Month: June 2023

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How is a Watch “Water-Resistant”?

All FAE Wristwatches are water-restistant. But what does that mean? How does a watch resist water?

A watch is considered “water-resistant” when it is designed and constructed to withstand exposure to water to a certain extent. The water resistance of a watch is measured in units of pressure, typically expressed in meters, feet, or atmospheres (ATM).

To make a watch water-resistant, several features and techniques are employed:

  1. Gaskets and Seals: The watch case, crystal, and crown (the knob used for setting the time) are fitted with gaskets or O-rings made of rubber or silicone. These gaskets create a watertight seal and prevent water from entering the watch.
  2. Screw-down Crown: Many water-resistant watches have a screw-down crown. When the crown is pushed in and screwed down tightly, it creates a seal that helps prevent water from penetrating the case.
  3. Case Design: Water-resistant watches typically have a sturdy and well-sealed case design. The case back is often screwed down or secured with a gasket to ensure water resistance.
  4. Crystal: The watch crystal, which covers the dial, can be made from various materials such as acrylic, mineral glass, or synthetic sapphire. Synthetic sapphire is highly scratch-resistant and offers excellent water resistance.
  5. Water-Resistant Movement: The watch movement itself may be designed with special seals and lubricants to protect it from moisture and water damage.

It’s important to note that water resistance is not a permanent feature of a watch and can deteriorate over time due to wear, aging of gaskets, or damage to the seals. Also, water resistance is tested under laboratory conditions and may not guarantee the watch’s performance in real-world situations, such as rapid temperature changes, extreme depths, or underwater activities.

Phone Consulation: 15 Minutes

Phone Consulation: 15 Minutes

Whether you need help picking a FAE Watch movement type, or help designing your custom, hand-made watch, whether you have questions about your grandfather’s broken watch, or need help with ideas for an anniversary or graduation presents, we are just a phone call away. Even if you are considering a major watch purchase, and would like a different perspective on its relative value, don’t be afrai…

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Water-Resistance Rating

Manufacturers usually specify the water resistance rating of a watch, indicating the depth to which it can be safely submerged. Common water resistance ratings include:

  • 30 meters (3 ATM or 100 feet): Suitable for everyday use, but not suitable for swimming or diving.
  • 50 meters (5 ATM or 165 feet): Can be worn while swimming in shallow water.
  • 100 meters (10 ATM or 330 feet): Suitable for recreational swimming and snorkeling.
  • 200 meters (20 ATM or 660 feet): Suitable for recreational scuba diving.
  • 300 meters (30 ATM or 990 feet) or higher: Suitable for professional diving and extreme water sports.

It’s important to check the watch’s water resistance rating and follow FAE guidelines to ensure your watch remains water-resistant. Of most importance, make sure to get your Annual Maintenance done on time, as this includes a new Case Back O-Ring Gasket which helps ensure long-term water-resistance.

FAE Pilot Watch - Made in USA

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.

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How Does a Watch Mainspring Work?

A watch’s mainspring is a crucial component of its mechanical movement, providing the necessary power to drive the timekeeping mechanism. It’s a coiled spring made of a special alloy, typically steel or a composite material, with excellent elasticity properties.

The mainspring is housed in a cylindrical barrel, and one end of the spring is attached to the barrel while the other end is fixed to the watch’s gear train. When the mainspring is wound, either manually or through an automatic winding system, potential energy is stored in the coiled spring.

As the mainspring unwinds, it releases the stored energy gradually, transmitting power through the gear train. The gear train consists of a series of gears that transfer the rotational energy from the mainspring to the escapement mechanism. The escapement regulates the release of this energy in precise increments, enabling the movement’s timekeeping functions.

The unwinding mainspring exerts torque on the gear train, causing the gears to rotate and transmit power to various components of the movement. This includes the balance wheel, which oscillates back and forth, and the escapement mechanism, which controls the rate at which the energy is released.

The mainspring’s torque diminishes as it unwinds, affecting the amplitude of the balance wheel’s oscillations. To maintain accurate timekeeping, watchmakers utilize various mechanisms, such as a fusee or a constant-force mechanism, to counteract the decreasing torque and ensure consistent power delivery to the escapement throughout the mainspring’s unwinding cycle.

In summary, a watch’s mainspring functions as an energy storage device, converting the manual or automatic winding into potential energy. This energy is then released gradually to power the movement’s various components, ensuring accurate timekeeping.

Custom FAE Mechanical Watch - Made in USA

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.

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Does Porcelain Make the Best Watch Dial?

Porcelain can be considered a favorable material for a watch dial finish for several reasons:

  1. Aesthetic Appeal: Porcelain has a timeless and elegant appearance that can enhance the overall aesthetic of a watch. Its smooth and lustrous surface can give a sense of sophistication and luxury, making it an attractive choice for watch enthusiasts.
  2. Durability: Porcelain is known for its exceptional durability and resistance to wear and tear. It is highly scratch-resistant and can withstand the rigors of daily use, ensuring that the watch dial maintains its pristine appearance over time.
  3. Color Stability: Porcelain has excellent color stability, meaning it does not fade or discolor easily even when exposed to sunlight or other environmental factors. This ensures that the dial’s color remains vibrant and consistent, adding to the longevity of the watch’s visual appeal.
  4. Resistance to Aging: Porcelain is resistant to aging, which means it retains its original look and properties for an extended period. This quality makes it an excellent choice for a watch dial that should maintain its allure and value over time.
  5. Unique and Prestigious: Porcelain dials are relatively rare compared to other materials like metal or enamel, which adds an element of uniqueness and exclusivity to a watch. The craftsmanship involved in creating a porcelain dial can be highly valued by collectors and connoisseurs, making it a prestigious choice.

Despite its merits, it’s worth noting that porcelain dials require skilled craftsmanship and precision during the manufacturing process. The material is delicate and can be prone to damage if mishandled. Therefore, it’s essential to consider the expertise of the watchmaker and the overall design and construction of the timepiece when evaluating porcelain as a dial finish option.

Phone Consulation: 15 Minutes

Phone Consulation: 15 Minutes

Whether you need help picking a FAE Watch movement type, or help designing your custom, hand-made watch, whether you have questions about your grandfather’s broken watch, or need help with ideas for an anniversary or graduation presents, we are just a phone call away. Even if you are considering a major watch purchase, and would like a different perspective on its relative value, don’t be afrai…

$19.95
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What Does a Pallet Fork Do?

A pallet fork is a crucial component in a mechanical watch’s escapement mechanism. The escapement is responsible for regulating the release of energy from the watch’s mainspring and ensuring the precise and controlled movement of the watch’s hands.

The pallet fork, along with the escape wheel, forms the core of the escapement system. The pallet fork engages with the teeth of the escape wheel, which is driven by the watch’s mainspring. As the escape wheel rotates, it pushes against the pallet fork, causing it to oscillate back and forth.

The pallet fork’s primary function is to control the release of energy from the mainspring in small, precise increments. It does this by engaging with the escape wheel’s teeth and allowing the wheel to rotate by a fixed amount before locking it in place momentarily.

Custom FAE Mechanical Watch - Made in USA

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.

Shop now

During each oscillation of the pallet fork, it interacts with the impulse jewel, receiving a brief impulse of energy that further drives its oscillation. This impulse, combined with the oscillation of the balance wheel and the action of the hairspring, creates the necessary timing mechanism that regulates the watch’s timekeeping accuracy.

The precise engagement and locking action of the pallet fork with the escape wheel ensure that the watch’s energy is released at a constant rate, controlling the rotation of the gear train and ultimately the movement of the watch’s hands.

In summary, the pallet fork in a mechanical watch’s escapement mechanism plays a critical role in regulating the release of energy and maintaining the timekeeping accuracy of the watch.

Phone Consulation: 15 Minutes

Phone Consulation: 15 Minutes

Whether you need help picking a FAE Watch movement type, or help designing your custom, hand-made watch, whether you have questions about your grandfather’s broken watch, or need help with ideas for an anniversary or graduation presents, we are just a phone call away. Even if you are considering a major watch purchase, and would like a different perspective on its relative value, don’t be afrai…

$19.95
Shop now