What you need to know about the accuracy of hours

What you need to know about the accuracy of hours

The main and main function of the watch is to display the exact time, and only then it is an addition to the style, decoration, expensive accessory. Among the admirers of this accessory there is an opinion that expensive and high-quality watches with mechanical drive will always be more accurate than quartz ones. Is it really? Should I buy quartz models, or should I prefer classical mechanics in pursuit of jeweler precision? Let's try to sort out this issue.

Mechanical clock mechanism

The statement that the accuracy of the clock depends on the type of mechanism is correct. For example, a mechanical watch, even the most expensive, has a slightly larger error than quartz ones due to the peculiarities of the mechanism itself. The permissible error in the course accuracy must be within the limits of “minus” 40 “plus” 60 seconds in one day. It depends entirely on the balance of the pendulum clock. The pendulum itself, depending on the manufacturer, may differ in size, weight and frequency of oscillations. The higher the last indicator (measured in oscillations per second), the more accurate the indicator is the course of the clock.

It should be understood that in a mechanical clock, the mechanisms inside the case are in a tense state due to the presence of a spring factory, therefore they should be treated with the utmost care. Any blows, falls can negatively affect their work.

The accuracy of the course of this type of clock can affect:

• ambient temperature;

• the location of the clock in space;

• effects of vibrations and vibrations;

• degree of wear and aging of watch movements.

It should be remembered that this parameter is also affected by their regular winding and excessive winding of the crown. This is the case when "strongly" does not mean reliably! Modern watches are mainly equipped with self-winding function, which has a positive effect on the state of the mechanism, since the spring is in a constant compressed state close to optimal.

Mechanical models are assembled from many small parts, which are subject to high quality requirements. To describe such accessories often use the concept of chronometer. This is a special type of watch that has been certified in a special laboratory. Provided the standard tests pass, the chronometer error should not exceed “minus” 4 “plus” 6 seconds in one day. Naturally, certified watches will have a higher value and status. But in the modern market and in our product catalog, in particular, there are many models that have not been subjected to this procedure, but have a sufficiently high accuracy.

Quartz watch mechanism

The quartz mechanism is more durable and reliable in comparison with the mechanical one. This is due to the lack of a large number of parts and moving mechanisms. In this type of clock, quartz is responsible for accuracy. In other words, it is a crystal that, under the influence of an electric current flowing through it, gives in to a pulsation with a high frequency. A special converter picks up these signals, converts them into impulses that control the movement of arrows. For such hours the admissible course error is within the range of “plus or minus” 20 seconds per month. And this in turn is much less than that of mechanical accessories.

The accuracy of the watch with a quartz movement depends on:

• on the frequency of the crystal oscillator - the higher the frequency, the higher the accuracy. However, increased energy consumption is considered a side effect;

• from temperature changes - in freezing temperatures at temperatures less than minus 6 degrees, there is a significant decrease in stroke accuracy;

• from moisture ingress into the case; therefore, due attention should be paid to preventive inspections of watches.

The work of quartz watches is carried out from the battery power. This is one of the main advantages of this type of watch, allowing them to work without interruption for more than one year. Moreover, there are special types of batteries that can operate without replacement for up to 10 years. This is largely achieved through the energy optimization mechanisms implemented by the manufacturer. For reliable and stable operation, it is recommended not to save on the battery and always use only high-quality batteries when replacing. Cheap low-quality power supplies have a very limited period of action, and may also oxidize, which in turn will lead to loss of accuracy or final breakdown of the clock.

What is the most accurate watch?

• mechanical watches are inferior in accuracy to quartz watches due to their specific mechanism design and require periodic manual adjustment of time accuracy;

• mechanical watches can be equipped with the function of automatic winding due to their design are more accurate than mechanical watches with manual winding;

• The effect of ambient temperature directly affects the accuracy of any watch.

In the catalog of the Best Time online store and our retail offices you can get acquainted with an incredibly wide range of both mechanical and quartz models from different manufacturers, finding bright individual solutions for yourself. All products are of decent quality, has certificates of conformity and guarantees. Address, and you will surely find the model meeting your inquiries on design, the price and accuracy of the course.