For those just dipping their toes into the fascinating world of watches, all the jargon and technical terms can feel like a foreign language. But fear not, watch enthusiasts! We're here to break down some of the most commonly used watch terminology in a way that's easy to understand while still maintaining a level of horological authority.
Let's start with the case - the main body that houses all the intricate inner workings. Available in a range of shapes, sizes, and materials like stainless steel, gold, or titanium, the case is the first thing that catches your eye.
Aquatrident Shark Watch with Opal Dial
Next up, the dial – the main display area showcasing the hour markers, hands, and any additional subsidiary dials or complications. This canvas can feature mesmerizing finishes like sunburst patterns, intricate guilloche engraving, or even gemstone hour markers for a touch of luxury.
The Dial of the Ocean Watch is made of Meteorite - see more here
At the heart of every watch lies the movement – the engine that keeps time ticking. While mechanical movements rely on a wound mainspring, quartz movements are powered by batteries. And if you're looking to elevate your timepiece game, complications like chronographs or moon phase indicators add an extra layer of engineering prowess.
Looking into the 'open heart dial' at the movement inside of the Horizon Collection
Speaking of complications, let's define that term a bit further. Any function beyond the basic hour, minute, and second display is considered a complication. Popular examples include date windows, chronograph stopwatch capabilities, annual calendars, and moon phase indicators.
Moving outward, the bezel is the outer top ring of the case. Some bezels are stationary, while others rotate bi-directionally or uni-directionally, often marked for elapsed time tracking (divers) or slide rule calculations (aviators).
The Bezel of the Ichthyosaur, which helps with timing, and is made of carbon Fiber - see more here
And what about that knob on the side? That's the crown, used for setting the time, winding the mainspring on mechanical watches, or operating chronograph complications.
The Crown here on the Shark collection - specific with Lume on it aswell! - buy it here
Protecting the dial is the crystal – a transparent cover that has evolved from plastic to scratch-resistant sapphire or synthetic sapphire in modern watches.
The Crystal on the Neptune Watch - Sapphire Crystal which is an effective anti-reflective properties, and long-term reliability - buy the neptune here
Water resistance is another key term, indicating the static or dynamic depth rating for water exposure or complete submersion, measured in atmospheres or meters.
The Ichthyosaur is 500M Water Resistance - Buy it here
Finally, let's shine a light on lume – the luminescent coating applied to hands and hour markers for low-light legibility. Premium lume options include Super-LumiNova, Chromalight, and LumiBrite, ensuring your watch face glows bright.
Our Ocean Watch has Swiss Super-LumiNova - one of the best lumes possible. This not only enhances visibility in low-light conditions but also ensures precise time measurement, whether you're underwater or exploring in the dark
Buy it here - https://aquatrident.com/collections/ocean
There you have it, watch aficionados – a comprehensive yet approachable guide to some of the most common horology terms. As you continue exploring this captivating world, don't be afraid to delve deeper into the language and technical nuances. After all, the joy is in the journey!
