Classification of Watches: A Complete Guide 1-1-2 （WATCH MARKETING AND MAINTENANCE 2）

Section 1: Classification of Watches

Watches vary greatly in function and type. They can be classified from different perspectives.

I. Classification by Power Source of the Movement

1. Mechanical Watches

Powered by a mainspring, using a balance wheel and hairspring system as the timekeeping standard. The dial at the 6 o'clock position is marked with ×× JEWELS (jewels/rubies).

Note: For an explanation of "jewels" in watches, see Chapter 13, Part 3 of this book.

2. Electronic Watches

Powered by a battery. Based on the development history of electronic watches, they are generally divided into four generations:

(1) First Generation — Balance Wheel Electronic Watch

Born in 1957, the world's first balance wheel electronic watch — the Hamilton Ventura — an iconic electronic watch.

(2) Second Generation — Tuning Fork Electronic Watch

In 1966, the world's first tuning fork watch was the Bulova Accutron tuning fork watch.

(3) Third Generation — Analog Quartz Electronic Watch

Using a quartz oscillation system as the timekeeping standard, quartz watches commonly operate at 32,768 Hz, with very high accuracy. In 1969, the world's first analog quartz watch was the Seiko Quartz Astron.

The characteristic of quartz watches is that the second hand moves in one-second ticks. The dial at the 6 o'clock position is generally marked with QUARTZ.

(4) Fourth Generation — Digital Display Quartz Electronic Watch

Displays numbers or simulated hands (analog-digital display).

Hybrid Quartz Electronic Watch — featuring both analog hands and digital display, known as a hybrid or dual-display watch. The Tissot T-Touch is a celebrated example of this category.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a mechanical watch and a quartz watch?

A mechanical watch is powered by a mainspring and uses a balance wheel and hairspring as its timekeeping standard. A quartz watch is powered by a battery and uses a quartz crystal oscillating at 32,768 Hz for highly accurate timekeeping.

What are the four generations of electronic watches?

The four generations are: (1) Balance Wheel Electronic Watch — 1957, Hamilton Ventura; (2) Tuning Fork Electronic Watch — 1966, Bulova Accutron; (3) Analog Quartz Watch — 1969, Seiko Quartz Astron; (4) Digital Display Quartz Watch.

How can I identify a quartz watch?

Look for a one-second tick of the seconds hand and the word QUARTZ printed near the 6 o'clock position on the dial.

What is a hybrid watch?

A hybrid watch combines analog hands with a digital display, also called a dual-display watch. The Tissot T-Touch is a well-known example.

What does the jewel count on a watch dial mean?

The jewel count (e.g., 21 Jewels) indicates the number of synthetic ruby bearings inside the movement used to reduce friction and improve durability.