Caliber
A caliber can be described as the type of movement used in a watch. It is expensive and impractical to design a unique movement for each watch model, so most manufacturers often use the same movement in different watch models, sometimes with significantly different designs. The term "caliber" is due to the fact that initially the type of movement was designated by a number (in inch lines) corresponding to its largest size; however, today unique names or alphanumeric indices that are not directly related to sizes are widely used.
Knowing the name of the caliber on which the watch you are interested in is built, you can, if desired, find more detailed information about the mechanism and determine how its characteristics meet your requirements.
Accuracy
The accuracy of the rate is usually determined by the largest error — the deviation from the reference time, which can occur in a month when the watch is constantly running in normal mode. Accordingly, the smaller the number in this paragraph, the more accurate the clock. In addition, the accuracy of the movement is a kind of status indicator: if the error exceeds the values stated in the characteristics, this may indicate a malfunction in the mechanism.
If the accuracy indicators are the same both in advance and in lag, one number is indicated in the characteristics — for example, 30 sec / month (i.e. +/-30 sec / month); however, many mechanisms have unequal deviations, for example -15/+25 sec/month. Also note that this parameter is relevant only for quartz watches (see “Movement type”): in mechanical models, the accuracy of the rate is noticeably lower, it is measured in seconds not per month, but per day.
Power reserve indicatior
An indicator showing how long the watch can run without winding, changing the battery, recharging, etc. It is found in models with any type of mechanism (see the relevant paragraph). Although the
power reserve indicator is quite approximate, it still makes it easier to monitor the status of the device and reduces the risk of being left without a working watch at the wrong time.
Note that the End Of Life function (see below) in this case is not considered a power reserve indicator, although its role is generally similar.
Colour
The main colour of the watch case.
Modern watches are quite diverse in colour options. The most widespread models are in shades of "
stainless steel ",
golden and
black ; however, in addition to this, on the market you can find, in particular,
white,
yellow,
green,
brown,
red,
orange,
pink,
silver,
grey,
blue and
purple cases.
In general, the colour of the case is a fairly obvious parameter; Let's note only some of the nuances associated with marking:
— Multi-coloured models include models in which there is no clearly defined primary colour. If there is such a colour, it is indicated in the characteristics. And for two-tone cases, an additional colour can be specified, for example, "stainless steel
with gold " or "black
with blue "
— Silver, among other things, are plastic cases without additional coloring.
— "Stainless steel" in this case is a c
...olour, not a material; other metals (e.g. aluminium and titanium) that are not complemented by PVD coating (see “Case Coating”) may have this shade. And the cases of gold watches, in turn, are not necessarily made of gold — red and white gold are also used in jewelry.
— Camouflage coloring is indicated separately — such watches are designated as "military", and here, again, the main shade of the coloring is given. However, not every military model has camouflage on the body; see below for details.Screw-down crown
The crown (or the crown of the hands, if the watch is quartz), which is fixed on a special thread during non-working hours. Accordingly, for use for its main purpose, such a head must first be unscrewed, and only then it can be rotated.
The screw design serves two main functions. Firstly, it does not allow the head to move in case of accidental contact with surrounding objects (whereas a conventional head can be hooked and rotated in case of an unsuccessful hand movement, knocking down the position of the arrows). Secondly, the head fixed on the thread plays the role of a protective cap covering the gap between the axle and the body - this improves moisture protection.Frostproof
Watches with increased resistance to low air temperatures.
Such conditions are not favorable for either mechanical or quartz watches: in "mechanics" cold changes the properties of individual parts and leads to desynchronization of the mechanism, and in quartz watches it can also accelerate battery discharge. To avoid these annoyances, modern watches may include various design features that reduce the likelihood of failures in cold weather. This is, at a minimum, improved thermal insulation of the case; and in models with hands (including quartz), special materials with a minimum coefficient of thermal expansion can also be used for individual parts of the movement.
Separately, it is worth recalling that watches are usually worn close to the body (hand), and in cold weather they are most often also covered with a sleeve of clothing — as a result, the temperature at the location of the watch is noticeably higher than that of the surrounding air. And additional thermal protection significantly affects the cost. Thus, it makes sense to specifically look for
frost-resistant watches if they are planned to be used in a "harsh" environment — with frequent frosts of -30 °C and above, during mountaineering ascents, long (from several days) winter hikes, etc. n. And for everyday use in a relatively mild climate, ordinary, non-frost-resistant models are quite suitable.
Weight
Total weight of the watch. As a rule, it is indicated taking into account the complete strap/bracelet.
The lightest modern watch weighs
no more than 50 g. The most popular models weigh 50 - 100 g, and weight more than 150 g most often means not only a large, but also a fairly advanced device, usually for sports and tourism purposes.
Both light and heavy weight have their advantages: light watches create minimal inconvenience when worn, while massive watches are subconsciously perceived as a solid and reliable device.
