Since the beginning of our existence, humans have had a fascination with time. Our single most valuable asset. Time provides the structure we need and without it, we would be lost.

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Have you ever heard a watch term and thought to yourself, but what does it actually mean? With the never-ending watch terminology out there it is all too easy to get overwhelmed. If you’re a long time watch enthusiast or fresh to the market, these watch terminologies are of utmost importance. As you know there are countless brands, styles and features available on luxury watches. That’s why we thought it would be a good idea to compile a comprehensive guide that covers all sorts of watch terminology, from components to styles to movements and so much more. We made sure to cover all our basis so that you can make an informed decision the next time you are shopping for a wrist companion. Keep on reading to learn more about luxury watches and their terminology.

If you find this article insightful, share it with a friend and tag us. Looking for a luxury timepiece crafted by master watchmakers? Shop online now and discover our wide range of luxury watches.

In this article, we will be discussing each section separately. The sections we will be covering are:

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1. Watch Parts
2. Watch movements
3. Watch complications
4. Different types of luxury watches
5. Different watches for different occasions

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Watch Parts simply explained

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Watches are made up out of hundreds of parts that are in charge of controlling your watches accuracy, durability and style of course. Below we will look at each component and briefly explain the purpose of each.

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Aperture

The aperture is the small window on the dial that displays information such as the date, month or year.

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Bezel

The top ring on top of a watch that encircles the dial is commonly referred to as a bezel. Certain bezels can also display additional information such as GMT.

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Bracelet

This is either a leather strap that sits around the wrist or a metal band to keep the watch in position.

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Case

The body of the watch that protects the “organs” of the watch is called the Case. The case plays an important role in preventing dust particles or water that may penetrate the watch. Cases are also designed to absorb shock when the watch falls. The quality of shock absorption will depend on the brand of the watch.

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Crown

The crown of a watch is the device (knob) on the side of the watch that lets you wind the watch (manual wind mechanical watches) It can also stop the watch when it is pulled out which would save you some valuable battery life.

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Crystal

The crystal refers to the transparent glass that covers the face of the watch and its function is to protect the dial of your watch. Modern watches come out with scratch-resistant crystal however, it would be wise to find out from the retailer whether or not the crystal is scratch resistant before you make your purchase.

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Dial

The dial is the face of the watch that sits below the crystal.

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Hands

The hands of the watch refer to the time indicators on the dial. You get three variants which indicate the hours, the minutes and even the seconds. The hands of different watches can allow the wearer of the watch to measure speed, distance and in some watches, they can measure air supply which is more commonly used in diving watches.

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Helium Escape Valve

Helium valves are found on diving watches. They release pressure in the watch when it reaches its maximum depth. Ordinary watches do not have this function, although they are designed to withstand certain amounts of pressure underwater. This too will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

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Lugs

The lugs are the slim metal bars that connect the case to the strap of the watch.

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Movement

The movement refers to the movement that powers the watch and drives all of the timekeeping functions. It is also known as the calibre.

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Pusher

This is the button on the side of the watch that activates a complication such as a chronograph watch.

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Sub-dial

The sub-dial is a smaller dial than the main one. It provides the wearer with additional information such as in the case of a chronograph’s recorded time.

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The different types of movements

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There are three types of movements in luxury watches, namely:

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Manual

A manual movement requires regular winding of the watch’s crown that provides the power behind the movement of dials and sub-dials.

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Automatic

Automatic watches are powered by mechanical movements that stem from the natural motion of the wearer’s wrist. They are also known as self-winding watches. Whenever the wearer decides to take it off, it will stop the movement after a while of inactivity.

Watch World has a wide range of automatic movement watches such as the incredible Ingersoll Apsley. It incorporates an automatic movement and is designed to showcase a postmodern timepiece that is extremely accurate and not to mention Good Looking.

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Quartz

Quartz movements refer to a battery-operated movement that does not require the wearer to wind it up. Quartz powered watches are typically less expensive than those of manual and automatic watches. Shop our wide range of quartz movement watches online that is as good looking as they are functional.

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What are watch complications and what are the different types?

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When we speak about watch complications we are not referring to any problems that the watch might have. This term simply refers to the function of the watch other than timekeeping that indicates the hours, minutes or seconds. Below is a list of the most popular complications and their functions.

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Annual Calendar

It displays the date and month but does not account for leap years.

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Chronograph

The chronograph complication describes the time functionality of a watch. It is commonly referred to as a stopwatch which allows the wearer to measure elapsed periods.

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Date Window

The date window is commonly found as an aperture at 3 O’clock or 6 O’clock. Some date windows have a magnifying ‘drop’ on the crystal also called cyclops in watch jargon.

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Dual time

This displays local time zones and an additional time zone.

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Minute repeater

A minute repeater chimes the time when activated. They usually have different sounds for minutes, hours and quarter-hours.

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Moon phase

A moon phase display indicates the phases of the moon

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Perpetual calendar

A perpetual calendar displays the day, date and month. It is important to note that a perpetual calendar does consider the leap year.

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Power reserve

This function indicates the amount of power left before it needs to be wound.

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Tachymeter

This function in watches measures the speed over fixed distances and is commonly found on the watches of F1 drivers or pilots.

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What are the different types of luxury watches available to me?

Luxury watches are typically broken down in four specific categories, separated with different designs and features.

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Dress watches

Dress watches are elegant and sophisticated with minimalistic streamlined profiles. They are the perfect companion for the office, evening wear or any other sophisticated attire.

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Sport watch

Sports watches get their name from the robust and sturdy construction. These timepieces can endure rugged conditions whilst maintaining accurate timekeeping.

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Pilot watch

Pilot watches were originally designed for aviators. These watches typically have larger cases and easy-to-read dials. They provide additional timekeeping complications such as chronographs for measuring elapsed periods.

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Diving watch

Diving watches present themselves as the ultimate timekeepers for divers. They are constructed with sturdy cases that are designed to withstand the depths of the sea. Diving watches are also typically constructed with complications that ultimately helps divers manage their oxygen supply underwater.

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Watches for everyone

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At Watch World we pride ourselves in providing our clients with only the best. Our watch offering is vast and covers all of the basis. We also only stock watches that were created by master craftsmen and horologists alike. Whether you are looking at a new timepiece for the office or one that you can wear on casual occasions. We’ve got one for every occasion.

Watch World has a couple of watches that might strike some inspiration this year, check out our online promotions for more watches that will have you looking sharper than ever and keep you on time every time.

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You now have some insight into common watch terminology as well as the functions each one has. So the next time you are looking at buying a timepiece that you love, you can make an informed decision straight away. Choosing a watch for yourself is an exciting journey and with Watch World as your right-hand man, you can never make the wrong decision.

The best thing about investing in a proper watch for yourself is that one day your collector’s legacy timepiece can be handed down as an heirloom from one generation to the next. We also now offer you a watch repair service so if your watch is currently sitting at home and needs fixing, bring it in so our team of professional horologists can inspect it for you and get it on your wrist again.

You can book a watch repair by clicking here or you can also get in touch with us to discuss your watch needs.