Question 1

What is a quartz watch?

Accepted Answer

A quartz watch is powered by a battery (or a rechargeable cell in solar models) and keeps time using a tiny quartz crystal that vibrates at a very steady rate. An electronic circuit counts those vibrations and moves the hands (or updates the digital display). Quartz watches are most common nowadays because they're accurate (only off by .5 sec to 1 second each day), low-maintenance, and usually more affordable (plus some quartz watches come with Spider-Man or Dora the Explorer on them :D). You can usually identify a quartz watch by the seconds hand's movement, which usually jumps forward a bit every second instead of a smooth steady movement. Pretty sure digital watches are also quartz watches.

Question 2

What is an automatic watch?

Accepted Answer

An automatic watch is a mechanical (non-battery powered) watch that automatically winds itself as you wear it. Inside is a weighted piece (a "rotor") that spins with your wrist movement and winds the mainspring (the watch's power source). If you don't wear it for a while, it will eventually stop and you'll need to set the time again (or sometimes wind it a little to start it). Automatic watches are one of the watch types that have smooth & steady sweeping seconds hand movements instead of the normal jumping tick motion that quartz watches have.

Question 3

What is a manual-wind watch?

Accepted Answer

A manual-wind watch is a mechanical watch you wind by hand using the crown (the little knob on the side). There's no self-winding rotor. You typically wind it once a day or every few days depending on its power reserve. People like manual watches because they're often thinner, and some enjoy the simple and traditional feel of these watches.

Question 4

What is a mechanical watch?

Accepted Answer

A mechanical watch is a watch that runs without a battery. It uses a mainspring for power and a set of gears plus a regulating system (the balance wheel) to release that power in controlled steps. Mechanical watches can be either Automatic (self-winding) or Manual (hand-winding).

Question 5

What is the difference between quartz and mechanical watches?

Accepted Answer

• Power source: Quartz uses a battery/solar cell; mechanical uses a wound spring.
• Accuracy: Quartz is usually more accurate (±1 second). Mechanical is typically less accurate (±6 seconds) but still "good enough" for daily use.
• Maintenance: Quartz usually needs battery changes (or solar recharge) and occasional servicing; mechanical typically needs full servicing every few years to keep it healthy. Mechanical servicing could be $100 to upwards of $1000.
• Feel/appeal: Mechanical watches are often bought for the craftsmanship and tradition. Quartz is often chosen for set-and-forget practicality.

Question 6

How accurate are quartz watches?

Accepted Answer

Most standard quartz watches are accurate to roughly ±15 seconds per month (many are better; some are worse). That's usually less than a minute off over several months. High-accuracy quartz models can do much better (±1 second per year!), but even your basic $15 quartz watch is already very precise for normal use.

Question 7

How accurate are automatic watches?

Accepted Answer

Most automatic watches are roughly in the range of ±5 to ±20 seconds per day, depending on the movement and how the watch is worn/positioned. Some higher-quality automatic watches can do better, and properly regulated watches can get pretty accurate, but it's normal for an automatic watch to gain or lose some seconds daily.

Question 8

What does "± seconds per day" mean?

Accepted Answer

It's a way to describe how far off a watch might be from the "official" atomic time. The "±" just means it could be fast or slow by around that amount. The time difference does compound too so ±1 seconds per day does mean that by the end of the month the watch could then be up to 30 sec early or 30 sec late compared to the atomic time.

Question 9

What is COSC certification?

Accepted Answer

COSC is an independent Swiss testing organization that checks how accurately a watch movement runs under different temperatures and positions over several days. If it passes, the movement is certified as a "chronometer." COSC is basically a well-known accuracy test standard for certain mechanical (and sometimes quartz) movements.

Question 10

What is a chronometer?

Accepted Answer

A chronometer is a watch movement that has been tested and certified for accuracy by an official body. In the Swiss world, that often means COSC certification. Not every accurate watch is a chronometer; "chronometer" specifically implies a certification standard was met.

Question 11

What is a "high-beat" movement?

Accepted Answer

A high-beat movement is a mechanical movement whose balance wheel swings faster than normal. Most mechanical watches "tick" at 8 ticks per second. High-beat usually means something like 10 ticks per second (yeah I know, but hey 2 ticks is 2 ticks). Faster ticking can help the watch keep steadier time in some situations and gives the seconds hand a smoother sweep, but it can also mean more wear and sometimes shorter power reserve.

Question 12

What is power reserve?

Accepted Answer

Power reserve is how long a mechanical watch can run after it's fully wound before it stops. For example, if a watch has a 40-hour power reserve, it can run for about 40 hours off a full wind (assuming normal conditions). So if you had an automatic watch that you wore all day, you could probably put it in your watch roller and it would still be ready to go without winding if you wanted to start wearing it 3 days later.

Question 13

How do I check a watch's power reserve?

Accepted Answer

A) Look it up by model/reference: The brand's website or WatchCompared probably list it. If WatchCompared doesn't have it, just tell us and I'll add it for you.
B) Check the manual/spec sheet: many watches include it in the paperwork.
C) If the watch has a power reserve indicator: it will show "full → empty" on the dial.
D) Practical test (if you're curious): fully wind it, set it down, and see how long it runs until it stops (not exact, but gives you a real-world idea).

Question 14

How do I set the time on an automatic watch?

Accepted Answer

General safe steps (works for most automatics):
1. Unscrew the crown if your watch has a screw-down crown (turn it counterclockwise until it pops free).
2. Pull the crown to the time-setting position (usually the farthest "click").
3. Turn the crown to set the time.
4. If your watch has a date, make sure you set the time so AM/PM is correct (date should change around midnight, not noon).
5. Push the crown back in, and screw it down gently if applicable.

Tip: Avoid changing the date during the "danger window" (commonly around 9 PM–3 AM) because many watches are in the middle of switching the date then.

Question 15

How do I wind a manual-wind watch?

Accepted Answer

1. Make sure the crown is not pulled out (it should be in the normal position).
2. Turn the crown clockwise in small turns.
3. Stop when you feel clear resistance. Don't force it.

Most manual watches take around 20–40 turns, but it varies. Wind once per day (or based on the power reserve).

Question 16

What is hacking seconds?

Accepted Answer

"Hacking" means the seconds hand stops when you pull the crown out to set the time. It lets you set the watch more precisely (for example, syncing to your phone down to the second).

Question 17

What is hand-winding on an automatic watch?

Accepted Answer

Many automatic watches can be wound by turning the crown even though they also wind themselves when worn. That's hand-winding.

Question 18

Can an automatic watch be overwound?

Accepted Answer

In normal use no, most automatics have a mechanism that prevents damage when the mainspring is fully wound. But, you can still cause problems by forcing the crown if it feels stuck or grinding. The safe rule is: wind gently, and if it feels wrong, stop.

Question 19

What is a watch winder?

Accepted Answer

A watch winder is a device that slowly rotates an automatic watch to keep it wound when you're not wearing it. It's mainly used so the watch doesn't stop and you don't have to reset the time/date.

Question 20

Do I need a watch winder?

Accepted Answer

Usually, no. Most people don't need one. You may want one though if you have an automatic with a complicated calendar that's annoying to reset or if you rotate between a bunch of watches and want one ready to go. You probably won't need one if you wear the same watch every day or once every other day or if you are fine adjusting the time when you wear it.

Question 21

What does "30m water resistance" mean?

Accepted Answer

It means the watch can handle small splashes (like washing your hands or light rain). Despite the "30 meters," it's not meant for swimming.

Question 22

What does "50m water resistance" mean?

Accepted Answer

It's usually fine for splashes and a little water exposure and okay for light swimming, but not for diving or lots of water pressure.

Question 23

What does "100m water resistance" mean?

Accepted Answer

This is the "safe for swimming" zone for most people. It's generally good for swimming and snorkeling (normal surface water activities).

Question 24

What does "200m water resistance" mean?

Accepted Answer

Safe even when swimming with the fishes ;) This is typically considered dive-watch level for divers. It's built for serious water use and more pressure.

Question 25

What is the difference between water-resistant and waterproof?

Accepted Answer

Water-resistant means it can handle water up to a certain limit. Waterproof would mean water can never get in but in real life, watches aren't truly waterproof forever. Seals wear out, crowns can be left open, and impacts can weaken protection. So brands usually say water-resistant. An easy rule of thumb that I use is that most of us are bullet "resistant" but not bullet "proof". Even with vests, you won't be bullet proof forever.

Question 26

Can I shower with a 50m water resistant watch?

Accepted Answer

It's not recommended. Showers add heat + steam + soap, which can wear out seals faster and sometimes push moisture in. If you want a "shower-safe" watch, 100m+ is a safer bet.

Question 27

Can I swim with a 100m water resistant watch?

Accepted Answer

In general, yes. 100m water resistance is usually considered swim-safe for normal swimming. Just make sure the crown is fully pushed in (and screwed down if it has that).

Question 28

What is a screw-down crown?

Accepted Answer

It's a crown that threads in like a bottle cap. You unscrew it to set the watch, then screw it back down to help keep water out. It's common on dive watches and sport watches.

Question 29

What is a screw-down caseback?

Accepted Answer

A screw-down caseback is the back of the watch that threads into the case (rather than snapping or being held by screws). It creates a tighter seal against water and dust.

Question 30

What is a crown gasket?

Accepted Answer

A gasket is a rubber sealing ring. A crown gasket sits around the crown/stem area and helps block water and dust from getting into the watch.

Question 31

How often should water resistance be tested?

Accepted Answer

A simple rule:
1. Once a year if you regularly swim/shower/dive with it.
2. Before a big beach/diving trip.
3. Anytime the watch is opened (battery change, service).
4. If you notice fogging under the crystal.

Question 32

What is ISO 6425?

Accepted Answer

It's an official dive watch standard. If a watch says it meets ISO 6425, it passed specific tests for things like water resistance, visibility, and durability for diving.

Question 33

What makes a watch a "dive watch"?

Accepted Answer

A dive watch usually has:
1. Strong water resistance (like 200m).
2. A rotating bezel (usually moves only counterclockwise to help you keep track of time underwater).
3. Easy-to-read markers and hands.
4. A build meant for rough use.

Some watches are "dive-style" (look like divers) but aren't built to true dive standards.

Question 34

What is magnetic resistance in a watch?

Accepted Answer

It means the watch is built to keep working correctly around magnets (like phones, laptops, speakers, magnetic clasps). Strong magnets can mess with mechanical watches.

Question 35

How do magnets affect mechanical watches?

Accepted Answer

Magnets can make parts inside a mechanical watch stick slightly or behave oddly, which often causes the watch to run way too fast or become inaccurate. The good news: a watchmaker can usually fix this by demagnetizing it quickly.

Question 36

What is shock resistance in a watch?

Accepted Answer

It means the watch is designed to handle bumps and impacts better than a typical watch (like dropping it or hitting it against a door frame). It doesn't mean it's unbreakable, it just has extra protection to reduce damage and keep time more reliably.

Question 37

What is case diameter?

Accepted Answer

Case diameter is the width of the watch case (usually measured in millimeters) from left to right, not counting the crown. It's the number people usually quote when they say "this watch is 40mm."

Question 38

What is case thickness?

Accepted Answer

Case thickness is how tall the watch is from the back (touching your wrist) to the top of the crystal. Thicker watches can feel bigger and may not slide under shirt cuffs as easily.

Question 39

What is lug-to-lug length?

Accepted Answer

Lug-to-lug is the total length of the watch from the tip of one lug to the tip of the other. The lugs are the little "arms" where the strap/bracelet attaches. This measurement determines how much of your wrist the watch will cover.

Question 40

What is lug width?

Accepted Answer

Lug width is the strap width the watch uses, measured between the lugs (usually 18mm, 20mm, 22mm, etc.). This matters if you want to swap straps, your strap has to match the lug width.

Question 41

What wrist size fits a 40mm watch?

Accepted Answer

A 40mm watch can fit most people, but a simple guideline is:
• 6.25"–7.5" wrists: 40mm fits well
• Smaller than ~6.25": 40mm can still work, but lug-to-lug matters a lot
• Larger than ~7.5": 40mm may look smaller, but still fine if you like that look
The key isn't only the 40mm number, it's also the lug-to-lug and the shape of the watch.

Question 42

How do I measure my wrist for a watch?

Accepted Answer

1. Wrap a soft measuring tape around your wrist where you wear a watch (usually just above the wrist bone).
2. Pull it snug but not tight, and note the measurement in inches or cm.
No tape? Use a string or strip of paper, mark where it overlaps, then measure that length with a ruler.

Question 43

Why does lug-to-lug matter more than diameter sometimes?

Accepted Answer

Because lug-to-lug tells you how far the watch stretches across your wrist. A watch can be "only 40mm," but if the lug-to-lug is long, the lugs can hang over your wrist and look/feel too big. On smaller wrists, lug-to-lug is often the #1 fit factor.

Question 44

How do I choose the right watch size?

Accepted Answer

• Start with your wrist size:
• Under ~6.5": often happiest around 34–38mm (but depends on lug-to-lug)
• 6.5"–7.25": 38–41mm is a common sweet spot
• Over ~7.25": 40–44mm often looks balanced
• Check lug-to-lug: ideally it should not extend past the flat top of your wrist.
• Think about comfort:
• Want it to slide under cuffs? go thinner
• Want a sporty look? you can go larger/thicker
• Best tip: if you can, look at wrist shots of your wrist size or try a similar-sized watch in person.

Question 45

What is sapphire crystal?

Accepted Answer

Sapphire crystal is the clear "glass" on top of the watch face made from a very hard material (synthetic sapphire). It's popular because it's very resistant to scratches and stays clear-looking for a long time.

Question 46

What is mineral crystal?

Accepted Answer

Mineral crystal is a type of hardened glass used on many affordable watches' dials. It's more scratchable than sapphire, but it's also cheaper to replace and can handle daily wear pretty well.

Question 47

What is acrylic crystal?

Accepted Answer

Acrylic crystal is basically a clear plastic glass used to cover the watch dials. It's the easiest to scratch, but it's also very resistant to shattering and can often be polished back to clear if it gets scratched.

Question 48

What is hesalite crystal?

Accepted Answer

Hesalite is a brand/name often used for a specific type of acrylic crystal. It's most famously associated with certain space/heritage watches. Think of it as a premium acrylic: it scratches more easily than sapphire, but it's tough and can be polished.

Question 49

Does sapphire crystal scratch?

Accepted Answer

Sapphire is very hard, so it's much harder to scratch than mineral or acrylic. But it's not "scratch-proof." Extremely hard materials (like some ceramics, or things that contain very hard particles) can still scratch it. The upside is: most everyday stuff won't.

Question 50

Can acrylic crystal be polished?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Acrylic is one of the easiest crystals to restore. Many light scratches can be polished out using a plastic polish (or a watch crystal polishing product). Deep scratches may take more work, but acrylic is usually very fixable.

Question 51

What is stainless steel (316L) in watches?

Accepted Answer

316L is a common high-quality stainless steel used for watch cases and bracelets. It's popular because it's strong, corrosion-resistant, and generally skin-friendly for most people. It's basically the "standard good steel" you'll see on tons of watches.

Question 52

What is titanium in watches?

Accepted Answer

Titanium is a metal that's lighter than steel but still strong. It's great if you want a watch that feels lighter on the wrist. It also tends to be very comfortable for sensitive skin. One thing to know: titanium can show "wear marks" in its own way, depending on the finish.

Question 53

What is ceramic in watches?

Accepted Answer

Ceramic is a very hard material used for cases or bezels. It's popular because it's highly scratch-resistant and keeps a fresh-looking finish. The tradeoff: ceramic can be more likely to chip or crack if hit hard in the wrong way (think "hard but brittle").

Question 54

What is bronze in watches?

Accepted Answer

Bronze is a metal that changes color over time by developing a patina (a darkened, aged look). People like bronze watches because each one starts to look unique as it ages. The tradeoff: it can leave a smell or slight discoloration on skin for some people, and it's not everyone's style.

Question 55

What is a DLC coating?

Accepted Answer

DLC stands for "Diamond-Like Carbon." It's a tough coating used on some watch cases/bezels to make them more scratch-resistant and often give them a dark/black look. It's generally one of the more durable coatings.

Question 56

What is a PVD coating?

Accepted Answer

PVD is a method used to coat a watch with a thin layer of color (often black, gold-tone, or other finishes). It can look great and helps with wear resistance, but if it gets deeply scratched or worn through, you may see the metal underneath.

Question 57

What is brushing vs polishing on a watch case?

Accepted Answer

They are two different surface finishes:
• Brushed surfaces have a fine "grain" look (tiny lines). They hide small scratches better and look more tool-like.
• Polished surfaces are shiny like a mirror. They look dressier and flashier, but they show scratches and fingerprints more easily.

Question 58

What is lume on a watch?

Accepted Answer

"Lume" is the glow-in-the-dark material on the hands, numbers, or markers that helps you read the time in low light. It "charges" from light (sunlight or indoor light) and then glows when it's dark.

Question 59

What is Super-LumiNova?

Accepted Answer

Super-LumiNova is a popular, high-quality type of lume used by many brands. It's not radioactive. It works like glow paint: it charges in light and glows in the dark.

Question 60

Why do some watches have better lume than others?

Accepted Answer

A few simple reasons:
• More lume applied: thicker layers usually glow brighter and longer.
• Better lume material: some formulas are stronger than others.
• Bigger lume areas: wide hands and large markers hold more lume.
• Design choices: some watches prioritize a clean look over strong glow.
• Charging matters: lume looks best right after it's been in bright light (ironic since lume is most useful for dark environments)

Question 61

What is a sunburst dial?

Accepted Answer

A sunburst dial has a finish that looks like light "rays" spreading out from the center. When you move your wrist, it catches light in a way that makes the dial look like it's changing shades.

Question 62

What is a matte dial?

Accepted Answer

A matte dial has a flat, non-shiny finish. It reduces reflections and usually makes the watch easier to read. Matte dials often feel more "tool watch" or casual, but they can look very clean and classy too.

Question 63

What is a sandwich dial?

Accepted Answer

A sandwich dial is made from two layers:
• The top layer has cut-outs for the hour markers/numbers.
• The bottom layer is painted with lume (or another color).
So the glowing material shows through the cut-outs, often making the markers look deeper and more 3D.

Question 64

What is an applied index?

Accepted Answer

An applied index is a raised hour marker that's attached to the dial, rather than printed on it. It gives the dial more depth and usually looks more premium.

Watch FAQ

Movements and Timekeeping

Water Resistance and Durability

Sizing and Fit

Crystals, Materials, and Finishes

Dials, Lume, and Readability

Bezels and Complications

Watch Styles and Use Cases

Straps and Bracelets

Buying, Authenticity, and Value

Care and Maintenance

Brands and Collecting