A deviation from traditional clock designs, pocket watches used the combination of a mainspring, hairspring and a balance wheel. This is in contrast to traditional clock designs that used a swinging pendulum and counter weights.

Like today’s wristwatches, pocket watches consist of two main components, the inner works and a metal case. Many different metals were used for early pocket watchcases including gold and silver. The case was usually of a two piece clamshell design. The cases of early watches were impervious to dirt and moisture, which meant the watches, needed a good bit regular cleaning. As time went on, other less expensive metals were used for case works including mild steel and pot metal.

The inner works of the early pocket watch contained a number of gears and wheels held in place between two metal plates. The lower plate or pillar plate rests next to the dial while the upper plate might have come in two pieces though the best made watches utilized a single piece upper plate. The plates were precisely drilled and bored to hold the other components in the proper place.

To prevent wear of the moving parts, hard gemstones were used with the moving pegs or axles. There were four wheels in the works known as the barrel wheel, the first wheel, the second wheel and the third wheel. The barrel wheel is used as the attachment for the mainspring.

The motion is transmitted by the uncoiling of the spring and is regulated by the escapement that is kept moving by the combined action of the mainspring and the hairspring providing an oscillating movement. The wheel that has sixty gear teeth around the circumference engages the escapement wheel and transmits motion to the minute hand. It also meshes into the pinion of the center wheel that transmits motion to the hour hand.

Movement is controlled by a lever that is connected to the hairspring. By moving the lever to the left or the right, the tension of the hairspring is increased or reduced.

The plates of the works were made from plate stock of steel or brass and would go through a series of machining operations that would include being placed on a pantograph machine which would exactly copy dimensions from a master part to the part being machined. After machining, the plates would be polished using several types of abrasive materials like emery.

Gemstones like garnet, rubies, sapphires and diamond. Garnets would be cut with diamond points into tiny disks and would then be set in tiny plates of gold.

The intricate process of assembly the works required precisely made screws and other components that would often be plated or heat treated by hand. The small gears were stamped from brass using very precisely made dies and springs were formed from fine spring wire.

Dial faces were similarly stamped out of a base metal, enameled and the markings stenciled in place and the dial would be fired again. Once fully assembled, the finished watch was subjected to cold temperatures of around forty degrees Fahrenheit and then exposed to higher temperatures up to around one hundred degrees Fahrenheit. This process was undoubtedly used to test the watch in different temperature extremes to ensure consistent operation.

Like countless other consumer products, the way in which modern wrist watches are manufactured has undergone incredible changes since the Industrial Revolution that broke during the turn of twentieth century. This important period in world history ushered in entirely new ways to mass produce products for a growing world population. In every facet of manufacturing there were incredible technological advances that improved efficiencies and helped reduce production costs.

Most of us have heard about the way Henry Ford changed the way automobiles were built by developing the production line assembly method. Cars would constantly roll off the Ford assembly line, as workers would fit various parts to the chassis in a precise order and within a predetermined time.

What few of us think about are the other changes that made this type manufacturing operation possible. Critical to the success of the mass production line was the development of standardized parts, components that are nearly identical to each other.

Prior to the development of mass production assembly lines, most mechanical assemblies, including watches were built from components that were made individually most often by different producers. This meant that very often, parts from one machine be it a car, locomotive or sewing machine, could be not be used on another machine.

As other watch producers adopted the practice of parts standardization and integrated quality control, the reliability of wrist watches was greatly increased. The use of standardized components meant that those parts that subject to wear did so in more consistent and predictable way, requiring far less maintenance and repair than those timepieces assembled as one of kind items.

Treat your watch according to its water resistance rating. Every watch has a water resistance rating. For a breakdown of what each one means click here.

Do not expose your watch to rapid temperature change. It is best not to wear your watch in a sauna or in a cold plunge pool. This is because rapid temperature change causes materials to contract, if the seal (that makes the watch water resistant) changes size and/or shape it could mean that your watch is no longer water resistant.

If the air under the glass rapidly cools it may mean that the water in the air will condense. In most cases this goes away without any intervention, but water can get into the workings of the watch. The best course of action to take if this happens is to have the case opened and left to dry as soon as possible.

Once the case has been opened the water resistance rating can not be guaranteed until the watch has been tested in a pressure tank. If you frequently use your watch in water it is best to send it back to the manufacturer as local retailers are unlikely to have the equipment necessary to do this.

Do not knock your watch. Undue shocks can damage the internal workings or scratch the glass. It is generally inadvisable to wear a watch during sports, unless it is specifically designed for them. This is especially important if you have a watch which has moving parts. Mechanical/automatic watches and quartz watches contain moving parts. A digital watch has no moving parts so an impact should only damage the glass. A breakdown of the different qualities of watch glasses can be found here.

Avoid wearing perfume or moisturisers in the same place that you wear your watch. Watch bracelets, straps and the internal workings can be susceptible to corrosion from cosmetics.

Check straps and bracelets regularly. Ensure that they are not loose or too worn. If necessary get the clasp tightened or obtain a new strap, both of these tasks can be done by your local jeweller. Keep hold of any additional links that you have for the watch, these will come in handy if one breaks.

Keep your watch clean. If it has a water resistance rating of 50m you can clean your watch with luke warm water and a very small amount of soap.  A tooth brush or similar object can be used to easily loosen dirt. Make sure that you remove all soap and dry it thoroughly afterwards. If the water has a rating of less than 50m the best thing to use is a soft cloth and a dry toothbrush to clean between the links.

Change the battery when necessary. If a battery powered watch has stopped or is losing time it probably needs a new battery. Even if you do not intend to wear the watch for a while it is better to keep it running as the mechanisms inside may seize up if they are not used. It is advisable to get the battery changed by a jeweller as there are a number of small parts which can easily be lost. Remember that water resistance cannot be guaranteed unless it is tested. To find out more about different kinds of power for wrist watches click here.

Get your watch serviced. If you have an automatic, divers or a particularly expensive watch it is recommended to have it serviced every 2-3 years. Otherwise the cost of servicing is likely to outweigh the cost of replacement. If the watch is under guarantee ensure that the service centre used is one recognised by the manufacturer so that the warranty is not invalidated.

Design

Ok, let’s start with the outside, meaning the design of this Ecodrive watch. As mentioned, the watch is made out of titanium. And for those of you wondering why Citizen made a watch out of titanium I can tell you that titanium is a lot stronger material than watches made of steel. In fact titanium is 30% stronger and half as light as steel. This makes the case and the bracelet very durable and the watch feels lighter on your wrist.

The dial is protected by sapphire crystal glass, which means it’s the second hardest material in the world. That’s right; technically speaking only diamond can scratch it. The glass is also anti-reflective coated so no light reflection will disturb you when you look at the dial. In fact, it looks like you can touch the dial!

The case of the Citizen BL5250 53L is 43mm x 13mm which means that it’s a chunky piece and should fit well on a guy with a large wrist and the bracelet got a dual clasp with a push button system to make it sit securely on your wrist. On the outside of the dial a solid, engraved screw bezel with elapse time indicator is protecting the interior of the watch. A tachymeter is running on the edge of the dial. If you don’t know what a tachymeter is you can read more about it at Watch Terms – What do they mean?

Functions and technology

Let’s dive deeper into this gadget packed watch. First of all the battery life lasts for a lifetime, yes that’s right. The lithium-ion battery is rechargeable and is powered by an amorphous silicon solar cell placed behind the dial. So it means no more expensive costs to change the watch battery.

You can say Citizen was a head when thinking ‘green’, because the BL5250 53L watch is smart as well. It saves the energy when it’s kept in the dark for a long time by parking the second hand at 12 o’clock position. No worries, the time watch will still be running as accurate as usual.

On the dial you can see the three sub-dials for the stop watch or chronograph as you also can call it with a 1/20 second indicator and a 24-hour display. With the sub-dials you can also select local time and alarm function. The perpetual calendar is handy and you don’t have to adjust it every month since it does that automatically through to year 2100. The date is placed at 4 o’clock position with numbers on white background. With the screw crown you can switch between alarm, chronograph, dual time and time. The hands are luminous and are a clear contrast to the black dial. Just to let you know, the dial also comes in a blue color as well.

Citizen BL5250 53L is water resistant to 200 meters (660 feet) which is enough for swimming or washing your hands.

Citizen is generous to the warranty as well; 5 years which is quite unusual to get from watches in this price range. You will also get an instructional CD – easier than reading the manual.

Ok, now let’s put this watch on the test and let’s be honest.

The good stuff

- It’s light to wear so you barely feel it on your arm and the bracelet is super strong.

- The dial is clear and easy to read even with the sub-dials

The bad stuff

- The alarm is not loud, but what can you expect from a water resistant watch to 200m (660 feet)

- The mode button is easy to change by accident so be sure you check it’s in the right mode.

Watch Information (Boring but necessary information)

Brand Name: Citizen

Model number: BL5250-53L

Part Number: BL525053L

Dial window material type: Mineral

Clasp: fold-over-clasp-with-double-push-button-safety

Case material: Titanium

Case diameter: 43 millimeters

Case Thickness: 13 millimeters

Band material: Titanium

Band length: men

Band width: 22 millimeters

Dial color: black

Bezel material: Titanium

Bezel Function: unidirectional

Calendar: Date

Item-weight: 2.40 Ounces

Movement: Japanese-Quartz

Water resistant depth: 660 Feet

Warranty Type: Manufacturer

The most obvious question while buying a wrist watch would be to first identify the purpose of purchasing the wrist watch. Whether it is to serve as just an occasional fashion accessory that one might wear in parties or is it going to be for casual every day use. There are also watches for some specific purpose for example diving, running and other sports. Some wrist watches feature GPS systems which are useful on journeys in seeking directions to locations.

If one dresses to impress, then buying a plain gold or silver watch would be perfect. They increase the pride and esteem of the individual and make them appealing to others. If one wants to buy watches for parties and special occasions then full gold watches would be perfect as they catch the eye of almost everyone and are bound to keep your wrists the centre of attraction.

Another category of watches are designer watches which are especially for those who want to make a fashion statement by wearing the latest and the most fashionable items on the market. Although they get old very quickly because fashion never stays for long but to those who prefer fashion over everything then such watches are probably the best.

For those who possess a more athletic personality rather than an executive personality then sports watches might be the best for such people. They offer different features which are useful to athletes such as stopwatch, temperature sensors and air pressure sensors. They also feature unique design which suits the needs of the athletes. Diving watches also provide unique features like depth meter and pressure sensor which are useful for underwater diving.

These days, new watches are available which include a mobile phone or a GPS device or other such gadgets. These watches are especially useful for those who want to be “in” on the latest in the tech world. These watches not only have impressive features like camera or walkman feature but they also have stylish looks which make them the more interesting and impressive.

For females, there are watches in the shape of bracelets which make them a piece of jewellery as well as fulfilling the need for a watch. There are some watches available in the markets which have diamonds attached in the dials or the straps which are an ideal for women bent on impressing their friends on the basis of fashion. Although they are incredibly expensive but for those who want style at any cost these are the best among the lot.

In the end it must be said that watches suit one’s personality and preference. Some people like expensive and stylish watches while other want them only for utility therefore there is no general rule as to which watch is the best for all. However one should always buy the thing which satisfies one’s needs whatever they may be.

After the mainspring was invented in the 15th century, wrist watches were invented as it was not possible to make these before the invention of the mainspring. Patek Philippe in 1868 invented a portable watch that was intended to be a lady’s bracelet watch. It was thought of as jewellery and was thus “unmanly,” so males did not wear them.

However, in 1904 Cartier was asked by an aviator friend to make a watch that could be used during flights. He invented the Santos wristwatch which was the first wristwatch made for men, and was designed to be practical in use. These became very popular during World War I as officers could use them easily, unlike a pocket watch which was inconvenient.

Since watches were designed to be practical implements to be used while men were working, it made sense to design them to be worn on the left hand, as most people are right handed, so that it would be easy to both hold a weapon and look at the time at the same time.

Furthermore, since early wristwatches had to be wound, they were worn on the left hand with the winding knob facing outwards so that the person wearing it could easily wind it up using their right hand, and not have to face the inconvenience of having to use the wrong hand to wind it up.

Another reason for wearing wristwatches on the left hand is that the watch does not get damaged easily. Since we use our right hand for most actions, if we wore our watches on the right hand we would inevitably end up banging it into things a lot and thus breaking it sooner.

Finally, it is possible that the arm the watch was made for was based simply on the whim of the first inventors of the wristwatch.

Regardless of the reason, people nowadays wear the watch on whatever hand seems more convenient to them.  Professionals such as construction workers, doctors’ etc wear watches on left hand, while many other people choose to wear the watch on the right hand. Of course, left-handed people now wear watches on the right hand since it is more convenient for them.

Since, there is now “right” arm to wear the watch on; they are now made so that they can be worn on either warm. Modern wristwatches do not need to be wound, thus making it possible to wear them on whichever arm is more convenient for the owner of the watch, regardless of what history may have to say on the topic.