What is a manufactured clock mechanism and is it really better than a universal one
What
is a manufactured clock mechanism and is it really better than a universal one
Most modern consumers
approach the product selection process very responsibly and comprehensively,
paying attention to a lot of small things and details. This is especially true
for things that are not bought for one or even two days, in particular for
wristwatches. When choosing them, potential buyers look at the design,
appearance and reliability of the mechanism, materials of the case and strap,
evaluate the manufacturer, functionality and many other parameters. All this
information is provided in the model descriptions or provided by consultants
upon request. But sometimes buyers who choose products from luxury brands are
faced with such a concept as a "manufacturing" mechanism. What is it?
Is it worth "going for" a big name, overpaying for it, or is it still
possible to give preference to the usual universal mechanism?
What
is a manufacturing mechanism?
The running gear of the
watch is one of the key indicators of the quality and reliability of the
finished product. But most manufacturers that produce wrist chronometers have
never made them themselves, and purchased ready-made components. Until recently,
all this was generally accepted. Even the world's leading brands purchased
mechanisms "on the side". But recently, the situation has begun to
change. More and more manufacturers began to declare the launch of their own
production and so-called manufacturing caliber. In other words, in watchmaking,
a manufactory is an enterprise where the brand's own watch mechanisms are
assembled. All this increases not only the prestige of the wristwatches that
they will be equipped with, but also their price. Let's just say that we are
talking exclusively about mechanical wristwatches. Quartz models a priori can
not be "manufactured".
That is, on the one hand,
the manufacturing mechanism is a marketing move that attracts attention with
its ambiguity, and on the other – an opportunity for connoisseurs of
watchmaking to choose unusual wrist accessories for themselves. But there is
also a third party – a significantly increased price.
Among the key points
inherent in manufacturing mechanisms, it is worth highlighting the individual
Assembly of the mechanism at the production facilities of the watch
manufacturer. We are talking about developing our own drawings, unique design,
production of all components and direct Assembly. If at least some of the
equipment is purchased "on the side", it is no longer possible to say
that the mechanism is manufactured. The exceptions are precious stones, screws,
and springs.
Roger Dubuis,
Lange&Sohne, Glashutte Original, Jaeger Le-Coultre, Patek Philippe,
Audemars Piguet, Zenith, Minerva, Vacheron&Constantin are among the famous
watch houses that produce their own manufactured mechanisms. But only
individual brands can boast of their own production. Most companies that
produce manufactured calibers according to official statements actually take
universal models as a basis, disassemble them and assemble them again, making
minor changes to the design, adding additional complicating modules.
The
advantages and disadvantages of in-house movement
Speaking about the
advantages of the manufacturing mechanism, it is worth highlighting its
absolute uniqueness. Manufacturers create unique start, reset and stop systems,
date adjustments, column wheels, winding sectors, and many other elements. All
this is framed in unusual cases, the location of additional dials is adjusted.
In the manufacture of watches, everything is thought out, to the smallest
detail, including the back covers, straps or bracelets. All this attracts the
attention of true connoisseurs of watchmaking. But perhaps that's where the
advantages end.
Only the world's leading
brands can afford to spend money on such developments. And their investment
will definitely have to pay off, that is, the price of a wristwatch will be
very high. Products presented on the market in the medium and budget segment
can not be manufactured. And in this case, experts recommend giving preference
to time-tested universal mechanisms. They are developed in the factory using
reliable technologies that have proven themselves during operation. These
watches will be high-quality, durable, accurate, but affordable.
Therefore potential buyers
are faced with a choice:
1. Expensive manufactured
movement from elite watch brands.
2. Reliable and
smooth-running universal mechanism and low cost.
If your choice fell on option
#2, we recommend paying attention to the mechanical wristwatches presented in
the catalog of the online store "best-Time". This is a high-quality
product at an affordable price. Wristwatches will please with their unique
design, accuracy, and durability.
If you need help choosing a
model or other advice, please contact our managers by phone or send an online
request.