| By :
Mark Etinger
Watches are expensive because they are works of fine craftsmanship. The many gears inside a wristwatch have to be pieced together in an intricate, delicate process. Moreover, the process of making these small gears takes time and skill because all of the tiny teeth in each gear must fit together precisely. The result can be a timepiece that is astronomically expensive. One of the more luxurious watch companies is Patek Phillipe & Co. In the 1840's a Polish watchmaker named Patek joined the inventor of the keyless winding mechanism, and in 1868 Patek Phillipe made their first wristwatch. Today Patek Phillipe makes some of the world's most expensive wristwatches, the world's most expensive selling for $11.75 million some few years ago. Here are some terms that frequently arise in discussions about watches. Knowing these terms can also help you appreciate why they are so expensive and understand what kind of watch is right for you: 1.Tourbillon-counters the effects of gravity in wristwatches. This is achieved through the rotation of the entire escapement assembly - essentially everything inside the watch - so that gravity's effects are negated as the wristwatch changes positions. 2. Escapement- Usually a pendulum or a rotational wheel , (see above) the escapement drives the force of the watch and causes the familiar ticking sound that we know and love. The escapement permits the gears of the watch to advance or 'escape' and then to drive the watch's hands forward. The continual ticking comes from the allowance then subsequent stopping of the escapement as it is locked into place. There are many different kinds of escapements. 3.Winding- Using a mainspring, watches were wound for years in order for them to keep accurate time. Self winding mechanisms use a weight that moves in accord with the action of the wearer. The weight, or winding rotor, is attached to a ratchet to automatically wind the mainspring. 4. Sweep Second Hand-The second hand does not actually sweep, it moves in 1/5th second increments corresponding to the movement of the balance wheel. Knowing these terms can help you determine which features you want your luxury wristwatch to have. It is of note, however, that there are numerous other complicated functions besides time and date. Patek Phillipe is world renowned for making the most complicated watches. The Calibre 89 was designed to commemorate the company's 150th anniversary and displays an astounding 24 hands! Some of its features include a thermometer and a star chart. The watch is valued at 6 million dollars, and only four were made. If you choose a Patek Phillipe, you can be sure that you are buying some of the world's finest timepieces. Whether you choose a pocket watch or a wrist watch, it is important to pay attention to the workmanship of a timepiece as well as the aesthetic appeal.
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