A lot of people claim to be wristwatch geeks, but if you asked them to reel off some interesting facts about timepieces, you’d likely get a different response from each person. That’s why ROX – Diamonds and Thrills has put together a list of 100 facts every watch lover should know – here’s a small summary of some of our favourites.
Originally meant as an accessory for noblewomen, it wasn’t until after World War I that the wristwatch as we know it today became popular. They’ve since solidified their position as a staple worn by not only military personnel but also civilians the world over.
Even though watches have been around for over 200 years, their underlying mechanisms have hardly changed. In most timepieces, a tightly wound mainspring powers a precisely ratioed gear train of four wheels that the hands are attached to.
Despite their similar inner workings, high-end watchmakers have gone to extreme lengths to make their brands stand out on the market. What sets these luxury watches apart from their consumer rivals is the level of craftsmanship and time which goes into making them, and these factors can significantly increase their price.
Indeed, the most expensive wristwatch ever sold was the Steel Perpetual Calendar Chronograph made by Patek Philippe in 1943, which went for a jaw-dropping $11 million in 2016.
While the fundamental mechanics of timepieces haven’t changed all that much, there have been real innovations in the field of materials science. This high-tech movement was kicked off by Rado’s creation of tungsten carbide hard metal cases in the Sixties. The Swiss watchmaker then continued the transformation of watches through its pioneering use of ceramic in the Eighties.
The modern leader in the materials science field is Hublot. The watchmaker made headlines in 2011 by manufacturing its own scratch-proof ‘magic gold’ – a fusion of 24-carat gold and a porous matrix of ceramic, which can keep your watch looking brand new for years to come.
Whether you view your trusty wristwatch as a method of keeping time on the move or a fashion accessory you can’t go without, there’s more to it than meets the eye.
If you’re considering buying a watch, be sure to also check out ROX’s watch buying guide which assists you with the key decisions.
This article was supplied by ROX Jewellery
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