Watch 101: Get to know watch components before you buy.

Get to Know Your Watch and Its Components

Did you know what components make up each watch? Before choosing a wristwatch, we should get to know its types and components well, whether it’s regarding usage types or internal parts, so that you can maintain the watch in perfect condition for a long time.

Watch Components

Wristwatch Movement Types

The movement, or watch mechanism, is the heart that drives the watch and determines the functions of each timepiece. There are several types of movements, such as Mechanical and Quartz.

Mechanical Watch

A mechanical watch is a wristwatch driven by a mechanism, also known as a hand-wound watch. It first appeared in the 13th century, and in 1510, the first wearable spring-wound watches were introduced to be worn around the neck or attached to a belt. During World War I, they transitioned from pocket watches to wristwatches for ease of time-telling, and they have remained mainstream ever since.

Mechanical watches are available in both manual versions (Manual Winding), which require winding the crown daily for continuous operation, and automatic versions (Self Winding), which are watches that power the mechanism through the wearer's wrist movement combined with winding, allowing for a longer power reserve.

How to Use and Benefits of a Mechanical Watch

• Requires winding daily or every 2–3 days. The best way to wind is before putting it on in the morning or after taking it off; you don't need to wind it to the maximum, just enough for 24 hours.
• Highly durable and can be passed down as an heirloom.
• Does not require a battery at all.

Quartz Watch

A quartz watch is a timepiece powered by a battery instead of winding. The first quartz watch hit the market in December 1969, launched by Seiko, which revolutionized the watch industry.

How to Use and Benefits of a Quartz Watch

• No need to wind daily.
• Change the battery when it runs low.

Wristwatch Functions

Date Functions

• Date Function: A basic function that displays the date from 1 to 31, requiring manual adjustment every month.
• Annual Calendar: A function that accurately displays the day, date, and month without needing adjustments every month. However, it requires adjustment once a year because it cannot account for leap years.
• Perpetual Calendar: A function that automatically adjusts the date. It can correctly indicate the year, whether it is a common year or a leap year. <
• Moonphase Function: A function that accurately tracks the full moon and displays the lunar cycle beautifully.

Chronograph Function

The chronograph function is used for timing. Beyond just telling time, a chronograph watch can measure intervals down to a fraction of a second, depending on the configuration of the sub-dials. You could say that a watch with a chronograph function can capture time down to a fraction of a second.

Using the Crown

The crown is the device used to adjust the time. There are two main types: screw-down crowns, which must be unscrewed before being pulled out, and standard crowns, which can be pulled out immediately. Users need to study these details carefully, as each watch type varies, and improper handling could lead to damage.

Watch Standards

Lastly, we will discuss the certification standard for watch accuracy: C.O.S.C., or Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres. This Swiss institute defines the standard for "Chronometer" watches, which have proven precision after undergoing tests in different positions and temperatures over 15 days, with a tolerance of no more than roughly 5 seconds per day. Once certified, the watch can bear the title "Chronometer" or "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" on the dial, along with a certificate, which is why Chronometer watches carry a higher price.

This is basic information to help you get to know watches, including their components and internal mechanisms, so you can make the most of them. If you are looking for a luxury or mechanical watch, at Pixiu Watch, we offer pre-owned watches at special prices for you to own. Browse our various models here. Or, if you have a pre-owned luxury watch you wish to sell, we are happy to buy it at a great value as well.