Once upon a time, in a world nestled between the tick and tock of time, lived the Fairy Watchguard, Keeper of Timepieces. In a world unseen by human eyes, the Watchguard was a mystical creature, no larger than a butterfly, with intricate gears and springs mirroring the tiny components of a watch replacing traditional fairy wings. In the realm of the fairies, he was an oddball, for while other fairies chased dewdrops and moonbeams, the Watchguard was drawn to the rhythmic heartbeats of mechanical watches. The ticking fascinated him, a perfect harmony of precision and persistence, order within chaos. He adored the complexity, the beauty in every gear’s turn, each minute hand’s sweep.
Human clocks and watches were his realm, places where he felt more at home than among the fleeting whimsy of fairyland. So, he took it upon himself to protect these tiny marvels of engineering from the mishaps of the world. He would gently steer coffee spills away from the watches, divert the accidental drops onto cushioned surfaces, and guide the hands of unknowing repairmen to fix, not harm.
It was during one such night that he met Eliza, a watchmaker’s daughter, with a heart as fragile as the timepieces she mended. Seeing the Watchguard, she was not afraid but entranced. The Fairy Watchguard admired her care for the watches, the respect she held for each cog and spring. In the quiet ticking of midnight hours, they found companionship, sharing stories between the ticks and tocks. Eliza learned about the whimsical realm of fairies, and the Watchguard discovered the human capacity for kindness and love.
For those who wonder why antique watches, despite their age, still chime and tick, or how a seemingly broken watch comes back to life, the secret is the tiny Watchguard. And every night, if you listen closely, you might hear the soft flutter of mechanical wings amidst the ticking of the clock, a sign that the Fairy Watchguard is on duty, keeping time in check, one tick and tock at a time.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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…
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
[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 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
For the pragmatic yet discerning watch owner, FAE offer the “Sapphire” edition of the Field Mechanical Watch which features all possible upgrades.
Porcelain can be considered a favorable material for a watch dial finish for several reasons:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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
For the pragmatic yet discerning watch owner, FAE offer the “Sapphire” edition of the Field Mechanical Watch which features all possible upgrades.
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.
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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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rubies, emeralds, sapphires, diamonds, and many other gemstones have been used in watchmaking for centuries both for adornment, and as bushings and other high-precision bearings for the watch parts.
But more recently, even semi-precious stones and “non-precious” minerals have been shown to hold intrinsic value. Among these, none are more plentiful, and more humble, than quartz.
Silica
Technically “silicone dioxide,” and also known as silica, quartz is a framework of silicon and oxygen that makes up what is the second most abundant crystalline mineral on Earth, behind alumina. This seemingly cheap rock is so plentiful, many believe it must not be worth anything.
As it turns out, quartz is absolutely magical.
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.
While the term might sound like the name of a progressive rock band, anything that develops an electric potential upon the application of mechanical stress is considered having ‘the piezoelectric effect.’
Quartz is piezoelectric in this sense. When it is physically stressed, it generates electricity. This effect is used for radio systems, clocks, speakers, and microphones. The piezoelectric effect sits firmly in the ‘twixt between physical motion and electric magic.
The piezoelectric effect was discovered by the good physicist, Mr. Marie Curie. His invention was used to detect radiation as tiny leaks of electric current.
Theoretical Physics
From the perspective of my theoretical physics paper, The Unified Theory of Energy, we could say Quartz crystals appear to retain maximum Gravitation on Earth at room temperature. And that any decrease in volume or increase in pressure or temperature will encourage the crystal to shed excess Gravitation as Radiation and Particulate Motion. This is in perfect agreement with the laws of conservation of energy.
Further, we can consider a large deposit of quartz to still be a quartz crystal which is subject to the same piezoelectric effect. These deposits are likely to be underground, or near a fault line, where there is great pressure. Pressure changes can result as excess Gravitation is shed by the Earth through its quartz crystal deposits. This can directly lead to earthquakes and tsunamis. There is a large amount of electricity available at these points. Perhaps earthquakes can be captured into electricity before they become earthquakes.
Please take time to read The Unified Theory of Energy. It is likely we can conserve a lot more energy if we can all agree to unify the subject of Energy within physics, and more specifically the definition of Potential Energy.
Piezoelectic Watches
In reverse, when an electric potential is applied to a quartz crystal, the crystal vibrates at a very consistent frequency. In fact, pressure changes to the electrified quartz crystal can fine-tune its oscillation frequency. This is exactly how electronic oscillator circuits work. Most electronic systems require a consistent clock, and the quartz crystal oscillator has functioned very well for more than 100 years.
This is also exactly how Quartz watch movements regulate the advancement of the clockworks. An electric current is applied, by way of a battery, to a quartz crystal oscillator or resonator. The second hand is moved by a stepper motor that is pressed forward after a specific number of oscillations from the quartz crystal.
Quite ingenious really.
Efficient
This process of driving the quartz crystal with electricity has become very efficient.
A Ronda 515HQ quartz movement will operate for more than 3 years, but not quite 4 years, on a single 371 battery. This means you can “set it and forget it” and just enjoy the correct time of day and the date.
Accurate
Since the quartz resonator used in the Ronda 515HQ is so consistent, your FAE Quartz Field Watch with a Ronda 515HQ will be accurate to within seconds per month. It will be accurate to within one minute per year.
If the greatest possible clock precision is required with the least amount of fuss, the FAE Quartz Field Watch with Ronda 515HQ will deliver.
The Sound of Quartz
Quartz crystal oscillator circuits are set to vibrate at 32768 Hz. This frequency is equal to 215 cycles per second. Using the Law of the Octave, 215 would put a quartz watch crystal at 512 Hz. The closest musical notes near 512 Hz are C5 513.74 Hz where A4=432.1Hz, and C5 523.15 Hz where A4=440. 512 Hz is a bit flat for both scales. It is imperceptible to humans compared to C5 of the 432.1 Hz Scale and quite noticeably flat when compared to the C5 of the 440 Hz scale.
Better might be to set a quartz oscillator circuit to 34,841.6 Hz. This would match the crystal oscillator to the frequency of Earth’s Year, which has been defined as 136.1 Hz and is C#3 with A4=432.1 Hz.
Curious
With the amount of interesting magic involved in a FAE Quartz Watch, its no wonder fairies are so curious.
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.
Reliable, Well-Tested Design, in Development Since 1950
10-Hour Luminescent Minute & Hour Hands
Minutes Graduated to 15 Seconds (240 Total Hash Marks)
Yellow Small Second Hand at the 9
More Than 40 Hours Continuous Operation, Fully Wound
Made in the USA
Includes FAE Natural Chamois Watch Bag & Watch Crate
Free Priority Mail Domestic Shipping within 2 Business Days
Yellow Second Hand on the 9Luminescent Hands last 10 hours17-Jewel FAE Caliber 1 Manual, Mechanical MovementGuarded by FairiesWhite StitchingSiliconized Rubber WatchbandFAE Watches are Long-Lasting.FAE Watch Crate (Included)FAE Watch Bag in CrateFAE Natural Chamois Watch Bag (Included)Keep each of your watches in a FAE Watch BagFAE look out for their watchesManual, mechanical watch is powered by green, renewable energy.Accurate to within 10 seconds per dayThe Classic Pilot Style is TimelessFairies Love Mechanical WatchesTraditional, Pilot Watch StyleEasy to Read DigitsDomed, Mineral Crystal
Watchmakers know that every watch is perfectly imperfect. From the highest-priced model to the most humble: if a we look closely enough, all are flawed. Part of the magic of watches is that they keep decent time despite their innate flaws. In this way, watches are a lot like people.
FAE tend to want to keep their watches, like their people, for as long as possible. That’s why FAE recommends a bespoke Standard 2-Piece watchband from Velle Alexander.
Hand stitching by the artisan ensures the highest level of durability.
Durability
The traditional saddle-stitching technique used at Velle Alexander ensures that each individual stitch is locked in place. Even if one stitch were to wear through, the other stitches will not fail. Machine-made watchbands cannot say the same.
Traditional saddle-stitching technique employed by the artisan at Velle Alexander.
I haven’t achieved what I would consider “perfection,” and I likely never will, especially choosing to do most everything entirely by hand. But the possibility of getting close compels me to keep pushing forward. The result, I hope, embodies that drive and puts more things in the world that are worth having.
Alexander E. Gravelle Owner and Artisan Velle Alexander
FAE appreciate humility, but they also feel each band made by Velle Alexander is indeed quite perfect, despite any flaws that won’t be found.
That’s why each FAE Pilot “Sapphire” should include a fully owner-customizable, Standard 2-Piece watchband, hand-made by the artisan at Velle Alexander.
Certainly, it is an upgrade worth pursuing.
-FAE
Velle Alexander 2-Piece in green with white stitching and Rally Holes. A timeless, durable choice for any Pilot watch.
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