Perhaps it’s about time we got to know the right terms and language of use when talking about luxury fashion accessories. Today we have such amazing insight to share with you on the difference between Timepieces and Watches and how they both compare?
Do you will think a time-keeping accessory is just a watch?
There are distinct and clear differences between a watch and a timepiece. You may have heard severally the term “timepiece” thrown around. However, there are befitting reasons to use timepiece instead of the term watch. If you use the word watch when talking about high-end luxury time keeping pieces, you may come off as amateurish to intentional enthusiasts who take the industry seriously.
What are some of the differences between watches and timepieces?
- The Movement
Watches typically have a battery that keeps it running. These batteries are quartz and are what make them tick-tock at a slower rate than a movement.
Timepieces have either mechanical wind movements or automatic wind movements. Some pieces have both and these movements are composed of many wheels, springs, gears, and tiny pieces that keep the timepiece running impeccably even under some of the harshest and most extreme conditions.
There are watches that use movements as well. What separates them from the other timepieces is that the movement is typically outsourced and made by a mass producer.
- Chronometer Certification
Timepieces are chronometers. A chronometer is an instrument for measuring time, especially accurate time in spite of motion or variations in temperature, humidity, and air pressure. Many luxury brands have their chronometers certified by one of the official time keeping boards to prove just how well they keep time.
Watches on the other hand do not get tested and do not need to meet any level of chronometer standards.
To pass the test and meet COSC standards a timepiece must keep within -1 to +5 seconds per day at different positions and in different environments.
- Quality of Craftsmanship
Watches are made with cheaper materials than timepieces typically lower grade materials throughout the design.
Timepieces on the other hand are made of high-quality expensive materials like gold, high-grade materials. The attention to detail in the craftsmanship is of high grade. If you look at the detail between a timepiece and watch. The difference is evident.
- Complications & Functionality
A complication is a specific function that a timepiece has beyond keeping time. For example, a chronograph, a moon-phase, calendar, date window, and a tourbillon are all types of complications. You will see a wide array of complications in different timepieces. These complications add to the value and use of the piece itself.
Watches on the other hand do not have more than the basic functions. For example you will never see at tourbillon or a chronograph on a watch. At the most, you may see a date and a day window. Watches typically will only have the sole ability to keep time without any other information displayed.
And lastly perhaps the most important aspect of a Timepiece is
5. Appreciation
There are two different types of admirable appreciation you get from a timepiece that you don’t get from a watch.
One of which is enjoyment. Can you enjoy a good watch? of course. But if you’ve never owned or worn a timepiece, you don’t know what you’re missing.
The second type of appreciation is financial. Timepieces hold their value well and in some cases mostly appreciate in value over time. Watches never do. In fact they are pretty much a financial loss as soon as you purchase them.
