Journal
Watch knowledge
Background on movements, materials, care and history – clearly explained.
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How does an automatic watch store energy?
Rotor, reversing wheels and a slipping mainspring: how the movement of your wrist becomes stored energy.Read article -
The quartz revolution
In 1969 the first quartz wristwatch appeared – and turned the watch industry upside down. What happened and why mechanical watches survived.Read article -
A short history of the mechanical watch
From medieval tower clocks to the precision watch on your wrist – the milestones of mechanical timekeeping.Read article -
From pocket watch to wristwatch
For centuries, a watch belonged in a pocket. How the wristwatch conquered the world in the early 20th century.Read article -
Chronograph, GMT, moon phase and other complications
Everything a watch shows beyond hours, minutes and seconds is called a complication. The most popular ones explained.Read article -
Power reserve, frequency, amplitude and beat error
The four values a watchmaker checks first – and what they tell you about the health of a mechanical movement.Read article -
What are the jewels in a watch movement?
“21 jewels” on the dial sounds precious – but the rubies have a purely technical purpose. What they do and why more...Read article -
When does a mechanical watch need a service?
How often a full service makes sense, what happens in the workshop – and how to tell it is time.Read article -
Which watch size suits my wrist?
Diameter, lug-to-lug and case height: how to find a watch that looks right on your wrist.Read article -
What does water resistance mean? 3, 5, 10 and 20 bar explained
“5 bar” does not mean you can dive to 50 metres with your watch. What the markings really tell you.Read article -
Leather, steel, rubber or textile: which strap suits me?
The strap defines how a watch feels and looks. The main materials and their strengths compared.Read article -
Stainless steel 316L, titanium, ceramic and coatings
What a watch case is made of determines weight, comfort and durability. The most common materials explained.Read article -
Sapphire, mineral or acrylic crystal?
The crystal protects dial and movement. Which type resists scratches, which resists impact – and what that means for you.Read article -
How does a solar watch work?
Light instead of battery changes: solar watches charge through a solar cell beneath the dial. How the technology works.Read article -
How does a quartz watch work?
A tiny quartz crystal vibrates 32,768 times per second – which makes quartz watches exceptionally accurate and easy to live with.Read article -
Automatic or hand-wound – what is the difference?
Both are mechanical – the difference lies in how the mainspring is wound. A comparison to help you choose.Read article -
How does a mechanical watch work?
Mainspring, gear train, escapement and balance wheel: how a mechanical watch turns stored energy into precise time – without a battery.Read article -
How to choose the right leather strap for your watch
Width, leather type, colour and stitching: how to find a strap that fits your watch and your style.Read article -
5 signs your watch needs a service
Five warning signs a watchmaker always takes seriously – and what to do about them.Read article -
Watch care: 7 simple rules from the watchmaker
Seven simple habits that keep your watch accurate for decades – from correct winding to protection from magnets and water.Read article -
Why wind an automatic watch by hand?
An automatic watch winds itself while worn – yet there are moments when a few turns of the crown are the better...Read article
