Jimmi Simpson wears a Jack Mason watch on his wrist in Russell Crowe’s latest intense nerve-wracking blockbuster thriller ‘Unhinged’.

To understand quartz watches, we need to first understand the standard ways in which watches are powered. There are three main types of movements, or energy types, used in watches on the market today:

• Mechanical
• Automatic
• Quartz or Solar Quartz

Mechanical Watches

Mechanical watches are the kingpin of the watch world. Mechanical watches have been around since the beginning of watches. In over a century of modifications and technological advancements, the most significant difference in a mechanical watch besides the individual watch design themselves is that mechanical watches now use a built-in crown, instead of a tiny key to wind the inner mainspring. Mechanical watches are hand-wound timepieces that use a complex movement composed of hundreds of small parts that work together in harmony to make a mechanical watch tick.

Automatic Watches

While automatic movements are technically an older technology than quartz movements, they are still among the most common movements in watches because they exude a different degree of quality, craftsmanship, and complexity. Instead of batteries, they run off of the energy from a wound spring. This mainspring stores energy and distributes it through interconnected gears and other springs controlling the energy supply to power the watch. The mainspring is “charged” either through winding by hand or the natural motion generated by the wearer’s movement that rotates a tiny rotor back and forth.

While most automatic watches may carry more mechanical complexity and cost significantly more than most quartz watches, they’re also less accurate by nature of the design. While an automatic movement generally has an accuracy of +/-10 seconds to +/- 30 seconds per day, a quartz movement will have this same accuracy range or better over an entire month. For those in the pursuit of ultimate time-keeping precision, a quartz watch will be a clear choice.

Quartz

Once upon a time, quartz was a state-of-the-art technology that almost overturned the entire watchmaking industry. Heading off what is considered the Quartz Revolution or some Quartz Crisis (depending on your feelings), quartz soon showed that the most effective and accurate way to tell time was not through a complex network of gears, but with a simple crystal, battery and tiny motors. 

Utilizing this new time-keeping technology was considered unforgivable to some, as it disrupted the status quo of the watch winding world.

Let us not forget that a quartz watch, except for the occasional change of batteries, needs far less service than its mechanical alternative. For a moment, let’s forget that quartz is more accurate at telling time than even the most expensive, most expertly-tuned mechanical watches. Also, unlike mechanical watches, gravity does not affect the inner workings at all, so a quartz watch tells the time just as well when you are deep under the ocean in a submarine as it does when you are climbing the highest mountain. Forget that quartz is more affordable than mechanical watches.

All clocks need an oscillating, regulating element to keep the time accurate. In mechanical clocks and watches, it exists in the form of a balance spring and balance wheel. For a quartz watch, however, there is a tiny quartz crystal cut in the shape of a tuning fork. 

Let’s dive even deeper into this mind-blowing nerdiness.

Quartz naturally vibrates at an exact frequency and contains piezoelectric properties, which means that when it is pressurized, it produces a small volt of electricity. The inverse of this is also true, so that when an electric current is passed through quartz, it vibrates, usually at 32,768 times per second. 

Most watches with a quartz movement have a guaranteed accuracy at around 15 seconds plus or a month or so. This accuracy is still much better than even the best mechanical watches. The quartz watch’s only enemy? Temperature. 

So how do the inner workings of a quartz watch actually work?

1. A battery provides the current to the microchip circuit.
2. A microchip circuit makes the precisely cut tuning fork quartz crystal vibrate at 32768 times per second.
3. Another microchip circuit detects the crystal’s oscillations and turns them into regular electric pulses, one per second.
4. These electric pulses drive the miniature electric stepping motor and convert electrical energy into mechanical power.
5. The electric stepping motor also turns the tiny gears.
6. These tiny gears sweep the hands around the clock face to keep time.

The answer is that the quartz vibrates at a subtly different frequency at different temperatures and pressures. Its time-keeping capability is affected to a small degree by the warming, cooling, ever-changing environment around us. So, in theory, if you keep a watch on your wrist at all times, it is much more or less constant temperature. That watch will keep time better than if you take it on and off your wrist, causing a rather significant temperature shift, in any environment.

The critical thing to remember about quartz is that it’s piezoelectric. It will vibrate when you put electricity to it, and it is going to give you electricity when you vibrate it. The quartz crystal oscillator uses piezoelectricity in both directions — at the same exact time. Making quartz an incredibly efficient power source. Hence why watch batteries actually last quite a long time.

So, in a nutshell, why are quartz watches worth investing in?

What quartz watches lack in finesse and historic footing they excel in the following three areas:

1. Practicality
2. Size
3. Durability

Practicality

The pure practicality of quartz is that these watches have a power reserve that literally lasts for a lifetime. So once you set your watch, you will rarely ever have to touch it again. This Green & Steel Seamount Jack Mason will just keep on trucking along for years to come (and side note it has 300 meters of water resistance). You can forget your quartz watch on the counter, pick it up six months later, and there it is, ticking away ready to be worn immediately.

Size

Size is a HUGE factor. Because of the smaller sized movement, quartz watches can be slimmer and smaller than automatic watches. Smaller watch casings are essential when you have a smaller wrist. Quartz watches tend to sit flatter than a mechanical because their parts don’t take up so much room, which also means they also slide more easily under cuffs and sleeves.

Durability

It’s worth noting that quartz movements are often longer-lasting than mechanical watches. If you work in manual labor or just enjoy the great outdoors and the potential watch hazards that come with it, then a quartz watch is perfect for you. 

Check out the Jack Mason Overland watch, designed for durability and is water resistant up to 100 meters. This watch runs off of premium Japanese quartz. Quartz watches like the Overland can take on a higher impact than mechanical and automatic watches because of their effortless simplicity. There is nothing inside the watch that is going to get thrown off-kilter if you bash your watch into something or take a tumble. Which is why some of the most robust watches are quartz movement watches.

In the end, the battle between quartz, mechanical, and automatic watches will be won by the wearer’s preferences and use. Yes, there will always be the folks out there who say the automatic watch is more of an authentic choice. Or that at least automatic watches inherited the integrity of the mechanical watch. But you tell me, how does it get more authentic than an old rock that creates electricity when vibrated at a certain frequency? I mean, that’s super cool. But before quartz came along, watch enthusiasts around the world said some pretty terrible things about automatics too. It takes time, sometimes decades, to get used to new technology in a world that is all about timelessness and that luxury is in the details like the watch industry.

Sources:

https://www.explainthatstuff.com/quartzclockwatch.html

https://www.worthy.com/blog/knowledge-center/watches/best-watch-movements/

https://www.themodestman.com/watch-movements/

Size matters. Especially when it comes to your watch.

Finding the perfect size watch means taking several factors into account. Along with personal style and wrist size, you will need to consider the several aspects of a watch to find the perfect one for your day to day hustle.

In the internet age of shopping, knowing what size watch best fits your wrist is a must. Watch sizing itself fits into five different categories of measurements. Still, there are several observations to be taken into account to get the perfect watch balance.

• Watch Case Diameter
• Watch Face Details, Complications, and Components
• Watch Case Thickness
• Wrist size
• Watch Band Design, Materials, and Thickness

Watch Case Diameter

Honestly, watch case sizing is mostly up to opinion and what the watch wearer feels is appropriate for their wrist, but some guidelines can help you pick a more proportional watch from the start so you can get the finished look you’d like to achieve. There is nothing worse than another collector taking one look at your watch and band combination and commenting that it looks gigantic on your wrist.

If you have a small wrist, your best bet will be matching the proportion of your watch case, the flashiness of the watch case, and the type of band you wear with it to give an overall look and feel of balance.

• Small - < 34mm Strap Size: 18mm
• Mid Size - 34mm - 38mm Strap Size: 18mm
• Standard - 39mm - 42mm Strap Size: 20mm
• Oversized - 43mm - 46mm Strap Size: 22mm
• XXL - > 47mm Strap Size: 26mm

Watch Face Details, Complications, and Components

There's no doubt that the design and scale of the numerals and components in your watch face can appear smaller or larger. These sometimes subtle differences in a watch face can make or break the proportionality of your watch game.

Keep in mind, a classic field watch watch faces with a solid, dark background and white numbers are going to give your watch a streamlined look and tend to look slimmer. More flashy watches with multiple colors, bright metal finishes, large luminous hands, and a considerable crown will add to your watch’s visual size.

Wrist Size

• 6 inch wrist - Considered small. Small to medium diameter cases around 34mm - 38mm. 
• 7 inch to 7.5  wrist - Considered average. 39mm, 40mm, and 42mm range will fit best.
• 8 inch and larger - Considered Large. Cases between 44-46mm, or even 47mm, will give the wearer a more proportional look.

Let’s start out with some basic wrist measurement guidelines and conversions.

Wrist and Strap Sizing Guide in Millimeters

• 6.0 - 6.5” wrist or 150 - 164mm = 120/70mm
• 6.6 - 7.0” wrist or 165 - 178mm = 125/75mm
• 7.1 - 7.5” wrist or 179 - 190mm = 130/80mm
• 7.6 - 8.0” wrist or 191 - 203mm = 135/80mm
• 8.1 - 8.5” wrist or 204 - 216mm = 140/85mm
• 8.6 - 9.0” wrist or 217 - 229mm = 145/90mm

Whether investing in a new watch or your first watch for your collection, these measurements will come in handy for purchasing an additional band or retrofitting a band you may already have to a new watch case. We measure everything in inches these days, but the standardization for watches is in millimeters. 

Watch Case Thickness

The thickness of your watch case does play a role in the overall size of your watch. 

Standard case thickness in the industry:

• 6mm – 8mm as thin
• 8mm – 12mm as average, and
• 14mm – 18mm as thick

But what if I inherited a watch that may be disproportionate to my wrist, but I want to wear it for it’s vintage style and sentimental value? This is where your watch band style makes all the difference.

Watch Band Style 

The style and materials of your watch band play a part in your watch’s overall look and feel. It is the cherry on top and the final step to outfitting your watch. Comfort, presentation, necessity, and style go into making this choice superbly balanced.

A wider band may make a smaller watch face look disproportionate just as a smaller band may cause a watch to seem too large on the wrist. Finding the right balance between band and face will give that perfect wow factor and clean look.

Watch Band Materials

Whether leather, metal, fabric, or silicone/rubber, the watch band’s choice is quintessential for balancing the look and feel of your watch. We’ll break down the different types of watch bands and what to consider below: 

• Leather - Italian leather or domestic leather, faux leather
• Metal - Gold, Rose Gold, Silver, usually chain-linked and hearty.
• Fabric - Woven, two-tone, or robust designs.
• Silicone/Rubber - Endless color choices, sweat-resistant, low price point.

Leather

A leather band will automatically make your wristband seem slimmer due to its contouring and hugging nature. Leather bands are probably the least intrusive or boastful bands. 

> Shop Leather Watches

Metal

Metal bands give a more substantial weight and feel to a timepiece because the metal itself is sturdy and flashy. Metal bands will not typically be worn as tightly on the wrist as a leather or silicone band. So if you have a watch with a massive case, a metal bracelet could be the perfect band to help balance the look on your wrist.

> Shop Metal Watches

Fabric

Fabric bands are versatile due to their limitless designs, but similarly to leather bands, they can be slimming. Choosing between a solid or printed fabric material can visually alter the size of your band and should be taken into account. If your watch case is in the 44-46mm range, choosing a bright and bold or intricate patterned fabric band can make the watch appear more balanced. It will draw a great deal of attention, so be prepared to be asked for the time by strangers who are curious about your flashy watch throughout your daily grind.

> Shop Fabric Strap Watches

Silicone/Rubber

Typically made for Athleisure wear, silicone, and rubber watch bands are water and sweat resistant and come in endless variations of colors and combinations. Silicone is not the best to pair with luxury watches due to their slim nature, but they compliment dive watches and field watches perfectly for those water and sweat resistant capabilities, like our best selling Seatrek watch with its gorgeous vintage inspired green dial. It’s rated for 300 meter water resistance and paired with our sleek quick release black rubber strap making it the ultimate in style and capability.

> Shop Rubber Strap Watches 

Sources:

https://medium.com/@luxurybazaar/does-size-really-matter-the-bigger-the-wrist-the-bigger-the-watch-278ebeec4a83

https://www.watchgecko.com/what-is-the-lug-width-and-how-do-i-measure-it/

https://www.thetrendspotter.net/how-to-choose-a-watch-for-your-wrist-size/#:~:text=Remember%2C%20when%20it%20comes%20to,appear%20best%20on%20thick%20wrists

The fit of a watch can make or break a man. There are many situations one could run into if your watch band does not fit securely on your wrist. Consider a situation where you are attending a fancy party. You are wearing a custom-tailored fitted suit, but your watch band is too large hiding your beautiful, luxury timepiece under your french cuff. Or you have extensively planned a guys weekend trekking through the Moab desert and camping on a rock face when your watch band gets caught on a rock while rappelling down a cliff, a spring pin breaks, and you watch your favorite field watch fall to its death. Or in an everyday situation, what if your watch is too tight and is cutting off your circulation to your hand during an important board meeting and you fidget the whole time looking unprofessional.

Let’s cut to the chase--what makes a watch great for the everyday? 

The term waterproof is absolutely misleading.

The term waterproof actually implies that the watch will not leak under any circumstances. We will tell you right now that a totally waterproof watch is practically impossible. Therefore you should never fully trust the term waterproof when mentioned on the packaging or stamped directly on the back of the case.

Watch crystal is a general term that refers to the transparent glass material that covers the face of a watch. It is designed to shield the watch from the elements and provide a polished look to your watch. Watch faces on the market are not actually made from crystal, but instead made of a variety of manufactured crystalline glass-like materials. Watchmakers worldwide only use three types of crystal to cover the watch’s face.

Which material is best?

The best material can be extremely subjective to the type of watch, the conditions in which the watch will be exposed to, and the wearer’s preference. There are three main types of the watch crystal. Each has its pros and cons and quite literally strengths and weaknesses. Learning the lingo and the different attributes of each type will help the new watch buyer and the aficionado alike in knowing what to expect from their watch, how they can repair it, or if they have to replace a crystal when damaged.

At Jack Mason, we use nothing less than mineral crystal, although most of our watches use sapphire crystals. We have chosen each watch face carefully for each individual watch’s needs and structure, using mineral where strength is a more critical factor, like in several of our Nautical watches built to withstand depths, harsh conditions, and using Sapphire where luxury and utility meet. Like in our highest rated watch, our Dark Green Dial With Recycled Plastic Strap Solar Watch.

Sapphire Crystal

The highest standard for watch crystals these days is sapphire crystal. It was originally created by a French chemist who went by the name of Auguste Verneuil, who made glass sheets of it by collecting and superheating aluminum oxide powder while placing it under intense pressure as well. He then heated the crystal to eliminate its internal stresses as it can cause weakness, it then enters the final processing stage where it is processed into sheets, and voila, synthetic sapphire glass.

Some key traits:

• Most durable, hardest crystal material on the market.
• It is a transparent, crystallized aluminum oxide produced in a lab. 
• It is scratch-resistant apart from diamonds.
• It stays bright and uncloudy for years to come.
• It has the most shine and is the most reflective.

Sapphire crystal is beautiful and extremely scratch-resistant. It adds a lovely mirrored shimmer to the case of your watch, highlighting the components within. However, it should be noted that sapphire glass is capable of shattering or cracking and is not always suitable for extreme pressure and water abound conditions.

To give you a good idea of what these watches are like, take a look at our top three Jack Mason picks with Sapphire Crystal: 

• Solar Watch 42mm - Dark Green Dial With Recycled Plastic Strap 
• Seamount Automatic 42mm Black Dial With Stainless Steel Bracelet 
• Halyard GMC 42mm White Dial with Stainless Steel Bracelet 

Mineral Crystal

Mineral crystal glass is the most common glass you’ll find on a watch. 

Mineral crystal glass is made from silica and is manufactured using regular tempered glass. This tempering process makes the mineral crystal much more scratch-resistant and able to handle great depths and pressure. Not to mention, the manufacturing of mineral crystal costs are still relatively low. These factors combined to aid in its frequent use as watch glass. 

However, mineral crystal is not completely scratch-resistant, and in its lifetime, it is likely to hold a few scratches. If this happens, you can, for the most part, buff out these scratches yourself. If you are unable to remove the scratches with basic buffing and polishing, you can send it to the watch manufacturer for inspection. The manufacturer will be able to tell you whether a new glass piece should be installed or if the scratch could be removed with further buffing and polishing.

Some key traits:

• Less likely to break over sapphire.
• Made from silica similar to glass fitted in windows.
• More scratch resistant than acrylic glass, but way less than sapphire and can’t polish or buff out scratches, higher impact resistance is less reflective than sapphire, making the watch more comfortable to read.

Mineral Crystal glass is often coated in an Anti-Reflective Coating. This is sometimes referred to as an AR coating or anti-glare coating. Some brands include this coating as standard to help boost readability in harsh lighting conditions. It can enhance the watch face’s visibility while telling time and also reduce the strain on your eyes. This coating can make your watch more aesthetically pleasing as it will effectively remove any glare.

Acrylic Crystal

Acrylic crystal is considered to be the bottom of the market. This classification is mostly due to the affordability and availability of the product, but also due to stigmas set in place by classic watch enthusiasts. Watches that use acrylic typically come with a lower price tag, though this is not always the case. An exception to the rule is that some diving watches use an acrylic crystal to help withstand a certain depth of pressure.

Some key traits:

• More transparent than sapphire
• Sparkle over mirror
• Pretty much fingerprint resistant
• Easily polishable to remove and surface scratches
• More flexible so it can withstand higher impacts - i.e., use in diving watches and military field watches

Here are Jack Mason’s top three Mineral Crystal watches that boast strength, durability, and style:

• Halyard White Dial with Tan Leather Strap 
• Seamount Blue Dial With Stainless Steel Bracelet 
• Pursuit Navy Dial With Brown Leather Strap 

Variety, variety, variety!

Nowadays, watches aren’t just manufactured to be instruments. Watches are designed to be an investment and complement the wearer’s lifestyle, lifestyle, and activities. They are created with value in mind. Luxury materials are preferred, and with more styles of watches on the market, you are sure to find the perfect one to suit your needs, quality desires, and your style.

Sources:

www.vondoren.com/single-post/Watch-glasses-Insights-and-Tips

https://www.firstclasswatches.co.uk/blog/2018/04/the-complete-guide-to-watch-glass/

https://www.superwatches.com/your-ultimate-guide-to-watch-glass/

Some things just never go out of style. Whether it’s field watches or diving watches that come to mind, there’s a certain something about the five styles of watches we’re about to go through that are simply unforgettable by time. 

Racing Watches

The racing watch isn’t just great for a car enthusiast anymore. With its emblematic elegance and accuracy, the race watch has passed from the utilitarian watch to the man’s favorite everyday watch. Racing watches are an emblematic style that is not just for the automobile industry. 

Racing watches are used by athletes, swimmers, rowers, physicians, and even manufacturers. However, you don’t have to be any of these guys to love a racing watch. Racing watches are just as ideal for an outdoor enthusiast as they are for the most trendy man in the workplace. The modern racing is still equipped with a chronograph, and a tachymeter boasting the same usability as the classic, less polished racing watch. With the modern age, the racing watch has reached new heights in style and is a perfect long-term investment for any collector or novice.

What makes a race watch? Typically, they include one or more of the following design additions, or complications to the face of the watch:

• High-Contrast Dial - High-contrast dials are easily read at high speeds.
• Chronograph - A separate stopwatch utilizing a start and stop pusher to operate the second hand and has up to three registers on the dial.
• Tachymeter Bezel - A Tachymeter bezel scale located around the dial allows the racer to make speed calculation
• Pulsometer Bezel - Measures heart rate

The Jack Mason Mirabeau racing watch honors time and speed with its sporty navy and stainless steel aesthetic. This watch is built to last and is based on some of the most iconic mid-century automobiles of our time. The classic golden age style with its navy dial and center set chronograph sets off this watch’s face. The Mirabeau’s unique Italian leather perforated strap mimics the design of vintage racing gloves. Its Miyota OS21 movement keeps this watch running smoothly as it hugs the curves of your wrist like a classic care on a great American highway. Details, my friend, details.

Dive Watch

Dive watches are designed for underwater diving. Commonly equipped with bezel markers, dive watches are used to keep track of time spent underwater. The deeper the dive, the less visibility so luminescent minute markers will ensure that the diver will be able to accurately track the time of their dive and accurately keep track of how much oxygen they have consumed.

Must-have characteristics to be considered in a dive watch include:

• Have a total water resistance level of 100 meters (330 feet)
• Be equipped with a secure diving measurement system.
• Date, bezel, and sign that the watch is working and can be read at a distance of 25 cm in the dark.
• Be anti-magnetic.
• Be shock-resistant.
• Be immune to saltwater.
• Be underwater efficient.

The Jack Mason Seamount takes the classic technical, dive watch to a whole new level. With its 42mm case, it is easily worn on a wide range of wrist sizes. High contrast black gloss dial and Swiss Super-Luminova® markings create strong legibility. The sapphire crystal face adds just a glint of mirrored shine. It is equipped with a screw-down crown aiding in its 300m rated water resistance.

Now that you’ve seen all these timeless pieces for yourself, what classic watch are you going to choose for yourself?

 

Sources:

https://theoandharris.com/watch-101-what-makes-a-watch-a-dress-watch/

https://www.thewatchbox.com/blog/watches-historic-racing.html

https://www.realmenrealstyle.com/guide-field-watches/

https://strapsco.com/a-history-of-pilots-watches/

https://www.watchtime.com/featured/dive-watch-defined/

The ability to jump right into the water, or not worrying about your watch getting wet while hand washing or showering is a massive sigh of relief for watch owners everywhere. What does water-resistant actually mean when it comes to watches, and how will you know what your watch can withstand?

What should you look for in water-resistance to know what your watch can do? There are a few different rating systems that will help you know exactly what your watch can withstand, this article will cover the three different ratings and standards.

• BARs or ATM/Meters
• ISO - International Organization of Standards
• IP Code or IP Rating

In this post, we'll be breaking down all the myths of water-resistant watches by uncovering the terminology and ratings so you can know precisely what to expect when buying your next watch.

Ratings

Water-resistance is the mark stamped on a watch back that indicates how much water pressure a watch can withstand. The tested pressure can be stated in BARs and ATM or atmosphere and or more commonly in depth and meters. The standard watch will be labeled with a water resistance rating of 30, 50, 100, or even 200 meters, or 200m. Then you have an extra level of standardization from the ISO or the International Organization of Standards. There are two types of ratings to pay attention to ISO 2281 and ISO 6425, the diving watch standard.

BARS or ATM/Meters

When you see a marking on the back of your watch that says 30m water resistance, you immediately assume this means that your watch is water-resistant at a depth of 30 meters, which is absolutely not true. A watch labeled at 30 meters is merely water-resistant enough to handle standard handwashing, the occasional rain shower, or puddle splashing while riding your bike. It is not resistant enough to handle swimming, diving, or even showering and bathing. So what do these markings actually mean?

• 30m - Water resistant up to 30 meters, when in reality 30m means that your watch can withstand water droplets and quick handwashing
• 50m - Water resistant up to 50 meters means it can withstand swimming and cold showers. Hot showers are different as hot water would allow the watch to expand and potentially allow water to get in.
• 100m - Water resistant up to 100 meters means it is possible to swim or snorkel with the watch on, but it is not appropriate for diving.
• 200m - Water resistant up to 200 meters, usually means you can dive with your watch on. Still, over time the water-resistance will become less effective as the seals are exposed to different elements.

The water-resistant stamp on the back of the watch is not the only way to determine how far you can push your watch. Researching the company, the watch style, and their usage of the International Organization of Standardization will assist in uncovering just how deep and under what kind of conditions your watch can withstand moisture. 

Keep in mind not all watch companies use these ratings, and if moisture is a concern, you will want to purchase a watch from the company of your choice with the highest meter rating to have the peace of mind that your watch will last through almost any condition you expose it to.

What is ISO?

ISO or the International Organization of Standardization uses different tests for water resistance conducted on watch faces and other electronic and mechanical components.

There are two primary standards of ISO to look at when purchasing a watch:

• ISO 2281 Water Resistance Standard - all watches that are not diving watches.
• ISO 6425 Divers Watch Standard - standards specifically for diving watches.

ISO 2281 Water Resistance Standard Test

This standardized test prohibits the term waterproof to be used when measuring the water-resistance of watches. There is also a limit to how much water pressure a watch face can handle. Waterproof implies that a watch will not leak under any circumstances, which is just not the case. The ISO 2281 test was invented in 1990 and updated in 2010 and is only designed for watches created for ordinary everyday use. 

The essential criteria for these tests cover:

• Water resistance
• Reaction to Temperature
• Reaction to Condensation 
• Reaction to Pressure

This testing is relatively straightforward as opposed to the rigorous testing for Diver ISO testing.

Diver ISO 6425 Testing:

Diver ISO 6425 takes the testing of the standard watch to the max. Investing in an ISO compliant watch means you can be sure your watch will perform as advertised. Your watch includes specific features and meets specific criteria that any watch being used for diving should. In practical terms, it means that before you take your new 300m watch head into the water on your wrist, it's already been 375 meters and back with no issues. 

There are many tests involved in a watch passing the 6425 ISO testing, but we are going to focus on the criteria that have to do with water resistance:

• Resistance to Salt Water
• Reliability Under Water
• Reaction to Condensation
• Reaction to Extreme Water Temperature Changes

IP Code

Next up on our list of standards is breaking down IP Codes or Ratings. While this sounds like you are about to become a white hat hacker as your new hobby, I assure you this is not the case. In reality, the IP Code and rating system are determined by the International Electrotechnical Commission. While the IP Code may seem a wee bit more complicated, it is by far the most trusted, in large part because the IEC is so well-established. Similarly to BARs and meters and ISO, the IP Code is based on a series of tests assigned a rating. 

IP code rates the degree of protection provided by casings and electrical enclosures against intrusion, dust, accidental contact, and water. 

This rating is written with the letters I and P, then two digits, followed by two more digits. The first two digits have to do with solids. So in the case of most watches, there is simply an IP followed by an X as the first digit is not as exponentially relevant to our watch decisions as water is.

The numbers following the X will tell you exactly which types of moisture/water it has been tested to withstand. However, keep in mind that companies don't have to rate their product for all IP Codes. Just because a watch has been tested and approved for IP 6 - powerful water jets, it doesn't necessarily mean it was tested for the previous IPX codes. 

If multiple tests have been performed, you will see them listed as IPX1/IPX3/IPX7. Looking for these multiple codes is going to be the absolutely only way for you to know exactly how much water, moisture, and pressure your watch can withstand.

To go a little deeper and get a bit nerdy with it, the IP code measures water resistance in bars and pressure, and the following is their rating system in a nutshell:

1.   X: No protection.

1. Includes protection against vertically falling droplets, such as condensation. Ensures no damage or interrupted functioning of components will be incurred when water is falling onto the upright case.
2. Protection against water drops from up to 15° when the case is upright.
3. Protected against a water spray of up to 60° when the case is upright.
4. Protected against water splashes from all directions. The case has been tested for at least 10 minutes with an oscillating spray.
5. Includes protection against low-pressure jets of water directed from any angle, limited ingress permitted with no harmful effects.
6. Protection against direct high-pressure jets.
7. Protection against full immersion up to 30 minutes at depths between 15 cm and 1 meter, limited ingress permitted with no harmful effects.
8. Protection against extended immersion under higher pressure, such as greater depths. This test's precise parameters may include factors such as temperature fluctuations and flow rates, depending on equipment type, usually set by the manufacturer.
9. 9K: Protection against high-pressure, high-temperature jet sprays, wash-downs, or steam-cleaning procedures.

Wrapping It Up

What's the best rating system? That really depends on your needs as a watch user and buyer. If you simply want to know if you can go swimming in your 30m watch, you now know the answer is no and that the ratings for the watches you can go swimming with start at 100m or that you need at least an IPX7 to go snorkeling with your family. What matters most is that you are informed and can, at a glance, know if a watch is rated for what you need.

Sources:

https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:std:iso:22810:ed-1:v1:en

https://www.enclosurecompany.com/ip-ratings-explained.php#:~:text=What%20is%20an%20IP%20rating,%2C%20dirt%20etc)%20and%20moisture.

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/tale-of-two-isos-what-water-resistance-ratings-really-mean

https://www.palisadejewelers.com/resources/iso-6425-standards-dive-watches/

Watch collecting is a passion, and being the new guy on the block can be tough. You might be excited to get started and ready to learn the ins and outs of building your watch collection but aren't sure where to start. Even if your current collection is in the early stages, you can stay on par with the seasoned collector by merely knowing your way around your timepiece. 

There is a significant misconception among new watch fans that an expensive watch is the best watch, and that a massive collection of watches with intricate mechanisms and endless style makes the man. 

An enlightened view of watchmaking is one where balance is vital, and ingenuity takes the place of excess. Starting with the basics and working your way up to the internal mechanisms is the quick start way to the watch aficionado's world.

Like anything regal and just - the most iconic feature of a watch besides the dial itself.

So, What is a Watch Crown?

A watch crown or winding stem is the small ribbed knob located at the 3 o'clock position on most mechanical and automatic watches. Our full collection of watches at Jack Mason herald many a different watch crown. Even solar watches are equipped with crowns to fit in with their mechanical brethren. Probably one of the most essential yet inherently simple parts of a watch is the crown. Its regal name is as apt as its functioning, and this seemingly minute knob is actually directly connected to the watch's internal movement. 

The wearer of a mechanical and some automatic watches must manually wind the crown for the watch to work. The crown's primary purpose is to wind the watch's mainspring, which powers the entire functionality of the watch. 

Without winding your watch, your watch will die. 

A dead watch not only causes you to lose time itself, but it can also impair the future workings of your watch. The simple task of turning a knob every other day will keep your watch in good working order for years. Not to mention the sophisticated ritualistic routine will have you feeling like a watch boss as learning to care for our investments routinely is what makes them an asset.

Typically once the watch is fully wound, it will keep time for 35-45 hours before needing to be rewound. The crown is not just for winding the watch. The crown is also used to set the different watch functions. This includes setting the time down to the minute or even second.

A Quick History of the Watch Crown

Before 1830 watches were wound with a key, much like a grandfather or mantel clock would be. In 1830, Antoine Louis-Breguet sold the first watch with a crown, then simply called a knob, because well, it is a tiny knob, it had the same essential functions of a modern mechanical or automatic watch crown. 

Not just for winding, the crown is an all-encompassing mechanism of functionality in a watch:

• The crown is used to wind a watch's mainspring, which provides the 'energy' and power to the watch's internal movement.
• The crown is used to set the time of the watch.
• The crown is used to configure additional components of a watch face like the world clocks or a lunar calendar.
• On a divers' watch, the crown screws down with a water-resistant seal to assist in keeping moisture out of the watch's internal mechanisms.

In a day and age where the watch makes the man, there are several different types of watch crowns based on history, functionality, and luxury. Identifying and understanding the functionality of these various watch crowns can help you make an educated purchase in the future, but it can also help understand where iconic watches come from and how to identify different watches in the real world or private collections. 

Not to mention it can be a great conversation starter when you meet someone with a particular watch crown. Don't they say the watch crown is the eyes into one's soul? Well, maybe not, but recognizing different crowns does help you recognize the different watch wearers and what is important to them.

Different Types of Crowns

• Conical Crowns: Conical Crowns have a rounded, usually ribbed top, with tapered sides. The beautiful and easy to grip Jack Mason Avigator crown is a great example. This crown shape is birthed from the early days of aviation. The distinctive feel and tapered edges make the conical crown easily operated while wearing gloves.
• Crowns with Cabochon: A Cabochon crown typically features a small domed gemstone on the top of the crown head. The gemstone itself is entirely decorative and adds additional luxury and an ode to the finer detail echoed in the watch face itself.
• Inset or Screw Down Crown: Subtle in nature, the inset crown is recessed into the watch face or between a crown protector and its design is to protect the watch crown from being snagged on a sleeve or outside material. A good example is our iconic Seamount watch. These crowns are also found on more water-resistant watches and help to create a watertight seal.
• Onion-Shaped Crowns: The onion crown gets its name directly from the shape of the crown. Reminiscent of watches of old, the onion crown is a larger, more bulbous crown that is round and protrudes away from the watch's face. The onion is another popular style on aviator watches as the large crown is easy to grasp with or without gloves.
• Push-Button Crowns: This type of crown has a stopwatch type push button integrated directly into the crown and is often used for chronographs. The ease of the integrated button allows the wearer to start, stop, and reset the chronograph by merely tapping the crown itself, with no extra buttons needed.
• Straight Crowns: The straight crown is the most popular crown due to its simplicity and ease. This style is considered classic and can be found on most collector luxury watches.

However, crowns aren't just for looks; what they boast in design usually mimics its integrity and utility. The crown is used to wind mechanical and automatic watches. It is also used to set the time of the central clock, and in most cases, it is used to set the additional components of the watch, such as the lunar calendar. 

How to Wind a Crown

On a mechanical watch, a crown can be used to wind the watch by merely turning the crown in a clockwise position until you feel resistance in the turn. This resistance ensures that the mainspring is tightly wound and will continue to unwind slowly and provide movement or energy to the watch's internal cogs.

On an automatic watch, the crown can be used to wind the watch between wears by turning the crown slightly counterclockwise to the first position and then winding clockwise as you would a mechanical watch till you feel resistance. On an automatic watch, this can be between twenty and forty turns. To secure the crown after winding, you simply push and turn the crown back in until you feel it fit snug against the body of the case.

In Closing

Now that we've expanded your mind to the world of watch crowns, their functionality, history, and potential luxury, you can head on over to our collection of American made watches to test your skills. With a wide array of watch types and styles to choose from Jack Mason will have you invested in your own time in a matter of minutes.

Sources:

https://www.watchmaster.com/en/journal/watch-knowledge/watch-parts-in-focus-watch-crown

https://blog.esslinger.com/watch-crown-illustrations/

https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/watch-parts-terms-functions-guide/

There are three main types of movement, or rather, the energy that standard watches use to function. These movements keep the watch gears turning and the time ticking and can be described as mechanical, automatic, and quartz or solar quartz. 

What is the difference in these watches, and what are their strengths and shortcomings?

The Three Movements 

Mechanical

Mechanical watches contain no battery at all, have around a 40-hour power reserve, and are powered by the crown's winding, the small push/pull pin located on the side of the watch. You have to wind the crown regularly for it to continue humming along. It is best to do this off your wrist to avoid placing any strain on the internal mechanisms. To wind a mechanical watch, simply hold the crown between your thumb and pointer finger and wind it clockwise, you'll be able to feel the resistance and know when the watch is fully wound. 

This winding movement stores energy into the mainspring of the watch, and that energy is then transferred to the other components to keep them spinning. Winding a watch is okay under regular wear, it's even got the cool factor of being 'old school' or more genuine. But what if you trade out your mechanical watch face for a while and store it? You will need to come back and periodically wind the watch even when you are not wearing it or invest in a watch winder.

Automatic 

The automatic watch also contains no battery, but energy is stored in the mainspring by the rotation of a small rotor on the watch's movement. That rotor turns simply on the everyday movement of the wearers' wrist, so you should plan to wear it daily to keep it running. What if you aren't wearing your automatic watch for a few days? You will need to come back and periodically wind your automatic watch for it to continue storing energy and keep on ticking. 

To do this, you will need to unscrew the crown until it is in the first position, wind it twenty to forty times till you feel the same resistance. It is then fully wound. You will need to screw the crown back in. Looking for examples of automatic watches? Feast your eyes on our highly rated Jack Mason automatic watches.

Quartz

Are powered by a battery. These are considered the most popular watches because they are affordable, and they are the most accurate at keeping time. A good example is our Overland Japanese Quartz watch. Though the battery of a quartz watch is long, it is not nearly as long as a solar watch. If longevity is what you seek, look no further than the solar watch.

Solar Watches 

What if there was a watch that combined the best of all three worlds? The longevity of a mechanical or automatic movement's longevity while providing the precise accuracy of a quartz watch? Enter the solar watch. 

All the shortcomings of mechanical or automatic watches are a total non-issue in the solar watch. A solar watch battery will not die after a few years. It continuously self charges with access to any light, both artificial and natural. This means the watch will charge whether you are in the office or out enjoying nature. These rechargeable batteries also allow for features that are generally not easily affordable or found in mechanical or automatic watches because these features would drain the battery quickly and require more space and mechanisms to store enough energy to keep these features going. 

The extended battery life of a solar watch at an affordable price means that a basic solar watch can come chocked full of features not available to the everyday man's budget in the world of mechanical, automatic, and yes, even standard quartz watches.

Basic Features of a Solar Watch

A lot of the basic features of a solar watch can be found on some more expensive mechanical watches as well. Still, the features definitely use more energy, and your mechanical watch will need to be wound more often to accommodate these features, which come standard on a solar watch. 

Some of these basic features are:

• Compass
• Barometer
• Al temperature
• Durability

Solar watches can also boast more luxury features in a single compact watch case. These features that would normally drain the battery more quickly on the standard quartz watch or drain the energy of a mechanical or automatic watch come with ease on a solar watch. The cells of a solar watch are constantly being recharged by regular light exposure. 

Some of these advanced features include:

• Multiple daily alarms 
• Automatic calendars displaying month and year
• LED backlights
• Some solar watches even have GPS capabilities

While these features are not seemingly necessary for everyday use, they can make the difference in choosing a watch you can wear at the office and transition into a weekend of outdoor activity just by trading your suit for some board shorts. 

Main Benefits of a Solar Watch

Durability and Versatility

A solar watch never needs to be wound and, therefore, will have no downtime and is ready to wear at any given moment, naturally giving way to a carefree and active lifestyle without worry.

Solar watches are durable. Because solar watches don't require an external crown or access to the battery, solar watches, usually have a higher water resistance rating, even with more affordable and non-diving watches. With less of a need to access the inside of the watch, the seals on the solar watch themselves can withstand harsher environments and more exposure to varying temperatures. Imagine a weekend skiing in Boulder, Co, followed by backpacking across the Moab desert just a few days later without worrying about the integrity of your watch. Imagine having the peace of mind that your watch will keep ticking the same way your busy and active lifestyle does. Your solar watch grounds you as you head back into your workweek, daydreaming of your next sunny excursion.

But your solar watch doesn't always have to be in the sun to keep ticking. Some solar watch brands can last without sun for over seven days to even six months, so if it's heading out to rainy Pacific NorthWest, you are after there are no worries with your solar watch. Your solar watch will even recharge itself from artificial light when grabbing a quick bite at a cafe or catching up on some email at the coffee shop.

Accuracy 

Solar watches are also some of the most accurate watches on the market. They outperform the majority of standard quartz watches and not to mention beat the accuracy of any mechanical or automatic with its mere plus or minus +/-15 seconds accuracy per month as opposed to even the best mechanical weighing in at +/- 2 seconds a day. This is huge! After 2 seconds a day for a year, your watch could be almost seven minutes behind. 

Affordability

With the endless styles and budget options of solar watches, it is easy to find a quality and stylish solar watch in almost any budget with the needs of the wearer in mind. A solar watch can even boast the look and feel of a mechanical watch with all the bonus actions of a solar watch. 

A quick internet search reveals price points on quality and well-rated solar watches as low as $30 and as high as $1,500.

Final Thoughts 

In the end, the watch is about the wearer. Whether you dream of weekends with the family riding bikes, wake-boarding on the lake, staying up late at night telling summer ghost stories, and toasting marshmallows by the fire, you can feel confident in checking your watch one last time by backlight LED while you zip the kiddos into their sleeping bags, knowing that your solar watch can do anything that you can do. 

What do you dream of doing, and will your watch withstand the journey?

Sources:

https://www.overstock.com/guides/faqs-about-solar-watches

https://timepiecelegacy.com/are-solar-watches-reliable/

https://watchranker.com/solar-watches-pros-and-cons/

After World War I solidified the bonafide masculinity of wristwatches, watch designers began creating wristwatches for all occasions. A new world of high-society watchmaking was introduced, and the dress watch entered the world as a fashion statement and show of status.

Investing in a dress watch is like coming to an age of maturity for a watch collector. Purchasing your first dress watch propels you into the elegance and sartorial splendor of manhood like no other watch purchase could. Why? Because a dress watch will be the one watch you wear to your milestone achievements and distinguished occasions of life. 

So, let’s talk about what a dress watch is and some pointers about wearing one. 

What Makes a Watch a Dress Watch?

A dress watch melds style and etiquette. Much like choosing the right fork for the right course at a formal meal, choosing the right watch for these occasions is paramount to abstaining from offense while paling about with the aristocracy. 

Here’s a checklist for the must-haves of a dress watch:

• Typically made of precious or semiprecious metals such as gold, rose gold, white gold, and platinum.

• Modern dress watches can be made of titanium or stainless steel.
• The face can be inlaid with subtle pearlescents.
• The watch hands are simple with subtle details.
• Possible gemstone cabochon crown.
• Worn on a slender leather band.
• Designed with a slim profile.
• The watch face is typically 40mm and smaller in diameter
• Made for the gentility of very formal occasions.

Dress watches are not created to withstand the day to day wear of a man’s modern lifestyle. They are instead traditionally lightweight, of slim, delicate profile, and made with finer metals. Dress watches are crafted of elegant precision for the events in life where one should forget that time exists and be present for the pageantry and beau monde. Many dress watches do not include a second hand for this very reason.

When Would I Wear a Dress Watch?

• Any occasion that requires formal wear
• Your wedding, but the main thing is to choose the ones that are more suited to the bride's image, her wedding dress
• Your best friend’s wedding
• Winning an award
• Your parents’ 50th anniversary
• With a custom-tailored suit

How do Dress Watches Translate into the Modern World?

Just like most watches seeded in history, the dress watch has a prescribed past for which it was created and carries its own set of rules and etiquette. While etiquette still abounds, modern society has been able to pick and choose what is most important to the watch world and its collectors. Nevertheless, in some circles, the age-old rules do apply, but for the most part, a man can choose the rules of a dress watch that suit his life and style best. 

With a plethora of dress watch translations on the market, the watch’s etiquette is superseded by its style. Still call back to yonder days dress watches have moved beyond the slender, handsome, gilded, horizontal lines, and into a world of mixed polished metals and rounder cases that can fit with ease into the modern lifestyle and its occasions. 

The Jack Mason Canton Day-Date is a perfect example of a modern day dress watch with its slender style, 40mm yellow gold watch case, and dauphine angled hands. Thoroughly inspired by the classic dress watch, the Canton’s slender top-grain black leather strap exudes confidence and minimalistic elegance, pulling together the simplistic details of refinement into the modern world.

Based on delicate, elegant precision and craftsmanship over utilitarian wearability, the dress watch is designed to tell you the time in these formal settings without drawing too much attention to the watch itself and instead to the collective presentation of the man. 

Dress watches are not to be read quickly in dynamic, adventurous, or even day-to-day environments like a sport or military watch would. As a result, large, high contrast dials are no longer necessary and are replaced with understated with the subtle hint of eye-catching luster.

How to Wear a Dress Watch

The dress watch, being the most bespoke watch in any man’s collection, means that a tailored suit and Italian leather shoes are the most appropriate accessories when building an outfit around this watch.

In fact, a suit is tailored just so as to hide a dress watch when your arms are extended, perhaps a tiny bit of the crown is exposed to hint at something hiding beneath the sleeve. Then when your arm is bent at the elbow, your watch will effortlessly be on full display aiding in the act of telling the time or in simply showing off your timepiece.

This is not to say that your dress watch cannot be “dressed down” a little to be worn to less formal occasions when subtle luxury is still appreciated in the modern age. Swapping out your slender, understated leather band, for a quirky, more casual version like the Jack Mason Stitched Tan Leather Watch Strap that could take you from afternoon tea to tee time in no time.

Wearing a dress watch is as simple as dressing for the celebrations of your life. Preparing for each milestone should be effortless and almost weightless, your timepiece a steady reminder of your past accomplishments and joys. A dress watch is the timeless choice when it comes to making memories that will last a lifetime!

Sources:

https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/dress-watch-guide/

https://theoandharris.com/watch-101-what-makes-a-watch-a-dress-watch/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackforster/2012/08/19/a-plea-for-the-dress-watch