There are probably thousands of watch makers all over the world but only a few of them got big enough to be called classics. Everyone who knows how to read has heard of a Rolex, and there is no need to introduce a Citizen to anyone. Seiko probably knows more about quartz technology than any other manufacturer.
Rolex was founded in 1904, but it wasn’t until 1915 that the company was registered under this name. It quickly started to stack up on the awards and badges, and is now one of the most widely recognized brands in watch making.
One of the most recognized luxury items in the world is the Rolex Submariner introduced in 1953. It’s been produced ever since, and is probably the most famous Rolex creation. It’s waterproof to 300 meters and comes with a self-winding automatic motion.
Citizen is one of the largest watch manufacturers in the world. It was founded in 1918, and has been in business ever since. Apart of classic models it makes more modern designs as well.
The most common model you can come across is the Eco-Drive line, which has a solar panel under the hands, which charges the battery that works the movement.
It wasn’t until 1892 that Kintaro Hattori, Seiko’s founder, started producing clocks. The company has come a great way since its first movement. Seiko was the first company ever to commercially sell quartz wristwatches. These watches were called ‘Astron’. Quartz technology uses a quartz crystal oscillator circuit which, rather than the usual 5 Hz oscillation of the balance wheel, has a 32,768 Hz frequency. It allows for a much better accuracy than mechanical movements.
Seiko also manufactures a line of watches called Spring Drive. It turns spring-force through a generator into electricity that runs a quartz circuit, which is not as revolutionary as the fact that it’s the first wristwatch in the world that can be worn outside a space-suit, and can be used during a space walk.
Another watch maker that is fast gaining traction especially in the youth market is the Invicta mens watch brand. Not only for men, but women too. Invicta automatic movement allows for the normal movement of your wrist in keeping the spring that moves the hands wound tight inside the watch. No longer do you need batteries with this watch, this automatic movement is usually only found on much more expensive brands.
Casio was well known for its electric calculator before it became known for wristwatches. All major brands in wristwatch manufacturing now focus on one segment, and it’s the digital and analog hybrids and excessive use of the quartz technology for Casio.
Whether you like digital or analog watches, it doesn’t matter the least when you set out for buying a quality piece. Mechanical and electric movement watches can be bought from any watch maker online, just make sure that you check the credentials of the store you choose.
