The combination of watches and jewelry showcases the perfect fusion of luxury, taste, and technology. While most people think of diamonds and gemstones embedded on watches, in this article, we will delve into the jewelry inside the watch and its crucial role in customised wrist watches manufacturing.
Customised Wrist Watches' internal craftsmanship: a new purpose for jewelry
Custom wrist watches' manufacturing is a highly complex art, involving precision mechanical engineering and exquisite craftsmanship. In addition to the external decorative jewelry, the inside of a watch often embeds gemstones, which is not merely for show but to enhance the watch's performance and durability.
First, let's understand the true role of jewelry in watches. Jewelry in watches is usually placed at key friction points of the movement, such as bearings and gears. Their main purpose is to reduce friction between internal mechanical components, thereby improving the watch's accuracy and lifespan. This is because the core of a mechanical watch is its movement, and every delicate movement of these movements requires precise coordination and smooth rotation. The smooth surface of gemstones can effectively reduce friction, making the movement of the watch smoother while also reducing energy consumption.
The gemstones commonly used internally in most customised wrist watches are synthetic rubies or sapphires. These synthetic gemstones are ideal choices due to their hardness and smooth surface. Their application in the movement of watches can effectively reduce wear and extend the watch's lifespan. In addition, synthetic gemstones are also easier to obtain, thus reducing manufacturing costs, which is essential for creating high-quality customised wrist watches.
The number of gemstones in a watch varies depending on the type and complexity of the watch. Generally, entry-level mechanical watches may have 17 gemstones, while high-end wrist watches may have over 30 gemstones. However, the number of gemstones does not always determine the quality of a watch, as the key lies in their layout and precision.
Not all watches require internal gemstones. The design of mechanical watches requires jewelry to reduce internal friction and maintain their high precision. However, due to their accurate quartz crystal technology, quartz watches usually do not require internal gemstones for assistance.
The history of gemstones in customised wrist watcheses
Although the use of jewelry in watches can be traced back to the early 18th century, it wasn't until the 20th century that this technology truly became mainstream. The early watchmaker Nicolas Fatio de Duillier first used gemstones inside watches, but the development of this technology had to wait until the era of complex mechanical watches emerged in the 1900s.
Customised wrist watches' manufacturing is a complex and meticulous art, and the incorporation of jewelry has taken these watches to new heights in terms of performance and precision. They are not just symbols of luxury but also the embodiment of technology and craftsmanship. Whether it is to enhance accuracy or extend lifespan, the jewelry in customised wrist watches plays an indispensable role. Therefore, understanding the role of internal gemstones when choosing customised wrist watch will help you better appreciate this exquisite craftsmanship.