Battery Reserve (End of Life) IndicatorДЇound on a quartz watch, the second hand typically will jump in two to four minute intervals rather than every second. Read more about these types of movements with our guide to annual calendar watches. Unlike the Perpetual Calendar, this function needs to be adjusted at the end of February, as it does not account for leap years.

This calendar function displays the day, date and month, and typically also includes the year. There are even some 24 hour movements (where the hour hand only rotates once per day), such as the one seen below in the vintage WWII Bulova watch. This function is especially helpful when found on a dual-timezone watch as you will be able to see the time in a different timezone and always know the time of day. This allows you to see what time of day it is, based off of an image of the sun and moon. This indication on the dial can also be referred to as the day/night indicator. Below youвЂ™ll find some of the most popular watch complications and what they mean. These kinds of watches are considered the most вЂњdressyвЂќ / formal of all watch types.ДЄnything in addition to the time is considered an added вЂњcomplicationвЂќ to the watches function, and thus the term. The most basic watch function is where it tells the time only. Watch Complications (Additional Functions) Dials can use Roman numerals, Arabic numbers, or even more simple stick bar markers to indicate the time. It is the п¬‚at surface beneath the crystal, and can come in many color options, textures, and materials. The dial is where the watch can be the most expressive. Modern times have made sapphire crystal very popular as it is more scratch-resistant and durable. Although it is termed a crystal, it may NOT be made of actual crystal, but plastic. The crystal protects the dial and hands from dust and dirt, allowing the time to be visible. Looking to learn more about bezels and their scales? Head to our dedicated watch bezel guide! Crystal While the other two are fixed, such as the вЂњflutedвЂќ bezel on the middle Rolex watch, and rounded one on the right Jaeger-LeCoultre perpetual calendar timepiece. The one on the left rotates, allowing the user to вЂњsetвЂќ a different time zone. The above pictures show three different kinds of watch bezels.

The bezel can also have embellishments, like precious gemstones in upscale watches, and may be a different metal than the case itself, as in some two-tone watches. It is typically a п¬‚at-edged surface, but can also be rounded. The bezel is the outer ring of the case that connects to the lugs. Other more complicated watches, such as chronographs (stop watches / timers), may have additional hands for their other functions, known as вЂњcomplicationsвЂќ. The hands can also have a slight design to them. The hour hand is usually shorter in size than the minute hand. The hands, usually broken down into hours and minutes, indicate the time. We have several articles on watch straps which can be found here. Most watches allow straps and bracelets to be interchangeable so you can dress it up or down when you want to change the look of your watch. Other options are nylon straps (for sportiness), satin straps (for dressiness), and rubber straps (for diving/watersports). Instead of a strap, a metal bracelet is a popular option. Leather straps range from calfskin to lizard and more exotic offerings like ostrich, alligator, crocodile, and even toad. The strap/buckle secures the watch to your wrist and there are a number of materials commonly used for these parts. The crown can haveВ embellishments like precious stones, to indicate luxury and attention to detail. Crowns on water-resistant watches screw down into the case. Some watches offer a date window and a seconds indicator, which are engaged by pulling the crown out. The crown is what is used to change the time. The lugs are where the case of the watch connects to the strap or metal bracelet of the watch, by use of metal spring bars. The case also contains the movement itself, be it electronic (quartz) or automatic (self-winding). The case can also come in different п¬Ѓnishes like high-polish, smooth, matte, or a combination of any of those. Cases can also be made of precious metals like gold orВ platinum, and can even be made ofВ plastic in sports watches. Depending on the style of the watch, the case is usually made of stainless steel, because steel is resilient, handles light shocks that the watch could receive, and doesnвЂ™t tarnish. The case holds the inner working parts of the watch. The graphic below shows the elements that nearly every watch will have. Before we go over any movement options, letвЂ™s start with a rudimentary breakdown of a watchвЂ™s parts.

Vintage rado chronograph incabloc