Which watch is better, mechanical or quartz? Quartz VS mechanical

The structure of a watch is similar to that of a car. They also contain “body”, “engine”, “regulator”, “counter”, “indicator” and other similar concepts about the technical aspects of the structure of the mechanism. Analysis of the structure will take place, as in other complex mechanisms, at “key places”.

Engine– this part of the mechanism is responsible for the movement of the hands on the dial.

Cutaway view of the clock engine.

Regulator– is responsible for the engine rotation speed and the accuracy of time readings.

Counter– reads vibration readings (oscillatory system) and “translates” the data into the movement of hands or display readings (electronic clock).

Indicator- the outer part of the watch on which the time is displayed (dial or display).

In some types of devices, some parts of the mechanism will be modified, but general principle the operation of the oscillatory system will not undergo significant changes. In some, like in a wall clock, the regulator will be a pendulum and a complex system of gears. The same system of gears (wheels) and a microcircuit (reads the vibrations of a quartz crystal) is present in quartz devices. This scheme is present even in quantum clocks (atomic), it just reads the readings not from a pendulum or quartz, but from the vibrations of atoms.

The general principle of operation is similar for all types of devices, and it has not undergone major modifications throughout the history of the creation of mechanisms of this type.

Types of clock mechanisms.

Based on the features of the “key place”, watches can be divided into two classes. Basically, based on what kind of regulator is used there, they fall into two categories: quartz and mechanical.

Mechanical watches– the operation of such devices is based on the oscillations of a pendulum or balancer. The power source is usually a spring mechanism or a weight.

IN quartz watch– the mechanics of operation are based on the oscillations of a quartz oscillator. In such devices, the power element in most cases is a battery.

Mechanical watches are also divided by regulator class and drive, and quartz watches by indicator type and power source.

While the history of mechanical watches dates back more than 1000 years, the history of quartz watches goes back only a little over 40 years, and since the advent of the quartz movement, debate has not subsided about which one is better. No one has yet given an adequate answer to this question.

Comparative characteristics of mechanical and quartz watch.

They will be compared based on a number of basic characteristics.

• First (1). Accuracy (normal/maximum)
• Second (2). Time until resetting/changing the battery.
• Third (3). Impact resistance.
• Fourth (4). Sensitivity to temperature changes.
• Fifth (5). Lifetime.
• Sixth (6). Maintainability

Mechanical watches.

• +40 to -20 seconds per day/±7 seconds per day.
• 40 hours/20 days.
• low (due to possible exit parts of the gears are out of order).
• very high (due to the properties of the materials from which some parts are composed).
• from 10 years.
• very high (possibility of replacing some elements of the mechanism design).

Quartz watch.

1. ±20 seconds per calendar month/±5 seconds per calendar year.
2. from 2 to 10 years.
3. high (this is possible due to design features).
4. low (also due to design features).
5. from 5 to 10 years.
6. very low (usually the entire mechanism block must be replaced).

Advantages of quartz watches.

Accuracy – Due to small indicators behind/ahead of a given time. Reliability – This type of mechanism has very few parts and this ensures constant reliable operation. Shock resistance – Due to the design features and the absence of complex parts, this watch is not afraid of ordinary mechanical damage what can happen in Everyday life. Battery life – The battery life in a watch is on average 2 – 3 years.

Simplicity and reliability of the mechanism - Since the mechanism of such watches mainly consists of different types of plastic and its production is fully automated, these properties provide durability and reduce the cost of the final product.

Advantages of mechanical watches.

No Battery Replacement Required – No need to spend money on replacing or replacing batteries.

Maintainability – Possibility of replacing any part of the mechanism in a watch workshop.

Lifetime - This condition depends only on good attitude towards the watch during operation.

Style, determined by time– Such watches will not lose their relevance even in 100 years.

Even after such an analysis, the question of what is better is not possible due to the fact that everyone himself determines what is more necessary, pleasant and profitable for him. The choice always depends on individual preferences.

The structure and principles of operation of clock mechanisms.

Basic principles of operation of mechanical wristwatches.

The method of operation of a clock with a balance mechanism is the same as that of weight and pendulum clocks. This type of mechanism also has a spring (motor) that rotates the gears and arrows.

This type of watch can be moved in space as you like, shaken, rotated, and nothing will happen to it.

The spring in a watch, being a strip of steel or other specialized alloy, is rolled up in a metal drum. The outer cylindrical surface of the drum has teeth and for this reason it is one of the gears inside the watch. This wheel-drum is mounted on a specific shaft, on which it can rotate freely around its axis. One end of the springs is fixed inside the drum, and the other is secured to a hook on the shaft.

The general diagram and details of the wristwatch engine are shown in the figure below.

Schematic illustration of a standard wristwatch with a side seconds hand.

When you rotate the shaft and the drum does not move, the spring twists. If you then fix the shaft, the spring, unwinding, will try to rotate the drum. This movement passes to the central trib and from it to the minute hand trib, the bill wheel and the bill wheel trib to the hour wheel, on the hub of which the hour hand is fixed. On this wheel drive, the number of teeth is selected in such a way that the hour hand rotates 12 times slower than the minute hand.

If you cock the spring and then release it, it will unfold almost instantly.

But the clock mechanism requires a completely different, uniform rotation of the hands for a certain period of time. For this, you need a device that will allow the drum (as well as the hands) to move at a strictly defined angle on the dial at equal time intervals. Such a device that sets such time intervals in a clock mechanism is called a regulator. Wristwatches and pocket watches use a balancer-spring movement system.

As the balancer rotates in any direction, tension builds up in the spiral, increasing in direct proportion to the angle of rotation. After this, the released balancer, under the influence of the spiral, will begin to move back to the equilibrium position. In this position, the growing tension in the spiral disappears, but the balancer, according to the law of inertia, continues to move further at almost the same angle as it was before and will continue to increase the tension in the spiral. Without friction and other external factors, the balancer would continue to oscillate the system indefinitely. The frequency of the balancer-spiral oscillatory system does not depend on the amplitude of movement (maximum angle of rotation) through which the balancer was moved. Such a system is called isochronous.

The time of complete oscillation (movement) of the balancer that it makes depends on the tension of the spiral, the size and mass of the balancer itself. For this reason, it, just like a pendulum, performs oscillatory movements with a constant frequency. This means that it is possible to use such a system to normalize the speed of the wheel drive. This has little to do with the realities of everyday life, but for a number of reasons it is not possible. Friction and other factors in the operation of the balancer over time lead to a complete stop of the mechanism. For permanent job In the oscillatory system, it is necessary to “move” the balancer at a certain period of time, thereby giving it an energy boost. Also, the movement of the balance must be converted into a uniform rotation of the switch gear. To resolve such problems it is used specific device, called descent or stroke.

Anchor descent (stroke).

The anchor stroke (escaping) being part of a clock mechanism serving simultaneously for two specific purposes, converting constant and unchanging oscillations of the balancer into the rotation of gear wheels with a constant speed of movement, which also includes a pointer transmission and the movement of “energy” from the “engine” to the balancer for continuation of his work. This move helps the balancer-helix system control the operation of the gear train in such a way that during one cycle of oscillation of the balancer, the gears move at certain angles.

There are also a large number of well-known designs of the trigger mechanism, but this moment Most wristwatches contain a certain type of escapement, which is called the Swiss anchor escapement.

A distinctive characteristic of this descent is the presence of a certain element that looks like a ship's anchor, which is called an anchor fork, which has a permanent location between the balancer and the last gear.

The anchor fork has two arms on which ruby ​​stones are fixed, which are called pallets. She also has a forked tail, the ends of which are called horns. The fork is put on an axis on which it can move in any direction. This escapement also includes gears of a special shape, which is why it is called an escape wheel, and there is also an impulse roller with impulse stones located on the balancer axis. The details and structure of the mechanism are shown below in the figure.

The work of the anchor run in a schematic representation.

The balancer (balance) moves “independently” most of the time and does not come into contact with the anchor fork. Moving to the starting point in his movement, he hits the horn with an impulse stone and turns the anchor fork. This movement causes the pallet that locks the “tooth” of the anchor wheel to rise and unlock it. (part of the picture numbered 1)

At the moment the “tooth” is released, the anchor wheel begins to rotate under the influence of the spring, and after that the “tooth” of the anchor wheel moves the pallet and sets the anchor fork in motion. The horn of the anchor fork, catching up with the impulse stone, hits it, transferring additional energy to the balancer. (part of the picture number 2)

The anchor wheel moves at a small angle and after that another tooth rests on the opposing pallet of the anchor fork. During the reverse movement of the balancer (balance), the entire procedure is repeated in the same sequence as before but on the opposite side of the fork. (part of the picture numbered 3)

In one complete oscillation of the balance beam (balance), the anchor fork allows the escape wheel to move only one “tooth”. While the escape wheel moves and hits its “tooth” against the pallet of the anchor fork, a certain “tick-tock” sound occurs. (part of the picture numbered 4)

The higher the oscillation frequency, the less it reacts to negative manifestations such as shaking. At the moment, wristwatches use a balancer (balance) with an oscillation frequency of 0.4 seconds 0.33 seconds, and in the most accurate ones only 0.2 seconds.

The speed of oscillation of the balancer (balance) is thousands of times higher than the speed of rotation of the drum; in order to synchronize the speed of their movement, a number of wheels and tribes are inserted between the drum and the anchor wheel, called the main wheel system.

The gear transmission from the drum to the anchor tribe increases the number of revolutions and reduces the power transmission by the same amount. The main wheel system is created so that the first trib after the drum makes one revolution per hour, and its axis passes through the central part of the clock, from which it gets its name “central trib.” The minute hand trib is placed on the axis of the central tube, where the minute hand is located. The axis of the trigger, which makes one full revolution in one minute, is almost always placed above the six o'clock mark and the second hand is fixed on it.

The operating principle of quartz watches (including electronic ones).

Over the millennium of the existence of (mechanical) wristwatches, people continued to improve their mechanism. Following the path of development high technology This also had a positive effect on mechanical watches, as people were able to achieve a precision of ±5 seconds in 24 hours. But such mechanisms, being very complex to produce and having a very exorbitant price, were not popular. This aspect influenced the emergence of a fundamentally new mechanism, quartz. The quartz movement, having a very high accuracy, has a very low cost. He became very popular among the population precisely because of his qualities. The overwhelming majority of devices produced in the world today carry a quartz movement.

General schematic structure of quartz watches

The main components of a quartz watch are an electronic unit and a stepper motor. The electronic unit transmits an impulse to the engine once a second, and it then turns the clock hands.

The watch got its name due to the fact that the source of vibrations is a quartz crystal. The quartz crystal provides greater stability of the generated pulses, and therefore greater precision. The energy source for the mechanism is the battery, from which it receives required charge electronic unit and engine. Such batteries are designed for a service life of approximately two years. The main advantage of the battery is that there is no need to wind the watch every day. Based on the characteristics of this device, we can conclude that this combination of accuracy and ease of operation is quite convenient for most people.

In some cases, an electronic display is installed in place of the dial. In Russia, this type of watch is called Electronic, and in the rest of the world these devices are called quartz with electronic display. Such a definition should indicate that this mechanism is designed on the basis of a quartz oscillator and the time is displayed on the display.

Basically, they are a tiny computer with a programmed chip. Such a watch can easily be turned into a universal device that carries the functions of a chronograph, stopwatch, alarm clock, calendar and many other functions by simply adding new code into a microchip. What also distinguishes quartz watches from mechanical watches is that after integrating these functions, the cost increases by a very small amount.

A quartz crystal, having piezoelectric properties, produces an electric field when compressed, but if it is exposed to electricity, the crystal will “shrink.” In this way, the crystal can be made to vibrate (the entire quartz oscillator system is built on this property of this mineral). All crystals have different frequency resonance. By lengthy selection of the quartz size, the desired one is found with a frequency of 32768 hertz.

The electronic unit of a quartz wristwatch contains an electrical oscillation generator. This device produces electrical vibrations and to stabilize it, a quartz crystal is used at a resonant frequency. Due to the following features, we have an electrical oscillation generator with a constant oscillation frequency. After all this, all that remains is to provide uniform oscillations for the movement of the hands.

The generator produces 32,768 oscillations per second, which is approximately 10,000 times greater than the oscillations of the balancer. Not a single mechanism in the world can operate at such speeds. And for this reason, they additionally contain a part called a motor, which is responsible for converting oscillations of such power into a pulse with a frequency of only 1 hertz. Pulses of such power are supplied to the winding of the stepper motor.

Stepper motor device.

The engine includes a stator with a fixed coil with a winding located on it and a rotor that is a magnet mounted on an axis. When an electrical impulse passes through the coil, an electromagnetic field is generated, which moves the rotor half a turn. The rotor moves the hands on the dial through a system of gear wheels.

Detailed diagram of a quartz watch.

Automatic winding

The first self-winding movements were produced in the 18th century, and in 1931 the first wristwatches with this function appeared. The main mass production of such devices began 20 years later. And after that, self-winding watches began to gain more and more popularity and respect due to their convenience and functionality.

Principles of automatic winding.

The main source of energy in mechanical devices is the spring. It is cocked by rotating the crown and passes through a system of gears to the drum shaft. How can a watch wind itself?

The structure of such a mechanism is very similar to the fact that if you put a stone in a box and chat, the stone will begin to knock on the walls of the box. This is possible due to the law of universal gravitation and inertia. Self-winding watches are built on the same principle. Their mechanism has its own “stone”; being fixed on an axis with a load similar to a sector with a displaced center of gravity, with any movement of the hand it turns around its axis and winds the spring through a system of special gears.

In order for this sector to overcome the resistance of the spring and start the mechanism, it must have superior inertia. For this reason, the sector is made from two different parts, a thin and light top plate, and a half ring made of a heavy tungsten alloy. They try to make the sector diameter as large as possible.

The automatic winding sector moves from any movement of the wearer’s hand; its rotation does not depend on the degree of winding of the spring. From possible rupture due to strong spring winding, such devices are equipped with one or another protection mechanism. Basically, self-winding devices are equipped with a spring attached to the drum in such a way that it does not roll completely, but with the help of a friction lining. The elasticity is designed in such a way that when fully wound, the outer end of the spring with the friction attachment slips, thus protecting the spring from breaking. In some cases, when you wind the watch, you can hear clicks, this sound means that the spring is slipping.

Pros and cons of self-winding watches.

Pros. A self-winding watch does not need to be wound every day. Also, in addition to convenience, they also have two additional benefits. The sector keeps the spring in constant “tone”, which has a beneficial effect on accuracy. The water resistance of such watches is much higher due to the fact that such a mechanism practically does not use a crown and this gives additional guarantees that dirt and moisture will not get inside the mechanism.

Minuses. Devices with this function are very complex mechanisms, which greatly increases the likelihood of breakdowns. Self-winding watches are quite small in size, which practically translates them into the category of purely men's watches. Due to the fact that the main component of the sector is tungsten alloy, the cost of such watches is quite high. And the main disadvantage of such devices is low impact resistance. Some particularly strong impacts lead to the sector support breaking under its weight and this leads to complete failure of the mechanism.

Today, the bulk of mechanical watches produced in the world have a complete set that includes a car factory, with the exception of only the cheapest or very expensive model range. IN budget option Automatic winding is not provided for the purpose of reducing the cost of production, and in most cases it is not possible to install an automatic winding on an expensive (elite) version of the watch due to the complexity of the design (additional functions). A large number of additional functions makes the mechanism more massive, heavier, and after adding automatic winding there will be an inevitable increase in mass and volume, which is unreasonable. Additional functions require for normal operation more energy and a powerful spring, and because of this, the automatic winding sector is unable to wind it up.

"Self-charging" quartz watch.

One of the main disadvantages of quartz watches is the need to replace the battery. For relax human life When wearing such a device, several ways to recharge the battery have been developed. The main technologies used in quartz wristwatches are Kinetic/Autoquartz and EcoDrive. Such technologies are based on the fact that the battery is recharged externally. EcoDrive – Uses the energy of sunlight falling on the dial to recharge. Kinetic/Autoquartz – Recharging occurs through the movement of a person’s hand (the law on the kinetic energy of a moving body).

Kinetic technology.

Quartz watches with Kinetic technology are a mechanism that does not require battery replacement. In such devices, kinetic energy from hand movement is transformed into electrical energy, which powers the battery. This mechanism is a fusion of Quartz and mechanical watches with automatic winding. From the movement of the hand, a weight similar to that used in a self-winding watch moves in a circle around the axis and drives the generator rotor through a system of gear wheels. The electricity generated by the generator recharges the energy storage device – the capacitor.

To generate electric current by the generator, it is necessary that the rotor rotates very quickly. high speed. In devices with mechanical filling, the wheel drive reduces the speed from the load to the drum, and in watches with Kinetic technology everything is exactly the same, but in reverse. Watches with this technology have a wheel drive that produces a rotor speed of up to 100,000 revolutions in 60 seconds. Because of this speed main problem The mechanism becomes friction in the rotor supports.

To reduce friction in the supports, the generator is built in such a way that the rotor is in a magnetic field, providing a kind of weightlessness and almost does not touch the supports. Because of the magnetic suspension, the axis, which has a diameter at the ends of only 0.10-0.15 millimeters (which is a size that is 3-4 times smaller than a human hair), can support the weight of a rotor that is on average 20 times the weight of a stepper motor rotor. The highest achievement of this technology can be called the production of the rotor axis (which has a tiny size) with the highest possible accuracy. To reduce friction, we also produced a unique low-viscosity lubricant for the rotor supports.

From sudden movements and, for example, from hitting a hand against a wall, the load will begin to rotate at an increased speed that exceeds the normal one many times. To protect against destruction of the central axis of the rotor, it is necessary to limit the speed during rotation. Therefore, a friction clutch is used in the transmission. The appearance of such a coupling is that of an ordinary wheel with a tribe, but it does not sit tightly on the axle, but with slight friction. When speed is normal, the clutch trib rotates with the wheel, but when sudden acceleration occurs, the clutch trib rotates separately from the wheel, protecting the rotor. The generator rotor rotates at tremendous speed and it follows that the balance must be adjusted with very high precision, otherwise it will simply break the watch./p>

Eco-Drive technology

This technology appeared in 1995. The basic principles of its operation are: obtaining energy from sunlight by transforming it with photocells into a conventional electric current of the required voltage.

Despite the fact that modern man Almost always you have at least one device with you that shows the time; wrist and pocket chronometers are still popular. Some people find it inconvenient to take out their mobile phone every time, some people think that a device with a dial and hands is ideal for a business or evening suit, others simply feel uncomfortable without such a device. Quartz or mechanical watches - which is better? Now we will discuss this.

Design and differences between quartz and mechanical models

Before deciding which watch mechanism is better, you need to look inside the device. If you take a tiny screwdriver and disassemble the case, you can see several components:

• engine;
• regulator;
• counter;
• indicators.

And now more about each:

• The most important part is the engine. It is he who makes the whole system work.
• The regulator's task is to produce oscillations of a certain frequency, ensuring precision.
• The counter, as the name suggests, counts - in in this case fluctuations, and makes the results of his work understandable to humans.
• In order to see the indicator, you do not need to get inside the device. These are the most regular arrows or an equally ordinary display on which you see the time.

Important! In a mechanical chronometer, energy is generated by a pendulum or spring, and time is kept by mechanical vibrations. In a quartz device, the oscillations are electromagnetic, they are produced by a quartz oscillator, and the battery provides energy to the entire system.

Mechanical watches

Mechanical watches have been around for centuries. They are a rather complex mechanism. The movement of the hands is ensured by a spiral spring. In this case, inertia operates, thanks to which the mechanism unwinds.

Kinds

When deciding whether to choose a mechanical or quartz watch, think about whether you will remember to wind your chronometer regularly, or whether you are best suited to one in which you only need to replace the battery once a year.

However, not all mechanical watches need to be wound every evening. They are divided into two types:

• with manual winding;
• with automatic winding.

A hand-wound device will require constant attention. Having examined such a watch, you will immediately see a wheel on the case - the head. So it will need to be regularly tightened until it stops. They also have undoubted advantages:

• ease;
• grace.

Models with manual winding can be both male and female. Self-winding chronometers are heavier and larger. The mechanism is set in motion when you move your hand. There is a pendulum installed inside, which sets all the gears in motion.

Important! If you don't wear a self-winding watch for a long time, it will stop working. To make them move again, they need to be shaken, thus starting the pendulum.

Principle of operation

All mechanical chronometers work the same way:

1. The motor gets a boost of energy when you turn the bit all the way.
2. The energy is transferred to the gears, which begin to rotate.
3. The speed of movement is adjustable, so the arrows move evenly.

The clock spring is a steel ribbon, it is twisted inside the drum. On the outside of the drum (it has the shape of a cylinder) teeth are cut, in fact, this is one of many gears. The drum itself is put on a special pin - a roller, and rotates freely.

The shaft has a hook, to which the spring clings at one end. Its other end is attached to the inner wall of the drum:

• The drum is stationary, but the shaft rotates - the spring is twisted.
• If the shaft is stationary, the spring begins to rotate the drum.

Important! The number of teeth must be calculated very accurately, because the hour hand moves exactly 12 times slower than the minute hand.

A very important component in the system is the regulator. This is a balance-spiral system in wristwatches and a pendulum in wall watches:

• The balance is a round rim, quite massive. It is attached to the axle with crossbars.
• A spiral is a thin twisted steel strip. It is so thin that it is often called a hair. The spiral is attached to the balance axis, and the free end is attached to the frame.

Important! The rim turns - the spiral tenses, and the more you turn the balance, the greater the tension of the hair. It is the tension that causes the rim to return first to its original position and then deviate to opposite direction. Accordingly, tension arises in the spiral again, and the balance turns again.

Advantages of mechanical watches

Classic watches are still popular. They are considered an excellent gift because:

• look stylish;
• do not require additional energy sources;
• repairs are inexpensive;
• a broken part can almost always be replaced.

Important! Mechanical wrist or pocket chronometers are evidence of a strong position and high prosperity. You can also choose quartz watches, which look very similar to mechanical ones.

Among the other advantages of these models, on the basis of which we can conclude that quartz or mechanical watches are better, the following factors should be noted:

• Mechanical watches do not need a battery, and this is... big advantage for lovers of long hikes. The battery may suddenly discharge under extreme conditions, but the spring is in no danger except that you may forget to start it.
• These watches are practically timeless. You can quite easily find spare parts even for the Breguet that your great-grandfather carried in his pocket a hundred years ago. Of course, it’s not worth looking for spirals and gears in modern stores, but in a good workshop they will be happy to make them for you, and it will cost much less than buying a new watch.

Important! Although, if you compare modern mechanical watches with quartz ones, they are more expensive, simply because they are almost entirely assembled by hand.

Flaws

When deciding whether a watch is quartz or mechanical - which is better, it is impossible to ignore the disadvantages of mechanical models:

1. One of the main ones is the large error compared to quartz devices. However, only cheap models have this flaw. Recognized companies have dealt with this long ago, and the famous Swiss (as well as some other) watches show time no less accurately than quartz ones.
2. Mechanical chronometers require some maintenance - if you notice that they are starting to lag, contact a watch repair shop; the device may simply need to be cleaned.
3. Not all mechanical watches can be dropped: if you choose a model like this, make sure that its case is shockproof.
4. Metal parts tend to rust, so the watch should not be allowed to fall into water.
5. Metal does not always withstand temperature changes well, so extreme heat or severe frost will certainly affect the accuracy of the move.

Quartz watch

To operate a quartz device, you need a power source - usually a battery in the form of a tablet, you can buy one at any store. Such a battery most often lasts for a year, but there are also those that can last three years, or even five.

A quartz watch can have many different functions:

• stopwatch;
• alarm;
• calendar;
• calculator;
• flashlight.

Important! Now they produce quartz watches, which are essentially a miniature computer - they have a built-in telephone, e-mail, and a notebook.

How quartz watches work

To understand which mechanism is better - quartz or mechanical, you need to understand the difference in structure and principle of operation. The energy from the battery goes to the electronic unit and the engine. A quartz crystal produces electromagnetic vibrations. This material has piezoelectric properties:

• When compressed, the crystal creates an electric field.
• Under the influence of the field, the material is compressed.

Important Each crystal has its own, strictly defined resonant frequency. In the manufacture of high-precision devices, quartz is selected by size. The electrical vibration generator, which is located in the electronic unit of the device, produces vibrations, and the quartz crystal stabilizes them. This ensures high precision.

The quartz clock generator produces 32,768 vibrations per second. No mechanical device is capable of this. The balance of a conventional mechanical watch fluctuates at a speed that is about a thousand times slower.

The electronic unit also includes a divider, whose task is to convert vibrations into pulses. The frequency of such pulses is 1 Hz.

As for the engine itself, its structure includes:

• stator;
• coil with winding;
• rotor.

The coil is placed on the stator and fixed motionless, and the rotor is a permanent magnet mounted on an axis:

Types of quartz watches

On sale you can find different types quartz watches:

• electronic;
• with combined indication.

They differ appearance, the number of functions and the way to show the time.

Electronic

U electronic watch There is a display on which numbers are displayed. Besides, in standard set functions electronic device includes:

• stopwatch;
• date of;
• day of the week;
• backlight

Combination watches

This device combines the features of electronic and mechanical devices. The motor in it is the same as in all other quartz watches, but there is a dial and hands.

Cheap models have two batteries:

• for electronic mechanism;
• for the mechanical part.

In modern expensive models, both elements are connected together.

Important! It is quite simple to distinguish one species from another - by the presence of a crown. A watch with a crown is much easier to wind and adjust.

Advantages of quartz watches

Good quartz watches are durable and reliable. Quartz is practically unaffected by adverse weather conditions, which cannot be said about mechanical components.

In addition, quartz devices are characterized by:

• accuracy;
• low cost;
• variety of models;
• large set of functions;
• endure blows more easily;
• you can choose a model for children;

Important! A quartz oscillator produces oscillations of the same frequency. Mechanical watches have too many parts that can malfunction. Since quartz watches are assembled on an assembly line, they cost significantly less. And the designer's imagination allows you to choose an accessory to suit any style of clothing.

A large set of functions is a very useful thing, especially if you do not like to carry a lot of things with you. So quartz watches are simply ideal for travelers. Fans of extreme sports can find a model that will have such necessary devices as:

• altimeter;
• compass;
• barometer.

Important! However, an experienced traveler can use a mechanical watch as a compass. But the rest of the functions mechanical device No.

Quartz chronometers have very few vulnerable parts that break when impacted. All parts can be made of plastic. It is much lighter than metal, and in some cases stronger.

A few words about the shortcomings

To understand whether quartz watches are really better, you need to have an idea of ​​their disadvantages:

• The most vulnerable element of a quartz movement is the power source. The battery has to be changed periodically. However, this is not particularly difficult. The most important thing is to remember the position of the parts.
• Please be aware that repair problems may arise. Sometimes it is very difficult to get components, especially if the model is outdated.

Important! New element It’s better to buy from the same company as the “native” one.

What is an analog clock?

IN Lately This term comes up quite often, and many people are wondering what it means. And that means it’s just a type of dial. There are three types of chronometers:

• analog;
• digital;
• mixed.

An analog clock has a dial and hands. Such a model could be:

• mechanical;
• quartz.

It’s quite simple to distinguish them: start them up and listen. Quartz watches do not tick.

Digital ones have a display and a quartz movement. A mixed option involves the presence of both. These are quite expensive quartz models with a lot of functions.

Choosing an analog clock

When choosing an analog chronometer, regardless of what you want to buy - a men's or women's wristwatch or a Breguet watch, pay attention to some features:

• mechanism;
• clock face;
• dial protection panel;
• frame;
• size.

Important! When it comes to the mechanism, everyone has their own preferences. Some people like a certain order and like to wind their watch every night before going to bed. Others prefer to install a battery and not think about it for a year. Therefore, it is difficult to say unequivocally which is better - quartz or mechanical watches.

Clock face

The watch case may have a different shape, but the dial is always a circle. Pay attention to the numbers. They can be:

• Arabic;
• Roman;
• There may be no numbers at all, instead there are long and short lines.

Important! Arabic numerals are the most convenient, everyone is used to them, and they are easy to navigate. Not everyone can read Roman numerals, but such watches look especially stylish. As for long and short lines, this watch is suitable for those who are very good at determining the time by the angle between the hands.

Protective panel

Only toy watches have a dial without glass. Adults always have chronometers transparent panel. Used for protection different materials. The most common:

• transparent plastic;
• mineralized glass;
• artificial sapphire.

What's better? - Now let's decide:

• Plastic is used mainly for the manufacture of children's, teenage or sports models. It is difficult to break, but often leaves scratches.
• Mineralized glass is difficult to scratch. If scratches appear, they are small fee can be polished in any jewelry workshop. Such glass rarely breaks, but such watches will cost more.
• In premium watches, an artificial sapphire panel is used as protection. It is impossible to break such glass, and it is difficult to scratch it.

Important! In high-quality expensive chronometers you can also see combined panels made of artificial sapphire and mineralized glass. And this is considered the best option. These watches cost about the same as those with sapphire crystal.

Frame

Pay attention to what the watch you like is made of. A variety of materials are used for the manufacture of cases. The most common:

• plastic:
• stainless steel;
• titanium;
• gold;
• silver;
• platinum.

What is the difference:

• Cheap watches are made mostly of plastic. Lightweight and comfortable The chronometer is ideal for the athlete. True, such watches do not last long, but the price is low.
• The steel body looks impressive, lasts a long time, and is not very expensive. The most popular material for economy class models.
• Titanium models are more expensive, but they are stronger and lighter than steel ones.
• As for precious metals, they are used in very expensive models. A chronometer made of gold, silver or platinum is more of a status item than a necessity. Such watches serve for a very long time and are often passed down by inheritance.

What about the size?

On sale you can find analog clock a variety of shapes and sizes. As a rule, women's watches are small, men's watches are large and massive. In any case, the chronometer should be comfortable, not too heavy and look good on the hand.

Important! You can apply the “golden ratio” rule. To do this you will need a thread and a ruler or measuring tape:

• Measure the circumference of your wrist where the watch will be.
• Multiply the result by 0.618 - this is the approximate diameter of the watch.

In this article we compared quartz and mechanical watches in terms of the same parameters, and also figured out the analog version. We hope that you were not only able to determine for yourself which is better, but also really chose high-quality model, which will serve you for several years and will not lose its relevance in terms of fashion and your style preferences.

The advantages of quartz watch movements are obvious: accurate movement, less dependence on external conditions (heating, shaking, shock), they are more difficult to break due to the smaller number of parts, and there is no need to bother with winding. But even among watches with quartz movements, you can find “successful” and not so successful models, especially in the range of budget models.

The accuracy of the movement is also influenced by the caliber: this is the designation of the size and type of movement inside the watch. The caliber marking is usually placed immediately after the name of the movement: for example, Ronda 715. Also, the numbers after the name of the movement can indicate a specific model of the movement, for example, with a chronograph option or a battery charge indicator.

What are the signs of a “successful” watch mechanism?

• Long battery life.
• The accuracy of the watch does not change noticeably with the period of operation of the watch.
• The running error should be no more than 40 seconds per month, anything less is good. However, more accurate watches may use up the battery faster. This is due to the oscillation frequency of the mechanism.
• Everyone's work additional options: for example, EOL - battery charge indicator.

Which quartz movements are considered the most reliable?

There is a myth that if a watch movement is from Switzerland, it means it is more accurate. In fact, even a cheap quartz movement can be as accurate as the best Swiss watches. But it is unlikely to show the same reliability, and this is the difference.

So, among reliable quartz movements they mention:

Ronda mechanisms (Switzerland). The company produces calibers for quartz and analog watches. In addition to high precision and durability, Ronda mechanisms have another advantage: many of their parts, even from mechanisms of different calibers, are interchangeable. And if so, then repairs become much cheaper.

ETA mechanisms (Switzerland) - the manufacturing factory is part of The Swatch Group Ltd. Produces a fairly wide range of watch movement calibers, Various types and options. The company's products include mechanisms produced for specific companies: for example, T-Touch (quartz) for Tissot - includes a chronograph, altimeter, thermometer, compass, barometer.

Among the series of mechanisms we can highlight:

• THERMOLINE - quartz chronometers with temperature compensation and battery charge indicator. Diameter from 19.4 to 30 mm.
• FLATLINE - quartz movements round and square shape of low height with gold plating and battery charge indicator.
• NORMFLATLINE - inexpensive movements with metal and synthetic parts, gold plated.
• NORMLINE, ECOLINE - Swiss movements assembled in China. Cheaper, but without the quality guarantee that Swiss-assembled mechanisms have.
• FASHIONLINE - almost completely synthetic mechanisms that, if broken, cannot be repaired. However, they can last a long time.

ETA movements in the production of their watches are used by such “monsters” of the watch business as Tissot, Hamilton, Mido, Certina, Longines, Rado, Oris, Epos, Frederique Constant, Breitling, Chopard, IWC, Omega and others.

Miyota mechanisms (Japan) - a popular type of movement for many famous world watch brands, such as Grion, Citizen, Lee Cooper, Reebok and others: only 20% of world watch production. The production belongs to the largest Japanese concern CITIZEN WATCH CO, LTD. In total, the company's assortment includes 12 lines of watch movements, including mechanics. High precision, reliable assembly, support for various options, and a variety of calibers make it a worthy competitor to Swiss quartz movements.

Seiko quartz movements (Japan) - the company belongs to Seiko Holdings Corporation: the largest Japanese concern for the production of watches, precision movements and jewelry. It was this company that introduced the world's first quartz watch, Astron, in 1969. Since then, this brand has produced quartz watch movements of various calibers, types and options for its own watches.

Marking of any of the specified clock movements on a quartz watch is not a guarantee perfect job, but its extremely high probability.

Electricity, increasingly intruding into all areas of human life, could not bypass watchmaking. With the advent of quartz technology, high-precision watches became available to every inhabitant of the Earth, and the quality of watches began to depend not so much on the skill and experience of people, but on the accuracy of the operation of automatic lines. Today, the vast majority of watches produced in the world are quartz watches. How they are arranged, how they work and why everything more people Do you prefer quartz watches?

In a nutshell

The main elements of a quartz watch are an electronic unit and a stepper motor. The electronic unit sends an impulse to the engine once a second, and it turns the arrows.

1. Reel 2. Starter 3. Rotor 4. Trib rotor 5. Magnets

Very high stability of the frequency of the generated pulses, and therefore high accuracy, is ensured by the quartz crystal, from which the watch got its name.

The battery that powers the electronic unit and motor is designed to last for several years and eliminates the need to wind the watch during this entire period. The result is a unique combination of high accuracy and ease of use.

Sometimes a digital display is used instead of a dial with arrows. We usually call such watches electronic, but all over the world they are called quartz watches with digital display. This name emphasizes that, firstly, the basis of the watch is a quartz oscillator, and secondly, information about time is displayed in the form of numbers.

Essentially, a quartz watch is a mini-computer. By programming the microcircuit accordingly, they can easily be turned into a multifunctional device: a chronograph, a stopwatch, add an alarm clock, etc. Moreover, unlike mechanical watches, their cost does not increase so much.

Why does a watch need a crystal?

A quartz crystal has unique properties: when compressed, it generates an electrical impulse, and when exposed to electric current, quartz contracts. Thus, the crystal can be forced to compress and decompress, i.e. oscillate under the influence of electric current. By selecting the dimensions of the crystal, a resonance frequency of 32768 hertz is achieved.

The electronic unit of a quartz watch consists of two parts. One part, the oscillator, produces electrical oscillations that are stabilized by a quartz crystal at its resonant frequency. Thus, we have a generator of electrical oscillations, and the frequency of these oscillations is very stable. All that remains is to turn these uniform oscillations into a uniform movement of the arrows.

The generator produces 32,768 electrical oscillations per second. This is approximately 10,000 times more than the number of balance fluctuations in an ordinary watch. No mechanical device can operate at that speed. Therefore the other part electronic circuit, called a divider, converts these oscillations into pulses with a frequency of 1 hertz. These pulses are applied to the winding of the stepper motor.

The motor consists of a stator, a coil with winding fixedly fixed on it, and a rotor - a permanent magnet mounted on an axis. When an electric pulse passes through the coil, a magnetic field arises, which turns the rotor half a turn. The rotor rotates the arrows through a gear system.

How long will “quartz” last?

The wheel mechanism of quartz watches has the same service life as that of mechanical watches. The stepper motor will also last a very long time. Today you can find working radios from the 20s, i.e. resource electronic components is also large and has not yet been fully studied. And, theoretically, a good quartz watch should not be inferior in longevity to a mechanical one.

Statistics on the “longevity” of quartz watches have not yet been collected, because they appeared only 30 years ago. But many electronic-balance watches, released about 40 years ago, still run perfectly to this day.

On the other hand, 100 years ago watches were passed down by inheritance because they were extremely rare and expensive. Those days are long gone; today, more and more often, we buy a new thing not because the old one has deteriorated, but because it is morally outdated. And quartz watches survive the period required for obsolescence, giving the owner a minimum of hassle.

In our country, mechanical watches are still more popular than quartz watches. But, according to the forecasts of foreign experts, in the coming years the situation will change dramatically and in 4-5 years the share of quartz watches will be at least 80% of the market.

With the development of technology, many mechanisms and devices that were previously actively used by people have sunk into oblivion, replaced by newfangled inventions. However, this does not apply to watches. This measuring mechanism has long passed into the category of a status item, emphasizing good taste and the position of its owner. Therefore, the question of how to choose a watch of decent quality is always relevant.

Clockwork

This criterion is key when choosing, because the operating features and reliability of the watch depend on the mechanism. However, there is no clear answer as to which mechanism is better. It all depends on the taste, wishes and habits of the watch owner.

Mechanical watches

Mechanical watches appeared more than four hundred years ago, but they are still the standard of quality and reliability. The source of energy in a mechanical watch is a spring or weights, and time is measured by the mechanical oscillations of a pendulum or balance-spiral. It is on this principle that many branded wristwatches work.

Advantages of mechanical watches:

• work without a power source, there is no need to change the battery and contact a service center for this.
• high maintainability
• service life of 10 years or more with proper care.

Mechanical men's watches are preferred by people who want to purchase a reliable, high-quality, expensive item. After all, they are usually produced in the middle and premium segments. Mechanical watches can be either manually wound or self-winding. With manual winding, by turning the crown, we force the drum shaft to rotate. Thanks to the self-winding system, with each movement of the hand, the gears independently set the watch spring in motion. Manufacturers of mechanical watches often choose a design that allows the wearer to enjoy the sight of a working mechanism.

Quartz watch

Quartz watches appeared relatively recently, about 40 years ago. This is a more common option due to its moderate price. They work on a quartz oscillator that creates electromagnetic oscillations. Available in a variety of designs and versions. These are the kind of women's watches that are most often found on the hands of fashionistas, decorated with bright straps and sparkling stones.

Why do buyers choose to buy stylish watch on a quartz crystal:

• Affordable price. There are practically no people involved in the assembly of such mechanisms, which reduces their cost;
• Light weight. The tiny weight of the operating mechanism makes the final product almost weightless. That is why women's wristwatches are most often quartz;
• High accuracy. The error in the operation of such a clock mechanism is about 20 seconds per month;
• Reliability. The simplicity of the design and the small number of mechanisms contained in it ensure a low number of breakdowns;
• Durability of use. They function without changing the battery for 5-10 years.

Digital Watch

They are the brainchild of technological progress. Applying modern technologies, manufacturers have turned such a simple and familiar mechanism into a real multifunctional device. Particularly “advanced” models combine many options: a notebook, an alarm clock, a telephone, a voice recorder, a pedometer, a heart rate meter and others. Such “gadgets” are usually preferred by supporters of technological progress and lovers of electronic toys.

Features of choice

Having selected the optimal clock mechanism for your needs and requirements, we pay attention to other important parameters:

• Manufacturer. Branded women's watches and high-status men's watches are not produced in Chinese factories. Truly high-quality items are made by watch houses with a long history and traditions passed down from generation to generation;
• Originality. Counterfeits of famous brands help to show off others, but you can’t fool yourself;
• Color and shape. Selected based on your own taste preferences. It is advisable that the accessory fits harmoniously into your image and is ideally matched to the size of your hand.
• Case material. It can be textile, leather, plastic and metal (including precious and semi-precious metals). This factor greatly affects the price of the product.

Regardless of the type of product chosen, the features of its design, you should buy it from a reliable seller who can confirm the quality and originality of the products presented. Otherwise, there is a high probability of purchasing low-quality products at the price of the original watch.