Understand Replica Watch Markings in One Article and Become a Watch Expert

　　Many customers who purchase replica watches frequently ask us about the meaning and significance of the English symbols on the dial and case back. How can one understand the markings on a watch? Today, Biao Li Ru Yi will introduce some fundamental watchmaking knowledge.

Replica Longines Master Collection automatic mechanical men's watch L2.628.4.78.3

　　1.AUTOMATIC

　　Let us start with the dial, which is seen at first glance. Apart from the brand logo, a standard watch dial often features other English terms, such as AUTOMATIC. Translated, this means self-winding, indicating that the watch is fitted with an automatic mechanical movement. As long as it is marked AUTOMATIC, it certainly refers toMechanical watch, which means an automatic mechanical watch.

　　2.QUARTZ

　　QUARTZ is the symbol forQuartz watches, indicating that the watch houses a quartz movement. Naturally, it does not require manual winding or continuous wearing like a mechanical watch. Likewise, quartz watches are considerably less expensive than mechanical watches.

　　3.CHRONOGRAPH

　　CHRONOGRAPH denotes a stopwatch function, indicating that the watch is capable of recording elapsed time over any period. Such watches typically feature three sub-dials and display a relatively complex appearance. For example, on the dial of this Mido watch, the presence of both CHRONOGRAPH and AUTOMATIC markings signifies that it is an automatic mechanical chronograph watch.

　　4.Chronometer

　　In English dictionaries, Chronometer is generally defined as a precision timekeeper. Etymologically, it combines the Greek words Chronos and Metron, referring to a marine chronometer or chronometer watch, which signifies a high-precision timepiece. Whilst standard mechanical watches typically have an acceptable daily rate variation of 15 seconds, chronometer watches place special emphasis on movement construction, materials, and hand craftsmanship, significantly narrowing the required daily variation to within 5 seconds. A chronometer watch is a high-precision timepiece that has been tested and certified by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (C.O.S.C.: Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres). Certified watches bear the word "chronometer" on the dial. However, many high-end watches, such as Rolex and Breitling, do not mark it even after receiving chronometer certification.

　　5.ATM/bar

　　ATM/bar is a unit of water resistance depth, usually marked on the dial or case back. Since every additional 10 metres of underwater depth corresponds to an increase of one atmosphere of pressure, watchmakers use pressure gauges based on this principle to test a watch's water resistance. This is why manufacturers express water resistance ratings using ATM/bar (pressure resistance values). Since 1bar equals a pressure of 1 kg per 1 square centimetres, a pressure resistance of 10bar is equivalent to enduring the pressure found at a depth of 100 metres below the surface, which means 100 metres of water resistance; 20bar corresponds to 200 metres of water resistance, and so on. 10ATM/bar = 100 metres water resistance.

　　6.JEWELS 

　　JEWELS refers to jewel bearings, and this marking is usually preceded by a set of Arabic numerals representing the number of jewel bearings in the timepiece. For instance, 21JEWELS in the image above indicates that the movement features 21 jewel bearings. The role of jewel bearings is self-evident: originally, the arbors of the escape wheel, pallet fork, balance staff, and wheel train were pivoted directly into holes in brass bridges, causing continuous wear to the movement and affecting precision. Following the discovery and widespread adoption of synthetic rubies as jewel bearings, movements received better protection and extended operational lifespans.

　　7.Swiss made

　　Swiss Made is widely recognized as referring to Swiss-manufactured watches. Naturally, a timepiece must fulfill several specific criteria to bear this mark: first, at least 80% of the manufacturing value for mechanical watches must be produced in Switzerland, and at least 60% for quartz watches; second, the development and prototyping must take place in Switzerland; finally, regarding the movement, at least 80% of the component value must be produced in Switzerland, with the ratio set at 60% for quartz movements.