Watch Education &
Watch Care Center
Learn how watches work, the differences between watch movements, proper watch care, common watch problems, and the history behind the world's most popular timepieces.
The History of Watches
Egyptians and Babylonians track time using sundials and water clocks (clepsydras) — the earliest timekeeping devices.
The first portable spring-driven pocket watches emerge in Europe, worn by nobility as status symbols.
Wristwatches become standard issue for soldiers in WWI — replacing pocket watches in everyday life.
Seiko releases the Astron — the world's first quartz wristwatch — revolutionizing accuracy and affordability.
The Quartz Crisis transforms the industry; Swiss makers reinvent themselves around mechanical craftsmanship.
Modern watches blend centuries-old horology with smart technology, solar movements, and advanced materials.
Watch Anatomy Guide
Every component that makes your timepiece tick.
Houses and protects the movement. Made from steel, gold, titanium, or ceramic.
Transparent cover over the dial — acrylic, mineral, or sapphire glass.
The face of the watch displaying hour markers, hands, and complications.
Indicate hours, minutes, and seconds — often luminous for night reading.
Numerals, indices, or dots that mark each hour on the dial.
The 'engine' inside — quartz, automatic, manual, or solar.
The knob used to set the time, date, and wind the watch.
Connects the crown to the movement; transfers winding and setting motion.
Ring around the crystal — fixed, rotating, or used for dive/GMT functions.
Extensions of the case that hold the strap or bracelet in place.
The rear cover — often engraved or transparent to show the movement.
Rubber seals at the crown, case back, and crystal that ensure water resistance.
Holds the watch on your wrist — metal, leather, rubber, or fabric.
The mechanism that secures the bracelet — butterfly, fold-over, or buckle.
Small spring-loaded pins that attach the band to the lugs.
A weighted disc in automatic watches that winds the mainspring as your wrist moves.
Types of Watch Movements
The four movement families powering every wristwatch made today.
Quartz Movement
- Highly accurate (±15 sec/month)
- Affordable
- Low maintenance
- Requires battery replacement
- Less collectible
Automatic Movement
- Self-winding from wrist motion
- No battery required
- Traditional craftsmanship
- Less accurate than quartz
- Requires periodic servicing
- Higher cost
Manual Movement
- Traditional mechanical design
- Thin profile possible
- Highly collectible
- Must be wound daily
- Less convenient
- Requires servicing
Solar Movement
- Powered by any light source
- Long rechargeable cell life (10+ years)
- Eco-friendly
- Rechargeable cell eventually ages
- Cell replacement requires technician
Quartz vs Automatic Watches
The two dominant movements compared side-by-side.
| Attribute | Quartz | Automatic |
|---|---|---|
| Accuracy | ±15 sec/month | ±5–15 sec/day |
| Maintenance | Battery every 1–3 years | Service every 5–10 years |
| Cost | $50–$500 typical | $500–$50,000+ |
| Longevity | 10–20 years | Generations with service |
| Service | Battery + gasket check | Full movement overhaul |
| Collectibility | Low to moderate | High — appreciates in value |
Luxury Watch Brands Guide
A primer on the brands shaping modern horology.
Rolex
SwitzerlandFounded 1905. The world's most recognized luxury watch brand.
- Popular Models:
- Submariner, Datejust, Daytona, GMT-Master II
- Movement:
- Automatic (in-house)
- Notable:
- Oyster case, perpetual rotor, chronometer certification
Omega
SwitzerlandFounded 1848. First watch on the Moon (1969).
- Popular Models:
- Speedmaster, Seamaster, Constellation
- Movement:
- Automatic & Quartz
- Notable:
- Co-Axial escapement, NASA flight-qualified
Cartier
FranceFounded 1847. Created the modern wristwatch with the Santos (1904).
- Popular Models:
- Tank, Santos, Ballon Bleu
- Movement:
- Quartz & Automatic
- Notable:
- Iconic Roman numerals and blued steel hands
Breitling
SwitzerlandFounded 1884. Pioneers in aviation chronographs.
- Popular Models:
- Navitimer, Superocean, Avenger
- Movement:
- Automatic & Quartz
- Notable:
- Slide-rule bezel, COSC-certified chronometers
Tag Heuer
SwitzerlandFounded 1860. Known for motorsport heritage.
- Popular Models:
- Carrera, Monaco, Aquaracer
- Movement:
- Quartz & Automatic
- Notable:
- Square Monaco case worn by Steve McQueen
Longines
SwitzerlandFounded 1832. One of the oldest watchmakers still operating.
- Popular Models:
- Master Collection, HydroConquest, Conquest
- Movement:
- Automatic & Quartz
- Notable:
- Winged hourglass logo — oldest trademark in continuous use
Citizen
JapanFounded 1918. Pioneer of Eco-Drive solar technology.
- Popular Models:
- Promaster, Eco-Drive, Tsuyosa
- Movement:
- Solar Quartz
- Notable:
- Light-powered movements that never need a battery
Seiko
JapanFounded 1881. Created the first quartz wristwatch in 1969.
- Popular Models:
- Prospex, Presage, 5 Sports
- Movement:
- Quartz, Automatic, Spring Drive
- Notable:
- In-house movements at every price point
Casio
JapanFounded 1946. Defined the digital watch era.
- Popular Models:
- G-Shock, Edifice, Pro Trek, Vintage
- Movement:
- Quartz & Solar
- Notable:
- Tough Solar, multi-band atomic timekeeping
G-Shock
Japan (Casio)Launched 1983. Engineered to survive 10-meter drops.
- Popular Models:
- DW-5600, Mudmaster, Rangeman, MR-G
- Movement:
- Quartz, Solar, Bluetooth
- Notable:
- Shock-resistant, 200M water resistance standard
Tissot
SwitzerlandFounded 1853. Official timekeeper of the NBA and Tour de France.
- Popular Models:
- PRX, Seastar, Le Locle
- Movement:
- Quartz & Automatic (Powermatic 80)
- Notable:
- Affordable Swiss-made with 80-hour power reserve
Bulova
USAFounded 1875. Created the first watch advertisement on TV.
- Popular Models:
- Precisionist, Lunar Pilot, Marine Star
- Movement:
- High-frequency Quartz
- Notable:
- 262 kHz movement — accurate to seconds per year
Watch Crystal Types
What's protecting your dial — and how to choose.
| Crystal | Scratch Resistance | Shatter Resistance | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | Low | High | $ | Easily polished but scratches quickly. Common on vintage and entry watches. |
| Mineral | Medium | Medium | $$ | Hardened glass — good scratch resistance, found on mid-range watches. |
| Sapphire | Excellent (9 Mohs) | Lower | $$$ | Premium choice — nearly scratch-proof, standard on luxury watches. |
Water Resistance Explained
What those depth ratings actually mean in real life.
| Rating | Splash | Shower | Swim | Dive | What It Means |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30M (3 ATM) | Splash resistant only — handwashing OK. Do not submerge. | ||||
| 50M (5 ATM) | Light splashes and brief rain. Not for swimming. | ||||
| 100M (10 ATM) | Swimming and snorkeling OK. Avoid hot showers — heat damages gaskets. | ||||
| 200M (20 ATM) | Recreational scuba diving rated. | ||||
| 300M+ | Professional and saturation diving. ISO 6425 certified dive watches. |
Important: Water resistance is not permanent. Gaskets degrade with heat, chemicals, and age. Have water resistance tested annually — especially before vacations or any water exposure.
Common Watch Problems
The issues we diagnose and repair every day.
Why Did My Watch Stop Working?
Most often a dead battery (quartz) or a wound-down mainspring (automatic). Could also indicate movement wear, magnetism, or moisture damage.
Why Is My Watch Losing Time?
Low battery, magnetization, dirty movement, or worn components. Mechanical watches losing more than 30 seconds/day need servicing.
Why Is My Watch Running Fast?
Almost always magnetization — magnets cause hairsprings to stick together. Demagnetization restores accuracy in minutes.
Why Is Moisture Inside My Watch?
A failed gasket allowed water in. Bring it in immediately — moisture rusts the movement within days.
Why Is My Watch Fogging Up?
Same as moisture — temperature changes condense trapped humidity. Gaskets need replacement and the movement may need cleaning.
Why Did My Crystal Crack?
Impact damage, extreme temperature change, or pressure from a deformed bezel. Sapphire can chip if struck on a hard edge.
Why Does My Crown Not Turn?
A stripped stem, broken crown, or debris in the case tube. Forcing it causes more damage — bring it to a watchmaker.
Why Is My Watch Battery Dying Quickly?
The movement is drawing too much current — usually a worn coil, dirty gears, or a stuck motor. Needs a movement service.
Why Is My Bracelet Loose?
Stretched links, worn pins, or a missing spring bar. We can tighten, adjust, or replace components.
Why Did My Clasp Break?
Metal fatigue from daily flexing, or a bent spring. Most clasps can be repaired or replaced without replacing the bracelet.
Watch Battery Guide
Battery types, life expectancy, and when to replace.
Silver Oxide
Standard quartz watches — stable voltage, reliable performance.
Lithium
High-drain watches with backlights, alarms, or complications.
Rechargeable Cell
Solar (Eco-Drive, Tough Solar) and kinetic watches — recharged by light or motion.
Signs Your Battery Needs Replacement
- Second hand jumping in 2–4 second intervals (EOL indicator)
- Watch losing time or stopping intermittently
- Dim or flickering backlight
- Watch completely stopped
Automatic Watch Care
How self-winding movements work — and how to keep them running.
How They Work
An automatic watch uses a rotating weight (rotor) that spins as your wrist moves, winding the mainspring continuously throughout the day.
What the Rotor Does
The rotor is a half-moon weight that pivots freely on the back of the movement. Even small wrist motions transfer energy to the mainspring.
Power Reserve
Most automatics hold 36–80 hours of power when fully wound. Worn daily, they never stop. Set aside, they wind down and stop.
How Often to Wear
Wear at least 8–10 hours per day to keep an automatic fully wound. Less than that, you'll need to wind it manually or use a winder.
Watch Winders
A motorized box that rotates the watch when you're not wearing it — keeps the time, date, and complications set. Useful for watches with perpetual calendars.
Manual Winding
Most automatics can also be hand-wound through the crown — give it 20–30 turns when starting from a dead stop.
Watch Service Intervals
Recommended schedules to keep your watch running for generations.
Quartz Watches
Battery replacement, gasket check, pressure test, ultrasonic cleaning.
Automatic Watches
Full disassembly, ultrasonic cleaning, lubrication, regulation, gasket replacement.
Luxury Watches
Rolex recommends every 10 years; most Swiss brands 5–7 years. Use authorized service for warranty.
Skipping service leads to dried lubricants, accelerated wear, and movement damage that costs far more to repair. Schedule a service inspection to keep your watch protected.
Watch Band & Bracelet Guide
Choose the right strap for your style and lifestyle.
Leather
Pros:Classic, comfortable, dressy
Cons:Stains, wears with sweat, not for water
Rubber / Silicone
Pros:Waterproof, sporty, comfortable
Cons:Less formal, can attract lint
NATO
Pros:Tough, easy to swap, military heritage
Cons:Adds thickness on wrist
Stainless Steel
Pros:Durable, water-safe, timeless
Cons:Can scratch, needs sizing
Titanium
Pros:Lightweight, hypoallergenic, strong
Cons:Higher cost, dulls easier than steel
Mesh (Milanese)
Pros:Adjustable, breathable, vintage style
Cons:Can snag arm hair, less rigid
Watch Case Materials Guide
Durability, maintenance, and what to expect from each material.
| Material | Durability | Maintenance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | High | Low — polish to remove scratches | Industry standard — 316L or 904L grades resist corrosion. |
| Titanium | Very High | Low — does not corrode | 40% lighter than steel and hypoallergenic. |
| Gold (18k/14k) | Medium (soft) | Polish to maintain luster | Luxury appearance — scratches more easily than steel. |
| Silver | Medium | Polish to prevent tarnish | Rare for cases — more common in vintage watches. |
| Ceramic | Extremely scratch-resistant | Wipe clean | Can shatter on hard impact — never polishes out chips. |
| Carbon Fiber | High strength, lightweight | Minimal | Modern sport watches — looks aggressive and tech-forward. |
| Bronze | High | Patinas over time (intentional) | Develops a unique green/brown patina with wear. |
Watch Care Tips
Simple habits that extend the life of any timepiece.
Do
- Wipe your watch daily with a soft cloth to remove sweat and oils
- Service regularly per your watch type
- Have gaskets checked and water resistance tested annually
- Store in a watch box or pouch away from direct sunlight
- Wind manual watches at the same time each day
- Set the date only between 9 PM and 3 AM (avoids gear damage)
Avoid
- Extreme heat (saunas, hot showers, dashboards) — kills gaskets and lubricants
- Strong magnets (speakers, magnetic phone cases, MRI machines)
- Chemicals — perfume, hairspray, cleaners, chlorine, salt water
- Dropping the watch onto hard surfaces
- Operating the crown when the watch is wet
- Skipping recommended service intervals
How Magnets Affect Watches
The silent enemy of mechanical timekeeping.
What Magnetization Does
When a mechanical watch is exposed to a strong magnetic field, the coils of the hairspring stick together. This shortens the spring's effective length and causes the watch to run fast — sometimes minutes per day.
Quartz watches are also affected — magnets can disrupt the stepper motor and stop the watch entirely.
Common Sources
- Magnetic phone and tablet cases
- Refrigerator magnets and magnetic clasps
- Stereo speakers and headphones
- Hair dryers and electric razors
- Tools, induction cooktops, MRI machines
Symptoms
- Watch suddenly runs fast (often 30+ sec/day)
- Erratic timekeeping that changes day-to-day
- Quartz second hand stutters or stops
Demagnetization
A watchmaker uses a demagnetizing tool — a coil that generates an alternating field — to reset the magnetized parts. The process takes seconds and restores accuracy immediately. HA Jewelers demagnetizes watches as part of every service.
Frequently Asked Questions
HA Jewelers Watch Repair Services
Full-service watch repair, performed in-house by trained technicians.
Battery Replacement
Same-day battery and gasket service — water resistance restored.
Crystal Replacement
Acrylic, mineral, and sapphire crystal replacement on all brands.
Band Adjustment
Sizing for metal bracelets, leather strap swaps, NATO installations.
Bracelet Repair
Stretched links tightened, missing pins replaced, bracelets restored.
Clasp Repair
Broken clasps repaired or replaced — fold-over, butterfly, buckle.
Stem & Crown Repair
Stripped stems and broken crowns replaced — winding restored.
Movement Service
Full disassembly, ultrasonic cleaning, lubrication, regulation.
Pressure Testing
Dry and wet pressure testing to verify water resistance ratings.
Water Resistance Testing
Pre- and post-service testing to factory pressure specs.
Watch Polishing
Case and bracelet polishing — scratches removed, finish restored.
Watch Restoration
Vintage and luxury watch restoration — dials, hands, cases.
Why Trust HA Jewelers
Macomb County's trusted destination for professional watch service since 2013.
Need Watch Repair or Maintenance?
Bring your watch to HA Jewelers for a free inspection and professional repair assessment.