2. Introduction
A watch is a timepiece intended to be carried or worn by a person. It is designed to keep working
despite the motions caused by the person's activities.
The watches which were developed from the 16th century to the mid 20th century were mechanical
devices, powered by winding a mainspring which turned gears and then moved the hands, and kept
time with a rotating balance wheel.
Drawing of an antique pocket
watch, from an 1891
encyclopedia.
3. From the beginning, wristwatches were almost exclusively
worn by women, while men used pocket watches up until
the early 20th century.
The images below shows a pocket watch and a wrist watch
from early 20th century:
A French
pocket watch
from 1920s
Early 20th
century
enamel,
diamond
and ruby
lady's
wristwatch,
c.1905,
4. Modern day watches..
Modern day watches are usually electrical devices, which are powered through
an electrical power supply in order to turn gears and then move the hands of the
watch, and keep time with a rotating balance wheel.
The image
shows a watch
Manufactured
in 2005 and is
operated
electrically.
5. Components of modern watches
Dial
Hands
Belt strap
Crystal
Crown
Lug
Case
Bezel
6. CASE
The case holds the inner working parts of
the watch. Depending on the style of the
watch, the case is usually made of stainless
steel, because steel is resilient, and can
handle light shocks that the watch could
receive, and doesn’t tarnish. Cases can
also be made of precious metals like gold
or platinum, and can even be made
of plastic in sports watches. The case can
also come in different finishes like high-
polish, smooth, or a combination of any of
those.
7. lugs
The lugs are where the case of
the watch connects to the strap
or metal bracelet of the watch,
by use of metal spring bars
8. Crown
The crown is what is used to
change the time. Some watches
offer a date window and a
seconds indicator, which are
engaged by pulling the crown
out. Crowns on water-resistant
watches screw down into the
case. The crown can
have embellishments like
precious stones, to indicate luxury
and attention to detail.
9. Strap / Buckle
The strap/buckle secures the watch to your
wrist and there are a number of materials
commonly used for these parts. Leather straps
range from calfskin to lizard and more exotic
offerings like ostrich, alligator, crocodile, and
even toad. Instead of a strap, a metal bracelet
is a popular option. Other options are nylon
straps (for sportiness), and rubber straps (for
diving/watersports). Most watches allow straps
and bracelets to be interchangeable so you
can dress it up or down when you want to
change the look of your watch.
10. Bezel
The bezel is the outer ring of the
case that connects to the lugs. It is
typically a flat-edged surface, but
can also be rounded. The bezel can
also have embellishments, like
precious gemstones in upscale
watches, and may be a different
metal than the case itself, as in
some two-tone watches.
11. Hands
The hands, usually broken down into
hours and minutes, indicate the
time. The hour hand is usually shorter
in size than the minute hand. The
hands can also have a slight design
to them
12. Crystals
The crystal protects the dial
and hands from dust and
dirt, allowing the time to be
visible. Although it is termed
a crystal, it may NOT be
made of actual crystal, but
plastic. Modern times have
made sapphire crystal very
popular as it is more scratch-
resistant and durable.
13. Dial/Face
The dial is where the watch
can be the most expressive. It
is the flat surface beneath the
crystal, and can come in many
color options, textures, and
materials. Dials can use Roman
numerals, Arabic numbers, or
even more simple stick bar
markers to indicate the time.
14. Additional components and functions
AM/PM Indicator
Battery Reserve (End of Life) Indicator
Calendar
Depth Alarm
Date Window
15. Conclusion..
A watch is a small clock carried or worn by
a person. It makes it easy to see the time. It
is also a fashion accessory for men and
women, and expensive watches are
designed for this purpose.
Digital and smart watches are widely used
today.
Digital watches are basically based on a
seven segment display which displays time.
Smart watches are basically mini android
mobiles which can do a lot of stuff than just
showing time.
Above image shows a digital watch and a smart
watch
