Watch Functions
While all the different types of watches provide the function of tracking and displaying the current time, there are a variety of other functions which watches can provide. Watch functions are often referred to by collectors as ‘complications’. Depending upon the type of watch purchased, it may have one or more of the functions listed below.
Calendar – This is a calendar that gives the day and month of the year, but not usually the year itself. It is useful, but not included on all models. It, too, must be set if the watch ever has its battery changed or has stopped and needs to be rewound. The most intricate of calendars keep track of time on such a large scale that they account for changes in date due to leap years.
Time Zone Indicator – While many watches feature the time in UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) or GMT (Greenwich Mean Time), some have a way to display the current time zone. This feature is especially handy for those who travel a great deal and might otherwise be out of sync with local time.
Chronograph – A watch that is capable of measuring time in increments set by the wearer is called a chronograph. This means that the watch essentially contains a stopwatch capable of timing laps or other similar activities. Sometimes includes a fly back function, as well.
Moon Phase – Certain watches are able to display the current phase of the moon, a novelty that was very popular in the 1990’s. This is sometimes tied in with a watch’s calendar function. This particular function is believed to have revived the interest in old fashioned mechanical watches.
Altimeter – This complication is sought after by pilots. Using a barometric sensor, the watch’s altimeter is able to give a read out of the current altitude.
Tourbillon – Since it is exceptionally difficult to create, this function which gets its name from the French word for ‘vortex’, is especially prized by watch collectors. Through a very delicate balancing of timed rotations, it negates the adverse effects of gravity. While a quartz watch is still more accurate, the intricacy of the craftsmanship required to make a tourbillon is what generates its appeal.
Water Resistance – Simply put, this means that a watch is impervious to the effects of water up to a specific depth. While most watches that are resistant up to 100 meters work well for swimmers, divers often need 200 meters of resistance. This function can be found in resistance up to 10,000 meters in extreme cases.
Minute Repeater – Also called simply ‘repeater’, this complication allows the wearer to hear the time by utilizing miniature gongs struck by tiny hammers within the watch. Similar to how a clock will chime on the hour. This function is primarily a novelty complication.
Tachymeter – This function allows the wearer to measure a length of time something takes and then, using the watch’s tachymeter, determine how many times that activity could be performed within a single hour.
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