MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, RESEARCH , INNOVATION AND SPORTS COLEGIUL NAIONAL ANDREI MUREANU BISTRIA

ATESTAT DE COMPETENE PROFESIONALE LIMBA ENGLEZA

INDRUMTOR

ABSOLVENT

2010 COLEGIUL NATIONAL ANDREI MUREANU BISTRIA

INDRUMTOR

ABSOLVENT

TABLE OF CONTENS: 1. FOREWARD 2. HISTORY 3. HOW WATCHES WORK 3.1 How ordinary watches work? 3.2 How quartz watches work? 3.3 Why do quartz watches gain or lose time at all? 4. WATCHES BRANDS 5. WORLDS MOST EXPENSIVE WATCHES 6. CONCLUSION

Foreword

Most of us not believe in astrology, but there's no question the planets rule our lives. We get up when the Sun rises (or some time after) and go to bed when it sets. We have a calendar based on days, months, and yearsperiods of time that relate to how the Moon and Earth move around the Sun in the sky. For most of history, people found this kind of "astronomical timekeeping" good enough for their needs. But as the world became ever more frantic and sophisticated, people needed to keep track of hours, minutes, and seconds as well as days, months, and years. That meant we needed accurate ways of keeping time. Pendulum clocks and mechanical watches used to be the best way of doing this. Today, many people use quartz clocks and watches insteadbut what are they and how do they work? A watch is a timepiece that is made to be worn on a person. It is usually a wristwatch, worn on the wrist with a strap or bracelet. In addition to the time, modern watches often display the day, date, month and year, and electronic watches may have many other functions.

History
The first pocket watch was created in Germany by Peter Henlein in 1524. Others appears in 1548 and more were produced in Switzerland and England after 1575. At this time the main problem was the driving mechanism. Typically, weights were used, which made portable watches impractical, but it was a period of great advancement and innovation. The first movements were made of steel, then later brass. They had no balance springs and were notoriously inaccurate. The watches had only an hour hand and had to be wound twice daily. Soon the spiral leaf mainspring appeared, the greatest innovation at the time as it allowed long-term power without weights. Because of a difference in timing between the long arcs and the short arcs, accuracy could only be improved by using a limited portion of the mainspring. Germany produced a watch with a cam at the end of a barrel arbor to compensate for variations in spring tension, but it was the English and French solution to use the fusee. This stopped the watch during winding to prevent over oscillation of the balance wheel. Additional stops were included as regulators. Form watches became popular in the 1600s, with cases shaped like animals and objects. Religious themes were especially popular. Although there were few technical improvements, watches became more like pieces of jewelry. It wasn't until 1704 that the first rubies were used in watch movements to create more accurate time pieces. By 1750, enamel was used on watch dials making them more visible in low light. The first selfwinding movement was invented in 1780, by Abraham Perrelet, and in 1820 Thomas Prest registered a patent for a self-winding watch. In America, in 1809, the first watch manufacturer was Luther Goddard of Shrewsbuy, Massachusetts. In 1848, Louis Brandt opened a workshop in La Chaux-de-Fonds which was to later become the Omega Watch company. It was the Americans, around 1850, who were first to go into mass production, with mixed results, the main companies being Waltham, Elgin and Hamilton. In 1884, Greenwich, England was named the zero meridian, a worldwide acceptance of a starting point for global time zones. After 1900, advances in metallurgy improved the mechanisms, primarily because the balance spring was sensitive to temperature and position. Self-compensating balances were made with bi-metallic properties to compensate for high and low temperatures, and eventually a balance was created that could compensate for middle temperature errors. In 1905 the Rolex Watch Company was started by Hans Wilsdorf. 1914 saw the first wristwatch with an alarm. Seiko was started in Tokyo in 1924.

3. How watches work

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3.1How ordinary watches work

We all know that a clock keeps time, but have you ever stopped to think about how it does so? Probably the simplest clock you could make is a speaking clock. If you count seconds by repeating a phrase that takes exactly one second to say (Like "elephant one", "elephant two", "elephant three"...), you'll find you can keep time pretty accurately. Try it out. Say your elephants from one to sixty and see how well you keep time over a minute, compared to your watch. Not bad, eh? The trouble is, most of us have better things to do all day than say "elephant". That's why people invented clocks. Some of the earliest clocks used swinging pendulums to keep time. The trouble with pendulum clocks and ordinary watches is that you have to keep remembering to wind them. If you forget, they stopand you have no idea what time it is. Another difficulty with pendulum clocks is that they depend on the force of gravity, which varies very slightly from place to place; that means a pendulum clock tells time differently at high altitudes from at sea level! Pendulums also change length as the temperature changes, expanding slightly on warm days and contracting on cold days, which makes them less accurate again. 3.2 How quartz watches work Quartz watches solve all these problems. They are battery powered and, because they use so little electricity, the battery can often last several years before you need to replace it. They are also much more accurate than pendulum clocks. Quartz watches work in a very different way to pendulum clocks and ordinary watches. They still have gears inside them to count the seconds, minutes, and hours and sweep the hands around the clockface. But the gears are regulated by a tiny crystal of quartz instead of a swinging pendulum or a moving balance wheel. Gravity doesn't figure in the workings at all so a quartz clock tells the time just as well when you're climbing Mount Everest as it does when you're at sea.

Inside a quartz clock

In theory, it works like this: 1. Battery provides current to microchip circuit 2. Microchip circuit makes quartz crystal (precisely cut and shaped like a tuning fork) oscillate (vibrate) 32768 times per second.

3. Microchip circuit detects the crystal's oscillations and turns them into regular electric pulses, one per second. 4. Electric pulses drive miniature electric stepping motor. This converts electrical energy into mechanical power. 5. Electric stepping motor turns gears. 6. Gears sweep hands around the clock face to keep time. In practice... And this is what the inside of a quartz watch looks like in reality. Don't, under any circumstances, take yours apart if you ever want it to work again. You cannot see all these parts just by taking the back off a watch. The watch shown here came free with a packet of cornflakes (seriously!) and it was broken before I opened it up. But it was even more broken afterwards...

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Battery. Electric stepping motor. Microchip. Circuit connects microchip components.

to

other

Quartz crystal oscillator. Crown screw for setting time. Gears turn hour, minute, and second hands at different speeds. Tiny central shaft holds hands in place.

3.3 Why do quartz watches gain or lose time at all?

If quartz is so amazing, you might be wondering why a quartz watch doesn't keep time with absolutely accuracy forever. Why does it still gain or lose seconds here and there? The answer is that the quartz vibrates at a slightly different frequency at different temperatures and pressures so its timekeeping ability is affected to a tiny degree by the warming, cooling, ever-changing world around us. In theory, if you keep a watch on your wrist all the time (which is at more or less constant temperature), it will keep time better than if you take it on and off (causing quite a dramatic temperature change each time). But even if the quartz crystal could vibrate at a perfectly constant frequency, the way it's mounted in its circuit, tiny imperfections in the gearing, friction, and so on can also introduce minute errors in timekeeping. All these effects are enough to introduce an inaccuracy of up to a second a day in typical quartz clocks and watches (bear in mind that a second lost one day may be compensated by a second gained the next day, so the overall accuracy may be as good as a few seconds a month).

4.Watches brands
Swatch
Swatch presents a brilliant collection of highly innovative quartz watches which are marked by universal presence . Swatch can definitely prove to be an important accessory giving an additional touch to your personality. Swatch has proved to be one of the most desirable and reliable watch brands ever since it was launched in the market by the Swatch Group Ltd. in 1983. The Swatch Watches are known for their innovative styling and designing. For the people who are passionate about watch collection, having a range of Swatch products is a must. The very first dazzling lot of Swatch was launched in Switzerland and proved to be a market storming product. Swatch offers varied watches ranging from metal bodied watches' to the thin and flat bodied watches'. One of its remarkable innovations is the Swatch Internet Time which was introduced in 1998. This simplified the process of keeping a record of the different time zones. This proved to be very useful for it enabled people to know better about the different times prevailing at a given moment in different parts of the world.

Fossil
Fossil is a renowned manufacturer of wrist watches which was established in 1984. The company produced certain masterpieces in the form of beautifully designed watches. Its motive behind styling watches was to blend the traditional looks with the modern day technologies and features. Fossil watches are made of reliable material. There are stylish stainless steel bodied and metal bodied Fossil watches meant for both ladies and gents. Fossil offers an exciting and outstanding collection of all types of watches, ranging from the traditional manual dialing and pocket watches to the modern chronographs. Fossil watches are also sold at times at good discount rates. So, everyone looking for reasonable yet elegant Fossil watches can go for the little older versions. Certain technological wonders have been introduced by Fossil which further adds to its already expanding global importance. The Fossil Wrist Net is a spectacular model with an aggressive look to it. You can get all required information right from movies to your latest horoscope updates from this Fossil model.

Rolex
Rolex is one of the most sought after and luxurious brands of all modern day watches which are bestowed with elegant and classy looks. Rolex watches definitely reflect your sophisticated choice and is also an indicator of your social status. These watches are proudly manufactured by a Swiss manufacturer, Rolex SA stationed at Geneva in Switzerland. The Company's great history of excellent creations has been matched by an equally glorified present of great achievements and success. It was founded in 1905, Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis. Rolex watches are the first ones to have been produced with waterproof technologies. Of all the models, Yacht-Master II is particularly worth mentioning. It is a remarkable Rolex Product which is equipped with a unique countdown feature and is adjustable too. It also has a mechanically operated memory system. Even Cosmograph Daytona, which is given an exotic look and is made of stainless steel commands overwhelming market. Yet another model which deserves a special mention over here is the GMT Master II. It is made of 18 carat white gold. Rolex is eternally glamorous and is supported by a long history of great performance. Its tag itself is taken as a proof of its marvelous quality. These watches are used as important accessories and are as good as the valuable jewelries.

Tissot
Tissot is an exclusive watch brand which has made its presence worldwide for its eminent Swiss timepieces. Tissot offers some of the exclusive range of quality watches for its cherished users. With a history of 150 years, the Tissot Company has emerged as a distinguished brand name with its location near the small Swiss Jura town of Le Locle. Tissot is known for its innovative creations, cuttingedge designs and high tech contemporary technologies. Tissot watches are mainly designed to suit every person's taste and are widely popular among those who are brand conscious. Tissot Swiss watches are admired for its features like classic elegance, sporty chic, golden luxury, high fashion, high-tech functionality, and for its traditional class.

These classic watches are available in 150 countries all over the world. Tissot brand watches are committed in providing complete customer satisfaction with excellent services. Tissot watches has some of the best selling sport collections, available in elegant colors like steel or gold with dials colored in silver, blue or black. These sport watches come with excellent technology that too give proper value to money. Recently Tissot is branded as the Official Timekeeper and the Official Watch of the NASCAR brand, which is the official partner of this Swiss brand. Tissot uses 316L steel, 18K gold, titanium and scratchproof glasses of sapphire crystal for developing their watches. Tissot watches are usually water-resistant and the company even offers excellent repair service. Tissot offers 10 years of repair service from the date of purchase of general watches and almost 20 years for gold watches.

Omega
When it is about the Swiss watches, we can always relate to the brand name of Omega. If you are conscious about having a brand watch then Omega is surely the best choice for you. OMEGA watch brands are widely recognized for their quality and reliability watches and carries a great sense of tradition. Omega today stands as a Brand statement especially for the celebrities. Some of the ambassadors of this watch brand are listed below: Michael Schumacher Alexander Popov Michelle Wie Ellen MacArthur Nicole Kidman Ernie Els Ian Thorpe Cindy Crawford Dean Barker Russell Coutts Omega is a global company known for their Swiss watches that offer some of the wide range of men and women collections. Omega is the official timekeeper for 22 Olympic games. This classic watch made its first innovation by creating world's first independent, portable and water-resistant photoelectric cell way back in 1945. The world's first photo finish camera, the Racend OMEGA Timer (1949), was one of the greatest innovations of Omega. It was in the Helsinki 1952 Olympic games, OMEGA stood as the first company to utilize electronic timing in sport, which had the facility of OMEGA Time Recorder (OTR).

5.Worlds most expensive watches

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Watch collecting may be one of the most expensive hobbies in the world, but its also one of the most rewarding. Many antique timepieces are a testament to the brilliance of early and modern innovators. Vacherin Constantins Tour de lIle $1.5 million Swiss watchmaker Vacheron Constantin marked its 250th anniversary in 2005 with the worlds most complicated wrist watchthe Tour de lIle. The watch is so complicated that it required over 10,000 hours of research to create. Its name refers to one of the historical sites of the venerable company, located next to the current Maison Vacheron Constantin on the Quai de lIle. Only produced in a limited edition of seven pieces, this expensive watch is also the most complicated double-face watch. Tour de lIle is made with a totally original combination of horological complications (that is, features beyond the simple telling of the time of day) and astronomical indications composing a list of sixteen different points including a minute repeater, sunset time, perpetual calendar, second time zone, a tourbillion device, the equation of time and a representation of the night sky. At $1.5 million, this is one of the worlds most expensive watch produced in recent years. Patek Philippes Platinum World Time over $4 million The Platinum World Time created by Patek Philippe was sold at auction for over $4 million USD in 2002. It is believed that only one was created and, at the time, it was the most expensive wristwatch in the world. In fact, Patek Philippe had produced all of the ten most expensive watches in the world. The company, headquartered in Geneva, made their first wristwatch in 1868. They had already made a name for themselves prior to that, however, by providing watches to Queen Victoria herself in 1851. Other notable customers include Pope Pius IX, a king and queen of Denmark, an Italian king and Saddam Husseins son-in-law.

Patek Phillipes million

Supercomplication-

$11

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Patek Philippes most expensive watch was a yellow-gold pocket watch created in 1932 for New York banker Henry Graves, Jr. The watch, Super complication, was created as part of a vain competition Graves had with Ohio automobile engineer James Ward Packard to have commissioned a watch with the most complications in the world. This watch, of course, guaranteed that Graves won the contest. Super complication wasnt surpassed until over fifty years later, when Patek Philippe created the 18k gold Caliber 89 which had a total of thirty-three different functions. Graves watch became the most expensive watch in the world when it was sold at auction in 1999 for over $11 million USD. Caliber 89 went for a mere $6 million. Chopards $25 million watch Yes, you read that right: twenty-five million dollars. This gaudy timepiece by Chopard is adorned with three heart-shaped diamondsa 15-carat pink diamond, a 12-carat blue diamond and an 11-carat white diamond. For good measure, they threw in 163 carats of white and yellow diamonds to bring the total to 201 carats of diamonds. The result is something that looks rather like a geode thats been turned inside out and dipped in lemon Kool-Aid. Add to that the fact that the size of the watchs face must make telling time into a fun game of Wheres Waldo and youll see that Chopard has truly created a recipe for success. Of course, its $25 million price tag guarantees its place as the worlds most expensive watch for years to come.

6.Conclusion

Nowadays, watches are no longer seen as timekeeping devices but are worn as stylish fashion accessories. The old-fashioned timepieces are not just a mechanism for telling time, but are also added as jewelry or accessory and is a necessity to every fashionable person's wardrobe.

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People are no longer limited to owning just one trusty watch for everyday use. More and more people collect watches while keeping in mind the best outfit to match and the different occasions to wear them. You can also tell a lot about a person's character with the watch she wears. Colorful watches with unusual shapes best describe fun, outgoing people. Big, bright and shiny timepieces usually means that a person is sociable and knows her fashion well. While simple, casual watches are for more serious people who pay little detail on the design and make of their watches. Most watch brands seek inspiration from jewelery designers, creating such elegantlycrafted timepieces. There are those that are adorned with Swarovski crystals, gems, and diamonds. You can also choose which would look best on your wrist, a watch that's made of platinum, gold or whatever. These also have the expensive price to match. But you can be sure of the quality of these designer watches. Watches are designed according to the latest fashion trends on shoes, bags, clothes and even cars. This is why you should remember that some timepieces also go out of fashion. Trendy watch designs are best worn for special occasions only. These include those that have big, shiny and colorful designs which grab too much attention away from your outfit. But some watch styles are here to stay. Those that are one-colored, like black, silver and gold, are always fashionable. Watches that have plain-colored leather and metallic straps also match your everyday outfit. Also, watches that have interchangeable straps are the most practical, as they allow you the versatility to wear it in almost any occasion. So whether you're choosing a watch for its functionality, as a fashion accessory, or a combination of the two, remember that it should always suit your needs and reflect your lifestyle. It is always nice to wear a stylish watch so that you'll never be fashionably late!

Biography

http://www.intstyle.com/accessories The Evolution of the Quartz Crystal Clock by Warren A. Marrison, The Bell System Technical Journal, Vol. XXVII, pp. 510-588, 1948

http://www.mapsofworld.com
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watch http://www.watchreport.com/

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