments, many of which have affected the watches we use today.
For example, the Japanese watchmaker Seiko invented the first quartz, which saw a battery used in place of a spring. This revolutionized the watch industry, and watchmakers around the world began to experiment with new technology and designs.
This quartz movement has been replicated and redesigned in different forms, including the Japanese Miyota quartz movement that we use in our timepieces here at Nordgreen. Besides the fact that these battery-powered timepieces cost less to maintain, they will also keep time better than most mechanical watches and not set you back too much when buying.
In 1961, the first watch was worn in space by a Russian Astronaut. This led to many companies racing to create the next watch that would be worn in outer space.
Today, we have timepieces developed with technology that allows them to withstand extreme conditions such as can be found in the depth of water or outer space.
As if that's not enough, more features are being slapped on traditional wristwatches. One of such is the GMT bezel, which can be used for navigation, works wonders for tracking time in two time zones, and can even be used to measure time differences/ time elapsed.
With our men's Pioneer models, for example, you get a dual chronograph dial that can function as a stopwatch or counter, depending on what you need. Such inventions and features make the portable timepieces into unique elements of style that still step up to do much more.
The most radical developments of the wristwatch have occurred in the last decade or so. Now, many brands are creating smartwatches that can be charged like a phone. These new timepieces can do so much more than just tell the time and give an insight into what the future of timepieces will be like.
Whether we are going with Patek Philippe, trusting the words of Abraham-Louis Perrelet or anyone else who lays claims to creating the first wristwatch, one thing is sure:
Timepieces have come to redefine how we adorn our wrist and the entire fashion accessory market, and we love to see them.
Tap into this rich watch heritage and history by choosing Scandinavia-design-inspired timepieces that demonstrate a high level of class, luxury, and minimalist appeal.
Browse through our collection of men's watches and the nature-inspired women's watches that we have for you today to stand out from the bunch in every room that you enter.
Whether you are looking for something with a second hand, one to tell the hours, a wristwatch to pair with dinner gowns and suits, a timepiece that goes to the office with you, or a daily driver that handles outdoor operations smoothly, we've got something for you.
]]>Find your way around the bewildering world of horology
A watch is a very personal item that does so much more than simply tell the time. Your choice of timepiece is a clear indication of your personal style but a watch is not just a piece of jewellery. It also needs to perform one or more practical functions and choosing one can feel like a bit of a minefield. So what are the main things to consider when buying a watch?
Probably the first thing to consider is functionality. What do you need it to do? Do you just need it to tell the time or are other functions important? A chronograph (stopwatch) might be indispensable to a runner. An altimeter measures altitude, which is useful when skiing, hiking and climbing. For a frequent traveller or someone doing business globally, a “world time” watch with a rotating bezel showing the time in each of the world’s time zones might be useful. There are many different categories of watches (with a lot of overlap between them) so having a clear idea of what you want your watch to do will narrow down the search significantly.
A watch tells people a lot about its wearer. Tough and rugged? Active and athletic? Sleek and sophisticated? A designer watch is an ostentatious demonstration of wealth, while a modern Scandinavian design suggests an altogether more minimalist approach to life. Choose your watch to match the image that you want to project. Of course, you don’t have to restrict yourself to just one. A watch is a versatile accessory that can be switched up to match your outfit or activity. My personal preference is for an activity tracker watch when I’m exercising and a sleek, sophisticated Scandinavian design the rest of the time.
There are watches available at just about every price point. You can pick up a watch for the price of a paperback book, but equally there are designer watches on the market that cost the same as a family car. Decide what you are comfortable spending and find the best quality watch that your budget allows. If you choose a stainless steel case or strap, look for a stainless steel grade of 316L or above because this won’t oxidise and is resistant to corrosion. The best quality movements are Swiss or Japanese.
There are two main types of movement – quartz (battery powered) and mechanical. Traditionalists may favour mechanical movements but quartz movements are generally cheaper and more accurate.
One important factor to consider when choosing a watch is how well-proportioned it is to your wrist and hand. As a rule of thumb, if the circumference of your wrist is 15 to 18 cm, choose a watch with a case diameter of 38-42 mm. If your wrist is larger than 18 cm, then you can carry off a bigger watch.
What style of watch do you prefer?
The first commercially-produced wrist watches were based on war time field watches and modern watches are all descended from them. Field watches have an easy to read analogue dial and few functions but should be rugged, durable and water-resistant. Straps are traditionally canvas or leather, since they are easily replaced if damaged.
The most recognisable sports watch is the perennially popular dive watch. These watches can withstand submersion to at least 100m without leaking and have many features that make them popular with divers, as well as with style-conscious landlubbers. Another popular sports watch that has stood the test of time is the aviator watch with a large, easy to read dial and a stunning number of additional functions. While both of these styles began as authentic tools, they are now commonly worn as a fashion accessory rather than simply for their functionality and many designer watches incorporate these styles.
Smooth, sleek and understated, the dress watch is a sophisticated choice. Typically a thin watch to allow it to easily slip in and out of a dress shirt cuff, dress watches are simple and elegant with few complications. Traditionally, dress watches feature a leather strap but interchangeable straps allow the wearer to change the look to coordinate with a particular outfit.
There is an abundance of nice watches for men and it’s worth taking time to select one that will be treasured and enjoyed. As James Bond creator Ian Fleming said, "A gentleman's choice of timepiece says as much about him as does his Savile Row suit."
]]>My watch in my morning routine
It’s the morning and I’m on my way out… Shower, dress, sexy shoes, trendy bag and right before I toss my keys into my side pocket I slide my watch onto my wrist and feel like my outfit is complete. My favorite accessory is my watch. I know for a lot of women it’s their bag but, for me, it’s my beloved timepiece. I always feel like its addition is what makes my outfit complete so I always have a wristwatch.
In a world of cellphones helping us keep time, we think “what is the point of a watch?” But there’s a reason the watch persists… it’s classy. A good watch keeps us fashion forward, and put together. It adds an element of status to our wardrobe and can easily turn a casual outfit up a notch when we just don’t feel like wearing anything but gauchos and a t-shirt.
"Which watch will I wear today?"
I tend to match my timepieces with my other accessories and so I generally have a few different watches in my fashion arsenal. It just looks good to match the band with my bag, belt and sunglasses. My mother always used to say to me “black and brown don't match” and I still hold onto that today by keeping all my accessories perfectly coordinated. And since my wristwatch is my favorite part of my wardrobe, I typically start out thinking “which watch will I wear today?”
Recently, since it’s warm and summery out, I’ve been in love with my tanned leather accessories. Maybe a watch with a brown leather strap could work well.
I am all about the colours and I wear fairly bright and bold prints and fabrics which are wonderfully toned down with minimalist accessories. It’s the easiest way to wear the bold and flashy clothes that make me feel happy on a warm summer day without that uncoordinated mix-match look. You know what I mean? Like “I just rolled out of bed and threw on what was clean” look? Grab a beautiful timepiece and some strappy sandals and voilà, you suddenly have an intentionally trendy look.
A minimalist watch is the way to go
When you wear a watch as often as I do it’s really important to remember to apply sunscreen before you leave the house, even on a somewhat cloudy day. The watch tan is not a cute look! Since we get so much sun on our arms and face, wearing a good sunscreen is not only a fashionable choice but a healthy one too. The leathery look should be reserved for our bags and not our skin!
The 90s are officially coming back into style (a trend I absolutely LOVE, the 90s were so chic and playful) I’m favoring a full faced timepiece with sleek lines and a minimalist look. The choice in strap is, of course, dependent on the rest of my look but I definitely aim to keep my watch coordinated with my other fashion choices. Nothing flashy, I definitely am not keen on crystals or glitter, and I just can’t resist when my watch sits flush against my wrist with an austere face. I go for bold and bright but not gaudy or garish; an accessory to my already perfect outfit.
Having the perfect wristwatch really ties my clothing choices together and provides me with the ability to stay less distracted from the people around me. When I check my phone to review the time and I see all these messages glaring back at me, I find myself pulled into that environment and away from the community I’m mingling with. My watch gives me a quick opportunity to verify my schedule without the possibility of distraction while also adding to my wardrobe.
Putting on my watch is still one of the most important parts of my morning, and I feel naked without it. It’s freedom from my smartphone, a foundation in my wardrobe choices, a touch of class on days when I don’t feel like getting too dressed up and a reason to remember sunscreen. Watches are far from outdated and deserve the respect and love they have garnered since their invention. So get out there and see all that your perfect timepiece can do for you.