Archive for May, 2007
The Pocket Watch: A Reliable Old Classic Of The Past.
Thursday, May 31st, 2007 by adminOne cannot watch a period movie without a character using a pocket watch or at least catching a glimpse of one. These timepieces have been in use for hundreds of years in varying forms. Indeed, those who have an affinity for antique watches will find that the history of the pocket watch is an interesting one.
What is a Pocket Watch?
In general terms, a pocket watch is, hence the name, carried in the pocket and is a strapless timepiece. These watches typically have a analog display. The face of the watch is protected by a hinged cover, although there are some types that are open-faced. Although the watch itself is strapless, it comes with a chain that is meant to be secured to a belt loop, a lapel, or a waistcoat. These chains can be quite decorative, and are referred to as fobs.
The Evolution of the Pocket Watch
Early examples of this kind of watch surfaced as early as the 16th century. While these watches were in the same style as subsequent pocket watches, they were quite large, and thus had to be worn around the neck. The 17th century saw the emergence of the first watches that were actually small enough to be worn in a pocket.
Pocket watches became especially popular during the latter part of the 19th century. It was during that time that the railroad was becoming quite popular, and as such it became the chosen timepiece of railroad conductors. It actually became required, because knowing the time was necessary in order to prevent train wrecks, and also for insuring that a train was going to make its intended destination on time.
These watches continued to be quite popularly used by both men and women until the wristwatch was invented. Wristwatches then became favored by women, while men still preferred the pocket watch, as it had become a sign of masculinity.
However, once World War I began, men started to wear wristwatches. There was very little time to waste on the front by taking a watch out of a pocket when one could easily check the time on a wristwatch. Despite this, railroad conductors, perhaps out a sense of tradition, continued using pocket watches.
While the use of pocket watches have been almost totally replaced by wristwatches now, the more ornate watches are prized by collectors. Indeed, pocket watches are the ultimate timepiece of the past.
Guide to Changing a Watch Battery
Tuesday, May 29th, 2007 by adminEven if you may not wear a watch on your wrist everyday, you will still have one on you or in your household in some form or the other.
Different Types of Watches
There are many types of watches and each one of us finds his or her type and/or types and uses the same. The traditional watches, which some still prefer even today are the manual winding watch, which every 24 hours you will need to wind it in order for it to function. The upside to this watch; however, is that no watch battery is needed.
Then the watch with the watch battery was introduced and it has been a huge success mainly because you did not need to worry about your watch for a long period of time once you placed a new watch battery in it. The battery watches are probably the most used watches today even though many other styles were invented here after.
The other type of watch is the solar power watch, which still carries a watch battery but it gets recharged by solar power and thus never needs changing. Then came along yet another revolutionary function and that was the automatic watches, which had the mechanism of self winding themselves through the movement of your wrist; however, the only downfall of this watch is that is you are not wearing it for a long period of time it will stop working.
How You Can Know When to Change a Watch Battery
Watch batteries today should last you anywhere from two to four years even longer in some cases. The best way to tell when your watch battery needs changing is when your watch starts losing time. A watch battery does not just stop all of a sudden but gradually so you may not notice at first but when you realize that your watch is losing couple of minutes it is time to change its battery.
Most watches need to be taken to a jeweler in order to change its battery due to the fact that most watches have the battery placed in an air tight place, which needs a special machine in order to close it the same way. Therefore, don’t try to replace your watch battery by yourself or you may end up scratching the back of your watch case or worse damaging it altogether.
A Luxury Watch Needs Taking Care Of
Sunday, May 27th, 2007 by adminLuxury watches include the finest wristwatches such as the brands Rolex, Omega, and Breitling. These watches are available at a price ranging from over $4,000 to well over $20,000. These watches not only precede others in their function but also in their look and feel as they are the finest art pieces in the watch making industry.
They are characterized by longevity and beauty that usually lasts a lifetime and are to become the future’s collectibles. Luxury watch business was affected by the September 11 tragedy, but a revival in the demand was seen soon after. In Asian countries, especially in Singapore, the popularity of luxury watches is skyrocketing.
Personalization
A notable quality of these watches is their personalization as personalized luxury watches make ideal gifts. Engravings, personalized leather straps, and customized faces are some of the ways to add to the value of the watch as a gift.
Caring for Luxury Watches
While luxury watches these days come equipped with better strength and resistance, most of them still need care for longevity and proper functioning. Following are some pints to consider in properly maintaining your luxury watch.
Safety from Water
An ideal luxury watch is resistant to water so that you can enjoy swimming while wearing it. Water carrying dissolved salt, seawater for example, causes more damage to the watch’s exterior because salt can corrode the watch’s material. It is recommended to take off your watch before swimming in salt water.
Temperature
Do not expose your watch to excess heat or cold for long. Excess heat can shorten the life of your luxury watch’s battery. Similarly, extreme cold can affect the watch’s accuracy of time keeping.
Safety against Shock
Impact can damage the watch in a second. If you are an athlete, sportsman, or runner, do not wear your luxury watch while performing or practicing. Also, buy a shockproof watch that can withstand such impacts as are experienced in play.
Safety against Chemicals
Chemicals, solvents, and gases etc. can damage the watch’s surface and look by discoloration. Remove your watch when dealing with chemicals.
Electricity
While household electric appliances do not cause damage to most watches, strong electric fields can affect the watch’s function. If you work in a place with strong electric/magnetic fields, buy a watch that is resistant to a high electric/magnetic field’s effect.
Cleaning
Get your watch cleaned regularly by a specialist. He or she will also do necessary minor repair work and change batteries if needed.
What Makes Luminox Watches Famous?
Friday, May 25th, 2007 by adminRichard and Berry, two friends who were in the same profession as sales representatives got together to form The Richard Barry Marketing Group. They contacted a Swiss watch company named RBMG who developed a never seen before illumination technology and decided to market the same under an exclusive partnership with the same.
They changed the brand name of the watches to Luminox, which literarily means ‘light night’ in Greek and created their own logo of the same. They struck oil when a US Navy Seal officer approached them in order to develop a watch for the US Navy Seals to use for diving purposes on night missions. As soon as the Navy Seal dive watch launched in 1994, Luminox was an instant success. In 1999 another version of the Navy Seal dive watch was launched but this time in stainless steel.
That same year The Richard Barry Marketing Group got yet another request, this time from the Edwards Air Force base to create a watch they could wear on their bombing mission. Luminox started a partnership with Lockheed Martin Corporation in order to create a new specific to their requirements Navy watch to be worn by the F-117 Nighthawk Stealth pilots.
A watch is not just a handy device to tell time but also a trusted piece of equipment, which will stand by you when you need it most. There are times when your life is in the hands of your watch – literarily; for example when you dive and you time your watch in order to know the exact time you have before you run out of oxygen.
Luminox Watches Today
Luminox watches do not compromise on quality and technology. A Luminox watch is specifically designed from scratch in order to perform specific operations, which you can rely on in time of need. Today there are a couple of designs on the way to the market both for the US Navy and the US Air Force and if they can put their lives in the hands of a Luminox watch, anyone can.
A Luminox watch is made to depend on no matter what the situation or location; whether you are diving or flying you can count on it. If the armed forces can rely on them, isn’t that enough of a reason for you to invest in a Luminox watch?
A Breitling Watch Is A Brand You Can Depend On
Wednesday, May 23rd, 2007 by adminWhen looking for a new watch to purchase, dependability is an important factor. Oftentimes, a person will buy an affordable watch and find that it only works for a short amount of time. For a watch that is stylish and dependable, and has had an interesting impact on the history of watches, one should look into purchasing a Breitling watch.
About the Breitling Brand
Breitling watches are Swiss-made, and specifically originate from the Canton of Jura in Switzerland. Although they were originally designed as aviation watches, Breitling watches have become more of a status symbol, with movie stars such as John Travolta and Jerry Seinfeld frequently wearing Breitling watches.
The idea for Breitling watches originated in 1884 when a man named Leon Breitling opened a workshop for making precision counters and chronographs. Chronographs, or chronometers, are ways for measuring time precisely, and are still implemented in Breitling watches today.
By 1892, Leon Breitling’s company had grown to such an extent that he had to relocate from his original rural location in the Canton of Jura, to La Chaux-de-Fonds. La Chaux-de-fonds was, at the time, considered the very center of watch making in Switzerland.
Leon Breitling continued to prosper with his company until his death in 1914, at which time the company was taken over by his son Gaston. In 1915, Gaston, using chronograph technology, created the first wristwatch. This creation subsequently provided pilots with first wrist instruments in aviation thanks to this technology.
In 1923, a new type of Breitling watch was introduced, which was an independent chronograph push piece. Before the invention of this watch, the winding crown of watches controlled the start and return-to-zero functions.
Breitling watches continued to be improved over the years, implementing both style and advanced aeronautical technology into their watches. For example, in 1952, the Navitimer was introduced, which included the ability to measure short periods of time and airborne calculations such as climbing times. This watch could also convert miles into kilometers or nautical miles.
Today, Breitling watches continue to develop in terms of excellent aeronautical technology. As such, these watches are quite expensive and will cost at least a thousand dollars. These watches can be found in several places throughout the world, thus the best way to find a nearby location is to search the internet. Indeed, for efficiency and style, a Breitling watch is an excellent choice whether one is a pilot or not.
You Do Not Have To Be An Old Fossil To Wear a Fossil Watch
Monday, May 21st, 2007 by adminWith the many different brands of watches available, one could certainly find the task of selecting the perfect watch daunting. However, if one is looking for a reliable watch that is also a source of fashion, one should consider purchasing a Fossil watch.
About Fossil, Inc.
Fossil watches are manufactured by Fossil, Inc., which is a company based in Richardson, Texas. Although Fossil watches are the most popular line that is manufactured by the company, Fossil, Inc. also manufactures such things as clothing, wallets, jewelry, and sunglasses.
Men’s Fossil Watches
These watches are available in a variety of different styles for men. There are metal, strap, and designer categories that men can choose from
An example of a Fossil watch in the metal category is the Oversized Black IP Glitz. This watch is ideal to wear for more formal occasions. The features of this watch include a stainless steel case, and a three-hand quartz movement. The watch itself is subtly decorative, with glitz framing the sides.
A unique metal Fossil watch that a man could wear for any casual occasion is the Anadigi watch. This silver watch looks like a little digital clock in watch form. The watch can resist up to 50 meters of water, and the bracelet is made out of stainless steel.
Women’s Fossil Watches
Like men’s styles, women’s Fossil watch styles are also quite diverse. Women’s watches are also available in metal, strap, and designer categories, which are sure to suit the most formal or the most casual occasions.
An excellent example of a women’s strap watch that is ideal for a formal occasion is the White Mother of Pearl Dial watch. This watch consists of a thin patent leather strap, and the face of the watch contains Swarovski crystals.
A strap watch that is ideal for casual occasions is the Sunflower watch. Subtly decorative, the strap of this watch is metallic in color and embossed with little sunflowers. Enclosed in a stainless steel case, the dial of the watch is brown, and of a three-hand quartz movement.
Where to Find Fossil Watches
Fossil watches are easily found online or at local department stores. The price range of these watches is quite affordable, as many watches can be purchased for under $100. Indeed, if one is looking for a stylish, reliable, and affordable watch, a Fossil watch is an excellent choice.
