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Stephen Alan's Jewellers - The Jewellery Blog
Watches have evolved from simple timekeeping devices to intricate pieces of engineering and craftsmanship.
But, have you ever wondered what's happening beneath the dial of your favourite timepiece that allows it to keep time so accurately?
In this blog post, we look at the inner workings of a watch and unveil the fascinating world of horological precision.
The Heart of the Watch: The Movement
The heart of any watch is its movement, often referred to as the calibre. Movements come in two primary categories: quartz and mechanical.
1. Quartz Movement
Quartz watches are known for their accuracy and affordability. Inside a quartz watch, a tiny piece of quartz crystal vibrates at a precise frequency when an electrical current passes through it. These vibrations serve as a metronome for the watch, dividing time into equal intervals. The circuit counts these intervals and drives the movement's hands accordingly.
The efficiency and accuracy of quartz movements have made them the go-to choice for everyday timepieces.
2. Mechanical Movement
Mechanical movements are a tribute to the art of traditional watchmaking. These movements consist of many intricate components working together to keep time. The key components of a mechanical movement include:
Mainspring: This coiled wire stores energy when the watch is wound.
Gear Train: Transfers energy from the mainspring to the escapement.
Escapement: Distributes energy in precise, controlled portions.
Balance Wheel: Swings back and forth, controlling the release of energy.
Jewels: Synthetic rubies that reduce friction in the movement.
Mechanical movements don't rely on batteries; they need to be wound periodically to keep running. The meticulous craftsmanship required to create these movements is what makes mechanical watches highly desirable among watch connoisseurs.
Timekeeping in Mechanical Watches
The secret to timekeeping accuracy in mechanical watches lies in the balance wheel and escapement. Here's how it works:
1. Winding: To initiate the timekeeping process in a mechanical watch, you must wind the mainspring by turning the crown. This winding stores potential energy in the coiled mainspring.
2. Energy Release: As the mainspring uncoils, it transfers energy to the gear train.
3. Escapement Action: The escapement, consisting of a pallet fork and an escape wheel, releases energy from the gear train to the balance wheel in controlled, equal increments.
4. Balance Wheel Oscillation: The balance wheel is a crucial element in timekeeping. It oscillates back and forth at a constant rate, driven by the escapement's actions. This motion is similar to the pendulum in a grandfather clock.
5. Gearing Ratio: The gear train, a series of gears of varying sizes, transmits the oscillations of the balance wheel to the watch's hands. The gearing ratio allows the seconds, minutes, and hours hands to move at different speeds.
6. Accuracy: The consistency and precision of the balance wheel's oscillations determine the watch's accuracy. A high-quality balance wheel will oscillate at a stable frequency, resulting in better timekeeping.
Adjustments for Precision
To ensure optimal timekeeping precision, watchmakers make several fine-tuning adjustments:
Regulating the Balance Wheel: Adjusting the balance wheel's weight or length to fine-tune the frequency of oscillation.
Positional Adjustments: Watches may keep different time when placed in various positions (dial up, dial down, etc.). Watchmakers adjust the movement to minimize these variations.
Temperature Compensation: Materials expand and contract with temperature changes, affecting a watch's accuracy. Temperature compensation mechanisms are added to mitigate this effect.
Conclusion: The Art and Science of Timekeeping
Watches are not just instruments for telling time; they are a blend of artistry and engineering. Whether you prefer the precision of a quartz movement or the intricate craftsmanship of a mechanical watch, every timepiece is a testament to human ingenuity.
As you wear your watch, you'll now have a deeper appreciation for the tiny, meticulous mechanisms that keep it running accurately. For those who are passionate about watches, this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to understanding the world of horology and the fascinating question, "How does a watch work?"
Looking for professional watch services?
Then come down to Stephen Alan’s Jewellers in Leighton Buzzard, one of Bedfordshire’s leading family owned and run watch specialist.
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