Movement Types
Automatic Movement (Self winding) - A rotor is connected to gears to wind mainspring. If not worn for some time, may require a manual winding.
Manual Movement (Hand winding) - Winding a mainspring.
Quartz Movement - Battery is the power source.
Versions of Quartz Movements
Solar Power - Powered by light to charge a cell
Eco Drive - Powered by light to charge a cell. Uses a primary and back up power cell.
Kinetic - (Sometimes called automatic-quartz movement) - Powered by motion to charge a cell.
Manual Movement (Hand winding) - Winding a mainspring.
Quartz Movement - Battery is the power source.
Versions of Quartz Movements
Solar Power - Powered by light to charge a cell
Eco Drive - Powered by light to charge a cell. Uses a primary and back up power cell.
Kinetic - (Sometimes called automatic-quartz movement) - Powered by motion to charge a cell.
Brand & Location Of Numbers
Bulova - On The Dial 6 Side
Citizen - On The Case Back 10 Digit Hyphenated #
Omega - On The Underside Of One Of The Shoulders Or Inside Caseback
Rado - On The 6 Side Of Dial & Case Back #
Raymond Weil - On The Case Back is 4 Digit #
Rolex - Serial # on 6 Side Between Shoulders & Model # on 12 Side
Seiko - On Case Back 8 Digit Hyphenated #
Tag - On Case Back, Often With Letters. Older Ones Might Have Model # Starting With 9
Citizen - On The Case Back 10 Digit Hyphenated #
Omega - On The Underside Of One Of The Shoulders Or Inside Caseback
Rado - On The 6 Side Of Dial & Case Back #
Raymond Weil - On The Case Back is 4 Digit #
Rolex - Serial # on 6 Side Between Shoulders & Model # on 12 Side
Seiko - On Case Back 8 Digit Hyphenated #
Tag - On Case Back, Often With Letters. Older Ones Might Have Model # Starting With 9
Timegrapher
Timegrapher is a device used to determine how well a watch is running. It can display several important results, such as Beat Rate, Amplitude, Beat Error, & Lift.
A balance wheel swings in a clockwise & counterclockwise direction called a beat.
Beats Per Hour is the number of times a balance wheel swing half a rotation over the course of an hour.
Examples of Beats Per Hour
14,400 bph = 4 beats per second
18,000 bph = 5 beats per second
21,600 bph = 6 beats per second
28,800 bph = 8 beats per second
36,000 bph = 10 beats per second
It measures Amplitude, which is the number of degrees of rotation in the swing of the beat.
Note: When a watch is positioned in a vertical position, it usually causes increased friction, which causes Amplitude to decrease.
It measures Beat Error, which is determined by the difference between the clockwise swing and the counterclockwise swing of the balance wheel. A comparison of a tick and a tock.
Lift Angle is the angle the balance wheel passes through while interacting with the pallet fork.
A balance wheel swings in a clockwise & counterclockwise direction called a beat.
Beats Per Hour is the number of times a balance wheel swing half a rotation over the course of an hour.
Examples of Beats Per Hour
14,400 bph = 4 beats per second
18,000 bph = 5 beats per second
21,600 bph = 6 beats per second
28,800 bph = 8 beats per second
36,000 bph = 10 beats per second
It measures Amplitude, which is the number of degrees of rotation in the swing of the beat.
Note: When a watch is positioned in a vertical position, it usually causes increased friction, which causes Amplitude to decrease.
It measures Beat Error, which is determined by the difference between the clockwise swing and the counterclockwise swing of the balance wheel. A comparison of a tick and a tock.
Lift Angle is the angle the balance wheel passes through while interacting with the pallet fork.
Water Resistance
Water resistance ratings are usually on the back of the watch and sometimes on the dial.
Usually resistance ratings are measured in ATM, Meters, or Feet.
The water resistance of a watch cannot be guaranteed permanent.
It is good to have your watch tested usually yearly.
Gaskets and seals can age over time.
Saltwater or soap can be a form of an abrasive on parts.
Diving or increased water temperature puts more pressure on seals.
Changes in temperature could weaken water resistance. Contraction can develop with seals.
Some common errors resulting in water damage.
Crowns or pushers receiving accidental bumps.
Forgetting to screw in all the way the crown or pushers.
General guidelines that is usually suitable for the purposes below, but always refer your watches manufactures recommendations. There is always different variables that need to be taken into account as well.
5 ATM, 50 Meters, @165 Feet - Usually shallow water swimming or showering.
10 ATM, 100 Meters, @330 Feet - Usually snorkeling or swimming.
20 ATM, 200 Meters, @660 Feet - Usually scuba diving.
50 ATM, 500 Meters, @1650 Feet - Usually deep diving.
Usually resistance ratings are measured in ATM, Meters, or Feet.
The water resistance of a watch cannot be guaranteed permanent.
It is good to have your watch tested usually yearly.
Gaskets and seals can age over time.
Saltwater or soap can be a form of an abrasive on parts.
Diving or increased water temperature puts more pressure on seals.
Changes in temperature could weaken water resistance. Contraction can develop with seals.
Some common errors resulting in water damage.
Crowns or pushers receiving accidental bumps.
Forgetting to screw in all the way the crown or pushers.
General guidelines that is usually suitable for the purposes below, but always refer your watches manufactures recommendations. There is always different variables that need to be taken into account as well.
5 ATM, 50 Meters, @165 Feet - Usually shallow water swimming or showering.
10 ATM, 100 Meters, @330 Feet - Usually snorkeling or swimming.
20 ATM, 200 Meters, @660 Feet - Usually scuba diving.
50 ATM, 500 Meters, @1650 Feet - Usually deep diving.