The ETA 2824-2 is considered a reliable and widely respected automatic watch movement. ETA is a renowned Swiss movement manufacturer, and the ETA 2824-2 is one of their most popular automatic movements.
Here are some reasons why the ETA 2824-2 is highly regarded:
Accuracy: The ETA 2824-2 is known for its accurate timekeeping. It is a self-winding movement with a high beat rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour (vph), which contributes to its precision.
Durability: The movement is robust and has proven to be durable over time. It is built with quality materials and craftsmanship, allowing it to withstand regular wear and tear.
Serviceability: The ETA 2824-2 is widely used in the watch industry, which means that there is a large network of skilled watchmakers and service centers familiar with its maintenance and repair. This makes it easier to find qualified professionals for servicing and parts replacement.
Availability: Being a popular and widely used movement, the ETA 2824-2 is readily available and widely distributed. This makes it a common choice for many watch brands, ranging from entry-level to luxury timepieces.
Versatility: The ETA 2824-2 offers different variations, including date-only (2824-2) and day-date (2834-2) complications, which allows watchmakers to incorporate various features into their designs.
It’s worth noting that the ETA 2824-2 is a workhorse movement that is often used as a base movement by watchmakers who may modify or enhance it to suit their specific requirements or branding. As a result, the overall performance and quality can vary depending on the specific watch brand and their modifications.
Overall, the ETA 2824-2 is considered a reliable and well-regarded watch movement that has stood the test of time and is trusted by many watch enthusiasts and professionals in the industry.
Custom FAE Mechanical Watch – Made in USA
For the pragmatic yet discerning watch owner, FAE offer the “Sapphire” edition of the Field Mechanical Watch which features all possible upgrades.
$1,099.95Original price was: $1,099.95.$649.95Current price is: $649.95.
Titanium is not softer than stainless steel. In fact, titanium is generally harder than stainless steel. The hardness of a material is measured on the Mohs scale, and stainless steel typically has a hardness ranging from 4 to 5 on this scale. On the other hand, titanium has a hardness of about 6 on the Mohs scale, making it harder than most stainless steel alloys. On a third hand, heat-treated steel can reach a hardness of 7.
There are different types and grades of stainless steel and titanium, so the hardness may vary depending on the specific alloy. However, in general, untreated(non-hrat-treated) titanium is considered to be a harder material than untreated stainless steel.
Heat Treatment Matters
Unhardened titanium is generally softer than hardened stainless steel. When we talk about hardness, we refer to a material’s ability to resist indentation or scratching. Stainless steel is often hardened through processes such as heat treatment or cold working to increase its hardness. Hardened stainless steel can have a higher hardness level compared to unhardened titanium.
Unhardened titanium, in its pure form, is relatively soft compared to hardened stainless steel. However, it’s important to note that there are different grades and alloys of titanium and stainless steel, each with varying hardness levels. So, the specific comparison would depend on the particular grades of titanium and stainless steel being compared. Nonetheless, in general, hardened stainless steel is likely to be harder than unhardened titanium.
Custom FAE Quartz Field Watch – Made in USA
With a stout, solid-stainless-steel case, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, time accuracy to within seconds per month, and up to 40 months of continuous battery life, your Custom FAE Quartz Field Watch will go anywhere you go and take any punishment you take, for as long as humanly possible.
Stainless steel is one of the most popular and widely used materials for watch cases, and it offers several advantages that make it a preferred choice for many people. While “best” can vary depending on personal preferences and specific requirements, stainless steel has numerous qualities that contribute to its popularity in watchmaking:
1. Durability: Stainless steel is highly durable and resistant to scratches, impacts, and general wear and tear. It can withstand everyday use and maintain its appearance for a long time.
2. Corrosion Resistance: Stainless steel is known for its excellent corrosion resistance, which helps prevent rust and tarnish on the watch case, even when exposed to moisture and environmental factors.
3. Aesthetic Appeal: Stainless steel has a classic and versatile look that appeals to a wide range of watch enthusiasts. It offers a clean, polished appearance that works well with different styles and occasions.
4. Affordability: Compared to some other materials used in watchmaking, stainless steel is relatively more affordable while still providing excellent durability and performance.
However, it’s important to note that there are other materials used for watch cases that have their own advantages and appeal. For example, materials like titanium, ceramic, tungsten, or even precious metals like gold and platinum offer different characteristics such as lighter weight, unique aesthetics, or enhanced luxury appeal.
The “best” metal for a watch case ultimately depends on your personal preferences, budget, and the specific qualities you prioritize.
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Yes, tungsten carbide can make an excellent material for a watch case due to its exceptional hardness and durability. Tungsten carbide has a Mohs hardness rating of around 9, which means it is highly resistant to scratches and wear. This property makes it an ideal choice for a watch case that needs to withstand daily use and potential impacts.
Furthermore, tungsten carbide is known for its resistance to corrosion and tarnishing, which is another desirable characteristic for a watch case. It maintains its appearance and luster over time, requiring minimal maintenance.
However, it’s worth noting that tungsten carbide is a very dense material, which means a watch case made from it may be heavier compared to cases made from other materials. This could be a factor to consider depending on personal preference and comfort.
Overall, if you prioritize hardness, durability, and resistance to scratches and corrosion in a watch case, tungsten carbide can be an excellent choice.
Custom FAE Quartz Field Watch – Made in USA
With a stout, solid-stainless-steel case, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, time accuracy to within seconds per month, and up to 40 months of continuous battery life, your Custom FAE Quartz Field Watch will go anywhere you go and take any punishment you take, for as long as humanly possible.
The hardest metal is a matter of definition and can vary depending on the criteria used to measure hardness. However, tungsten carbide is often considered one of the hardest metals known to man.
Tungsten carbide is an extremely hard and dense compound made of tungsten and carbon atoms. It has a high melting point, excellent strength, and exceptional resistance to wear and abrasion.
Diamond is not considered a metal but is often referenced when discussing hardness. It is technically a form of carbon and is the hardest known material overall, surpassing the hardness of any metal.
However, in the context of metals specifically, tungsten carbide is typically regarded as one of the hardest.
Custom FAE Mechanical Watch – Made in USA
For the pragmatic yet discerning watch owner, FAE offer the “Sapphire” edition of the Field Mechanical Watch which features all possible upgrades.
$1,099.95Original price was: $1,099.95.$649.95Current price is: $649.95.
Stainless steel is a versatile and widely used material known for its corrosion resistance, strength, and aesthetic appeal. There are several different types, or grades, of stainless steel, each with its own composition and properties.
Here are some of the common types of stainless steel:
1. Austenitic Stainless Steel: Austenitic stainless steel is the most common type and accounts for a significant portion of stainless steel production. It is non-magnetic and known for its excellent corrosion resistance, high ductility, and good formability. The most widely used austenitic grades are:
– 304 (A2) Stainless Steel: This is the most common grade, suitable for a wide range of applications, including kitchen appliances, food processing equipment, and architectural components.
– 316 (A4) Stainless Steel: It contains higher levels of chromium and nickel, offering superior corrosion resistance, particularly in marine environments and applications involving exposure to chemicals or saltwater.
Custom FAE Mechanical Watch – Made in USA
For the pragmatic yet discerning watch owner, FAE offer the “Sapphire” edition of the Field Mechanical Watch which features all possible upgrades.
$1,099.95Original price was: $1,099.95.$649.95Current price is: $649.95.
2. Ferritic Stainless Steel: Ferritic stainless steel has a body-centered cubic crystal structure and is magnetic. It offers good corrosion resistance and is often used for applications where formability and welding are important. Common ferritic grades include:
– 430 Stainless Steel: This grade is widely used in automotive trim, kitchen appliances, and indoor architectural components.
– 444 Stainless Steel: It offers improved corrosion resistance compared to 430 stainless steel and is used in applications where resistance to chloride stress corrosion cracking is critical, such as hot water tanks and water heaters.
3. Martensitic Stainless Steel: Martensitic stainless steel is known for its high strength and hardness. It can be heat treated to further enhance its mechanical properties. While it has lower corrosion resistance compared to austenitic and ferritic stainless steels, it finds applications in cutlery, surgical instruments, and turbine blades. Common martensitic grades include:
– 410 Stainless Steel: It provides good corrosion resistance and can be hardened by heat treatment. It is often used in applications requiring high strength and moderate corrosion resistance.
– 420 Stainless Steel: This grade has higher carbon content, which gives it improved hardness and wear resistance. It is commonly used for cutlery, surgical instruments, and molds.
Custom FAE Quartz Field Watch – Made in USA
With a stout, solid-stainless-steel case, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, time accuracy to within seconds per month, and up to 40 months of continuous battery life, your Custom FAE Quartz Field Watch will go anywhere you go and take any punishment you take, for as long as humanly possible.
4. Duplex Stainless Steel: Duplex stainless steel combines the properties of both austenitic and ferritic stainless steels. It has excellent corrosion resistance and higher strength compared to austenitic stainless steel. Duplex stainless steel is commonly used in chemical processing plants, oil and gas industry, and marine applications.
– 2205 Stainless Steel: This is the most widely used duplex grade, known for its balanced combination of corrosion resistance and strength.
These are just a few examples of the different types of stainless steel. Within each grade, there can be further variations based on specific compositions and manufacturing processes.
The selection of stainless steel depends on the intended application, considering factors such as corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, fabrication requirements, and cost.
A watch escapement is a crucial mechanism in mechanical watches that regulates the release of energy from the mainspring and controls the movement of the watch’s hands. It consists of several components working together to ensure precise timekeeping. Here’s a simplified explanation of how a watch escapement works:
1. Mainspring: The mainspring is a coiled spring that stores potential energy when wound. As the mainspring unwinds, it releases this stored energy to power the watch.
2. Balance Wheel: The balance wheel is a wheel with a weighted rim that oscillates back and forth, creating a periodic motion. It acts as the timekeeping element of the watch, and its oscillations are what allow the watch to measure time.
3. Balance Spring: The balance spring, also known as the hairspring, is a fine coiled spring attached to the balance wheel. It provides the restoring force that keeps the balance wheel oscillating back and forth at a consistent rate.
4. Escape Wheel: The escape wheel is a toothed wheel that interacts with the pallet fork to control the energy flow. It rotates in small increments, known as “ticks,” driven by the unwinding mainspring.
5. Pallet Fork: The pallet fork is a lever that engages with the escape wheel teeth. It has two small prongs, called pallet jewels, which alternately lock and unlock the escape wheel teeth, controlling the movement of the escape wheel.
The interaction of the escape wheel and the pallet fork is the key to the escapement’s operation:
– Locking: As the balance wheel swings, the escape wheel rotates, and one of its teeth comes in contact with the pallet fork. This locks the escape wheel momentarily, stopping its rotation.
– Unlocking: The balance wheel continues its oscillation, causing the pallet fork to release the locked tooth of the escape wheel. The release of the tooth transfers a small amount of energy to the balance wheel, keeping it oscillating.
– Impulse: When the escape wheel tooth unlocks, the energy stored in the mainspring is transferred to the balance wheel, causing it to swing in the opposite direction. This transfer of energy is known as the “impulse,” and it maintains the oscillation of the balance wheel.
Custom FAE Mechanical Watch – Made in USA
For the pragmatic yet discerning watch owner, FAE offer the “Sapphire” edition of the Field Mechanical Watch which features all possible upgrades.
$1,099.95Original price was: $1,099.95.$649.95Current price is: $649.95.
This process repeats with each swing of the balance wheel, creating a regular oscillation and precise timekeeping. The escapement effectively divides the unwinding of the mainspring into small, precise increments to ensure accurate timekeeping and control the speed of the watch’s movement.
It’s important to note that there are various types of escapements used in different watches, including the lever escapement, Swiss lever escapement, and co-axial escapement, among others. Each type has its own design and characteristics, but the fundamental principle of regulating energy flow remains similar across all escapements.
Whether or not you would like a quartz watch depends on your personal preferences and requirements. Quartz watches have certain characteristics that may appeal to some individuals while not to others.
Here are some factors to consider when deciding if a quartz watch is right for you:
1. Accuracy: Quartz watches are known for their high precision. They are powered by a quartz crystal oscillator, which provides exceptional timekeeping accuracy, typically within a few seconds per month. If accuracy is a top priority for you, a quartz watch might be a good choice.
2. Maintenance: Quartz watches require minimal maintenance compared to mechanical watches. They run on batteries that need to be replaced every few years. Additionally, quartz movements are less prone to mechanical issues, making them generally more reliable.
3. Affordability: Quartz watches tend to be more affordable than their mechanical counterparts. The simpler mechanism and mass production contribute to their lower price range. If budget is a concern, a quartz watch can offer a wide variety of options at different price points.
4. Quartz technology: Some people appreciate the advanced technology behind quartz watches. The precise movement and the use of electronic components can be fascinating to watch enthusiasts with an interest in modern horology.
Custom FAE Mechanical Watch – Made in USA
For the pragmatic yet discerning watch owner, FAE offer the “Sapphire” edition of the Field Mechanical Watch which features all possible upgrades.
$1,099.95Original price was: $1,099.95.$649.95Current price is: $649.95.
5. Craftsmanship and tradition: If you are particularly drawn to the intricate mechanical craftsmanship and the heritage associated with traditional watchmaking, mechanical watches may be more appealing to you. Mechanical watches are often prized for their complexity, fine finishing, and the artistry involved in their creation.
Ultimately, the choice between a quartz watch and a mechanical watch comes down to personal preference. Some watch enthusiasts prefer the craftsmanship and charm of mechanical movements, while others prioritize accuracy, convenience, and affordability offered by quartz watches.
Consider your preferences, budget, and the purpose for which you intend to use the watch to make an informed decision.
Custom FAE Quartz Field Watch – Made in USA
With a stout, solid-stainless-steel case, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, time accuracy to within seconds per month, and up to 40 months of continuous battery life, your Custom FAE Quartz Field Watch will go anywhere you go and take any punishment you take, for as long as humanly possible.
Deciding whether you would like a mechanical watch or not depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle. Here are some factors to consider when determining if a mechanical watch is right for you:
1. Appreciation of craftsmanship: Mechanical watches are often considered works of art due to the intricate mechanisms and meticulous craftsmanship involved in their production. If you have an appreciation for fine craftsmanship and enjoy the mechanical intricacies of timekeeping, a mechanical watch might be appealing to you.
2. Aesthetic appeal: Mechanical watches often have a classic and timeless appeal. They come in various designs, styles, and materials, allowing you to find one that matches your personal taste. If you prefer a traditional and elegant accessory, a mechanical watch can be a great choice.
3. Connection to tradition: Mechanical watches have a long history and represent a traditional approach to timekeeping. Some people enjoy owning a piece of this heritage and wearing a watch that is not solely reliant on technology and batteries.
4. Investment value: Certain mechanical watches can appreciate in value over time, especially those from prestigious brands or limited editions. If you have an interest in horology and see watches as potential investments, a mechanical watch might be worth considering.
Custom FAE Mechanical Watch – Made in USA
For the pragmatic yet discerning watch owner, FAE offer the “Sapphire” edition of the Field Mechanical Watch which features all possible upgrades.
$1,099.95Original price was: $1,099.95.$649.95Current price is: $649.95.
5. Maintenance and care: Mechanical watches require periodic servicing to ensure accurate timekeeping and longevity. They need to be wound regularly or worn consistently to keep them running. If you enjoy the ritual of maintaining and caring for a watch, including occasional visits to a watchmaker, a mechanical watch can provide a satisfying experience.
6. Accuracy and convenience: In terms of timekeeping precision, modern quartz watches are generally more accurate than mechanical watches. Quartz watches use electronic movements powered by batteries, which offer high precision and require less maintenance. If precise timekeeping and convenience are your priorities, a quartz watch might be a better choice.
Custom FAE Quartz Field Watch – Made in USA
With a stout, solid-stainless-steel case, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, time accuracy to within seconds per month, and up to 40 months of continuous battery life, your Custom FAE Quartz Field Watch will go anywhere you go and take any punishment you take, for as long as humanly possible.
Ultimately, the decision to wear a mechanical watch depends on your personal taste, lifestyle, and preferences. Some individuals find great joy in owning and wearing mechanical watches, appreciating the craftsmanship and traditions they represent. Others may prefer the accuracy and convenience of quartz watches or rely on other timekeeping devices such as smartphones. Consider these factors to determine if a mechanical watch aligns with your interests and requirements.
Whether or not you would like an automatic watch depends on your personal preferences and what aspects of watches you enjoy.
Here are some points to consider:
1. Movement and Mechanism: Automatic watches, also known as self-winding watches, use the natural motion of the wearer’s wrist to wind the watch’s mainspring, which powers the watch. If you appreciate the mechanical aspect of watches and enjoy the idea of a self-winding mechanism, an automatic watch might appeal to you.
2. Timekeeping: Automatic watches are known for their precision and accuracy. They typically have high-quality movements and can provide reliable timekeeping. If accuracy is important to you, an automatic watch can be a good choice.
3. Craftsmanship and Aesthetics: Automatic watches often exhibit intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail. Many watch enthusiasts appreciate the artistry and complexity involved in creating mechanical movements. If you value the craftsmanship and aesthetics of watches, an automatic watch can offer a visually appealing and sophisticated timepiece.
4. Maintenance and Winding: Automatic watches require regular wear or winding to keep them running. If you enjoy the ritual of winding your watch or wearing it daily, an automatic watch can add a sense of engagement and involvement.
5. Power Reserve: Automatic watches have a power reserve, indicating how long the watch will continue running without additional winding. The power reserve can vary among different models, so consider your preference for a longer or shorter power reserve.
Ultimately, whether you would like an automatic watch depends on your personal taste, appreciation for mechanical timepieces, and the features that appeal to you. It’s worth trying one on, exploring different models, and considering the specific characteristics and functions that align with your preferences as a watch enthusiast.
An automatic watch, also known as a self-winding watch, is a mechanical watch that is wound automatically by the movement of the wearer’s wrist. It works using a combination of mechanical and gravitational forces to keep time.
Inside an automatic watch, there is a small weight called a rotor that is connected to the movement of the watch’s gears. As the wearer moves their wrist, the rotor rotates and winds a mainspring inside the watch. The winding of the mainspring provides the energy needed to power the watch’s movement and keep time.
The movement of the rotor is controlled by a series of gears, including a winding mechanism that prevents the mainspring from being overwound. When the mainspring is fully wound, the winding mechanism disengages, preventing any further winding of the watch.
To ensure that the watch keeps accurate time, automatic watches also include a regulating mechanism, such as a balance wheel and hairspring, which control the oscillation of the watch’s gears.
Overall, an automatic watch works by using the movement of the wearer’s wrist to wind a mainspring, which provides the energy needed to power the watch’s movement and keep time. The movement of the watch is controlled by a series of gears, including a regulating mechanism, which ensures that the watch keeps accurate time.
FAE Pilot Watch – Made in USA
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/embed?listType=playlist&list=PL0yjSttXSF0W445vM5Yv0fMiHMChkpONX&layout=gallery[/embedyt]For the pragmatic watch owner, the FAE Pilot Mechanical Watch. The Heartbeat of FAE.
A quartz watch is a type of electronic watch that uses a small battery-powered quartz crystal to keep time. Unlike a mechanical watch, which uses a complex system of gears and springs to regulate the movement of its hands, a quartz watch relies on the vibrations of a tiny piece of quartz crystal.
Inside a quartz watch, there is a small battery that provides power to a small electronic circuit board. This circuit board includes a quartz crystal, which is a thin piece of quartz that is cut into a precise shape and size. When an electric current is applied to the quartz crystal, it begins to vibrate at a very high frequency, usually 32,768 times per second.
These vibrations are incredibly regular and predictable, which makes them ideal for keeping time. The electronic circuit board measures the vibrations of the quartz crystal and uses them to regulate the movement of the watch’s hands.
The quartz crystal is also used to power a small motor that moves the hands of the watch. This motor is controlled by a tiny integrated circuit, which receives signals from the quartz crystal and uses them to adjust the movement of the motor.
Overall, a quartz watch works by using the vibrations of a small quartz crystal to keep time and regulate the movement of its hands. The battery-powered electronic circuit board inside the watch measures the frequency of these vibrations and uses them to control the movement of the watch’s motor.
Custom FAE Quartz Field Watch – Made in USA
With a stout, solid-stainless-steel case, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, time accuracy to within seconds per month, and up to 40 months of continuous battery life, your Custom FAE Quartz Field Watch will go anywhere you go and take any punishment you take, for as long as humanly possible.
A mechanical watch is a timepiece that uses a complex system of gears and springs to measure the passage of time.
At its heart is a mechanism called the Escapement, which is responsible for regulating the movement of the watch’s gears.
The escapement consists of a balance wheel, a pallet fork, and an escape wheel. The balance wheel is a weighted wheel that swings back and forth, while the pallet fork is a small lever that engages with the escape wheel.
The escape wheel has a set of teeth that the pallet fork catches and releases, causing the balance wheel to oscillate back and forth.
As the balance wheel swings back and forth, it drives the movement of the watch’s hands through a series of gears. The mainspring, which is wound by turning the watch’s crown, provides the energy to drive the gears and power the movement of the watch.
The rate at which the balance wheel swings back and forth is controlled by a hairspring, a tiny coil of metal that is attached to the balance wheel. The length and tension of the hairspring determine the watch’s accuracy and can be adjusted by a skilled watchmaker.
Custom FAE Mechanical Watch – Made in USA
For the pragmatic yet discerning watch owner, FAE offer the “Sapphire” edition of the Field Mechanical Watch which features all possible upgrades.
$1,099.95Original price was: $1,099.95.$649.95Current price is: $649.95.
In summary, a mechanical watch works by using the energy stored in a wound mainspring to power a system of gears and a regulating mechanism known as the escapement, which keeps time by oscillating back and forth at a precise rate.
There are several reasons why you might consider wearing a watch:
Convenience: A watch allows you to quickly and easily tell the time without having to pull out your phone or rely on clocks around you.
Style: Watches can be fashionable accessories that can add a finishing touch to your outfit. There are a wide range of styles, from classic to modern, so you can find one that suits your personal taste.
Functionality: Many watches come with additional features beyond just telling the time, such as stopwatches, alarms, and even fitness tracking capabilities.
Status Symbol: Wearing a luxury watch can convey a sense of status and prestige, making it a popular accessory among those who value high-end fashion.
Mindfulness: Rather than just glancing at the time and moving on, you can use your wristwatch as a cue to take a moment to pause and check in with yourself. Take a deep breath and notice how you’re feeling in that moment. This can help you cultivate a sense of presence and mindfulness in your daily life.
Overall, whether you choose to wear a watch for convenience, style, functionality, mindfulness, or as a status symbol, it can be a useful and fashionable accessory to add to your everyday wardrobe.
Custom FAE Mechanical Watch – Made in USA
For the pragmatic yet discerning watch owner, FAE offer the “Sapphire” edition of the Field Mechanical Watch which features all possible upgrades.
$1,099.95Original price was: $1,099.95.$649.95Current price is: $649.95.
When someone finds out I am a Watchmaker, their first question tends to be, “How much should I spend on a watch?”
That is a good question, and a good question that applies to every purchase. “How much can you spend on a watch?” Is the response from a slick salesperson. “Not as much as I’d like!” is the usual response. This has solved the age-old question, “Do people wish they could spend an unlimited amount of money on a watch?” The answer is usually a resounding “Yes”.
But that doesn’t answer the question. So another typical response question is “What is your budget?” with the usual answer of “Not as much as I’d like!” Because to establish a budget, first you would have to list your requirements in a watch. You may not know your list of requirements, and it takes lots of education to reach that point. So we still can’t actually answer “How much should I spend on a watch?”
Simple Rule of Thumb
As a theoretical physicist, it comes naturally to me to think in terms of equations and math. This, as it turns out, is quite unusual, and less valuable than all my teachers told me.
As I have been contemplating the question of “How much should I spend on a watch?” for some time, I wanted to boil it down to some simple mathematical formula that would make sense to anyone.
Watch Industry?
It is difficult to make sense of an industry which in itself makes little sense, such as Watchmaking.
Watchmaking is a failed U.S. industry. Almost no jobs remain in the United States for Watchmaker. No watch factories exist. There are no U.S.-made major brands of watch available in any mass sales market.
The U.S watch industry died during the 1990s, as the last employed Watchmakers retired from service, and small jewlery stores with in-house Watchmakers permanently closed their doors.
The United States lost its pride in making things.
Watch Market?
Regardless of the US Watch Industry, U.S. citizens still wear watches. Maybe not every person, but still you see watches on people every day. They are still buying watches.
I checked a few of the major online sales channels, and the results are similar. The United States are buying extremely cheap, disposable watches at around the $30 price point. Unfortunately, it is a $3 watch.
Thousands of $30, crappy watches are being sold each month, at each online marketplace. These are never made in the United States. These are always “snap together” and never meant to be taken apart. If it dies, go buy a new one, ad throw this one in the landfill with all the others. Send another $30 permanently overseas and wear your crappy $30 watch another year, if you are lucky.
So how can I mathematically capture how much it costs to buy a crappy, mass produced, machine made of cheap materials, in a country with slave labor and no ecological responsibility, while still capturing how much it costs to buy a completely hand-made-from-scratch, Swiss museum piece?
And finally, today while walking the dogs, it came to me.
FAEstimate
You have to spend about $1 per week you wish to wear a watch.
FAE Watch Company
There it is, in all its perfect simplicity: $1 per week you want the watch to operate is all it takes to wear a watch.
It doesn’t matter the total number of weeks you wish to wear it for, this math still works.
It doesn’t matter how expensive, or how cheap a watch; simply multiply the number of weeks you wish to own, wear, and use your watch by $1 and that’s how much you will need to spend.
Want a watch for 5 years? 5 years times 52 weeks per year is $260. Pretty reasonable.
Want a watch for 40 years? 40 years, times 52 weeks per year, is $2600. Some of the $2600 will be paying a Watchmaker to maintain the watch over time, or the watch might just grind to a halt, like a car which has never had an oil change.
Cheap Watch Example
For that $30 bare-minimum in the cheap-watch market, you will get a daily-wear watch that will not quite last a year. Not if you really wear it each and every day, and no matter what you do. I would say 30 weeks, or about 7 months, is more likely a realistic lifespan for such a watch.
Can you make a $30 watch last longer by storing it in a safe with a nitrogen-only, temperature-controlled environment, with a master Watchmaker on-call to ensure it will live as long a life as possible? Of course. But notice how all the extra effort to keep the cheap watch alive still raises the cost above the original $30.
Can a watchmaker replace a battery, and try to clean it? Maybe, but it would cost more than a new one for $30. Chances are the cheap watch is already starting to decompose from remaining in daily contact with skin and its various salts, oils, fungi, and bacteria.
Will it last less than 30 weeks? Absolutely this is possible. With a plastic or if you are lucky glass crystal, the odds of it scratching are very, very high. How many scratches can you live with? If none, your 30 weeks to wear a cheap watch might get cut short.
If you like to lose things, and you like throwing things away, a cheap, $30 watch might be the best answer for you.
Let’s just hope the Asian factories will continue to create them so cheaply for you, because your refusal to purchase from the United States has made it that Asia is now your only hope. If Asian factories want a pay raise for its workers, or are expected to start following environmental impact laws, you can say Goodbye to your cheap, crappy watches and say Hello to expensive, crappy watches.
Expensive Watch Example
Let’s say someone overspends on a watch because they believe it’s got brand value over time. So they pay $16,000USD to buy a Swiss, automatic, mechanical dive watch, apparently designed for those who operate submarines.
The good news is that this watch is much more likely to be maintained carefully over its lifetime. It is more likely to make it into a Watchmaker for service. It is more likely to be carefully stored and well-treated. As a result, it is more likely to be functional and thus get “passed on” when its owner dies. This adds many years to the watch’s life, which could easily span many decades, if its various electroplated surfaces remain intact.
For this overpriced watch to achieve the rule of $1 per week, however, it would have to remain in service for approximately 300 years. That is because $16,000 pf $1 per week divided by 52 weeks per year gives about 307 years. It needs to be handed down about six times, or once every 50 years.
The Stainless Steel itself is at risk to not make it the 300 years. And it is more likely that the electroplated surfaces will decay first, followed by the dial, hands, and indices, as with most 100 year old watches.
But if you really want a watch that will last 300 years, it will take all of that $16000, and it will probably fall short since it is hard to test things over 100 years.
FAE Watch Example
I would put the FAE Quartz Field Watch against any other watch when considered with this new “$1 per week” FAEstimate. It’s extremely long service life, and high durability make it a watch that will function easily for the rest of your lifetime.
While the band, movement, dial, and hands may not last 200 years, the case definitely will. Stainless Steel should easily maintain service for 100 to 200 years.
Its crystal is not plastic, or even glass. It is a sapphire lens, which is scratch-resistant from almost all materials, except diamonds.
And while the shorter-lived materials cannot be avoided, they should still function for your lifetime, about 70-80 years.
For simplicity, we could even say it will last 50 years. This is a bit conservative, but realistic. But let’s not stop there.
Let’s just assume the FAE Quartz Feld Watch lasts only 25 years. You get it in college, and after about a dozen new bands, its still going strong after more than a couple decades of service. In fact, let’s just say 20 years of faithful service. That amount of time goes by in a blink.
Yet 20 years is more than a thousand weeks. For a FAE Quartz Field Watch, 20 years is just a warm-up.
Nevertheless, how much does a FAE Quartz Field Watch cost me per week when it lasts 20 years?
20 years times 52 weeks per year gives just over 1000 weeks; 1040 weeks. For a FAE Quartz Field Watch that is priced new at $249.95 that last 20 years: we divide $249.95 by 1040 weeks to give $0.24 per week. That’s a quarter per week to own a FAE Quartz Field Watch. Even with annual maintenance, the FAE Quartz Field Watch will still cost you less than $1 per week.
If it does last 50 years, which is very possible, we take 50 years, times 52 weeks per year, which gives 2600 weeks. $249.95 divided by 2600 weeks means it only costs ten cents per week! What about batteries? A 371 costs around $2, and you need one a little more than every three years. That’s around 16 batteries at $2 each, or $32 over the 50 years.
Cheap Watch for 50 Years
Just for fun, let’s assume someone changes their $30 cheap watch each 30 weeks during a 50 year watch-wearing lifespan.
50 years times 52 weeks per year is 2600 weeks. 2600 weeks is made of about 86, 30-week perods. That means, over 50 years, you would have to buy 86 cheap watches!
86 watches at $30 per watch is $2580 and a good 20 pounds of crappy watches piled in the landfill.
Custom FAE Quartz Field Watch – Made in USA
With a stout, solid-stainless-steel case, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, time accuracy to within seconds per month, and up to 40 months of continuous battery life, your Custom FAE Quartz Field Watch will go anywhere you go and take any punishment you take, for as long as humanly possible.
