There is no doubt that watches have dominated the fashion industry. They are stylish accessories with extremely useful functions. Their success combined with advancements in technology have caused watches to...
There is no doubt that watches have dominated the fashion industry. They are stylish accessories with extremely useful functions. Their success combined with advancements in technology have caused watches to evolve into many forms, changing their mechanics, dials and styles. This means there is a huge world of watches out there to discover. Whether you’re looking for the perfect watch or you’re simply curious about what the world of watches entails, this guide breaks down the different types of watches.
As you may guess, solar watches use light energy to power their movement. Light is converted into energy through a solar panel behind the watch face. The energy is then stored in a rechargeable cell, allowing the watch to run without additional light exposure. These watches charge when exposed to light, eliminating the need for battery changes.
Let’s take it back to the 1500s, where mechanical watches were introduced to the world. Mechanical watches are driven by a mainspring which must be wound either by a self-winding mechanism or by hand. Mechanical watches are not driven by electricity. Many people, especially watch collectors, love these timepieces for their mechanical heartbeat and their fascinating inner workings.
During the 1970s, the quartz watch came out as the newest high-tech gadget. At the time, this watch was the most reliable and accurate timepiece. Quartz watches work thanks to a tiny quartz crystal that is cut into the shape of a tuning fork. Inside a quartz watch, the battery sends electricity through an electronic circuit to the quartz crystal. The quartz crystal then oscillates at a precise frequency. The circuit counts the number of vibrations and uses them to generate electric pulses at one per second. These electric pulses convert electrical energy into mechanical power, allowing the watch to function.
Automatic watches are self-winding timepieces that rely on energy generated by the motion of the wrist to keep itself running. This is done through a rotor, which responds to the wrist’s movements. In turn, this continuously winds the mainspring. Automatic watches were invented during the 1700s, but they didn't gain wide popularity until the early 20th century, during the rise of the wristwatch.
Analogue watches indicate the time using the three hands: the hour, minute, and second. The display is not digital but is rather indicated by the hands and their position to the numbers on the circular dial.
Chronograph watches are distinguished due to their stopwatch function. Usually displaying both the time and date, chronographs are multipurpose watches. Many chronographs also feature an additional scale for making calculations, like speed.
Digital watches are the more popular type of watches today, due to the fact they allow you to process the time faster. Digital watches use an LED or LCD screen to display the time.
Hybrid watches combine a traditional analogue watch with smart functions. It features all the benefits of smartwatches while retaining the aesthetics of traditional watches. For those who can’t choose between a smartwatch and an analogue watch, hybrid watches allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Did you know that some watches are crafted with certain professions in mind? Nurse watches are made for healthcare professionals. They are often lightweight and compact, ensuring an easy wear while performing tasks.
Luxury watches are typically made from luxury brands, featuring high quality materials and advanced movements. There is no universal definition of what qualifies a luxury watch. This is because people may differ in preferences. Luxury watches are often hand-made due to the precision required to produce these fancy timepieces.
Fashion watches are built for their looks more than their functions. These watches are rather made to be accessories. Some fashion watches may feature more functions than others, but the main purpose of these timepieces is to flaunt their aesthetics.
Similar to fashion watches, dress watches are designed to be worn with formal attire. This type of watch style is the simplest and most elegant, primarily due to their sleek look. Traditionally, these formal timepieces only featured the time function.
Pocket watches, as the name suggests, are made to be carried in a pocket. The first pocket watches were invented in 1510 by Per Henlein. Pocket watches typically have a chain attached, which are used to strap the timepiece to a waistcoat, lapel or belt loop to prevent them from falling off. Pocket watches are now popular among a niche demographic of collectors and lovers of vintage fashion.
Pilot watches, one of the first ever wristwatches, date back to 1904. Pilots found it impractical to check the time on a pocket watch while flying because their hands would have to leave the flight controls. Therefore, pilot watches were born to ensure a safer timekeeping experience for pilots. Although pilots no longer rely solely on pilot watches, its style appeals to a broader audience. The classic design of this watch is still worn by people today.
Smart watches have gained popularity to due to their advanced technology and various features. Smartwatches are wearable computers in the form of a watch. Typically featuring a touchscreen, a smartwatch can connect to a smartphone app, perform various functions including making digital payments and tracking fitness levels, and provide emergency services. Smartwatches are the product of innovation, and they've had a huge growth in the market.
The fitness watch is a niche version of the smartwatch, featuring functions solely for fitness purposes. These devices can track various metrics related to physical activity, including sleep patterns, heart rates, track distances and more. Telling the time while doing exercise has never been more productive than with fitness watches.
Diving watches are designed for underwater use. They feature an improved water resistance, allowing it to withstand intense water activities and strong water pressure. Since diving takes place in the dark depths of the water, some dive watches are equipped with luminous paint on the watch hands and numbers. This helps divers to see the watch in dark environments.
With so many options to choose from, the world of watches is truly endless. Ice Jewellery offers many types of watches online for great prices, ensuring that you can find the perfect watch for you. Whether you want to change the fashion game with a dress watch or enhance your active life with a fitness watch, Ice Jewellery’s watches will elevate your life. Embrace the diversity of timepieces with Ice Jewellery today!
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