Buying Watches in Kenya: Special Terms Explained

Have you ever read a description of a watch and wondered what the seller is talking about? You are not alone. Many watch buyers often have to look for the meaning of some terms before purchasing a watch. Watch sellers assume that buyers know the basic terms in the watch world. We may be guilty of the same as well in our descriptions. Let’s solve the puzzle together and explain some special terms you will often come across when looking for watches in Kenya.

Quartz watch

You will mostly see the terms in product titles. The term describes a fully electromechanical and electronic watch. Such a watch uses oscillating quartz that maintains an accurate frequency. Hence, watch manufacturers talk about a quartz movement when describing electronic quartz watches.

Bezel

A bezel describes the border or ring around the dial of a watch. It may look like a decorative ring or just a part of the watch case depending on the size of the case. Some manufacturers use a different color or material to highlight the bezel and give the watch a distinct look.

Caliber

A caliber describes the size and shape of the movement in the watch. Every watch model has a designated movement. The caliber helps watchmakers and sellers identify the movement in question when you order spare parts for a watch. You don’t need to master it. Shops that sell watches in Kenya can easily identify the caliber if you bought a watch from them and need repairs.

Crown

The crown is located on the side of the case. It contains the element used to set the time and other elements on the display. The design of the crown may vary depending on the manufacturer and watch model. The crown is often used to wind watches with a manual winding system. Manual winding sets a watch to run mechanically for several hours, which in most cases exceed a day.

Accuracy

Did you know that you can operate an inaccurate watch without realizing it? Accuracy describes the rate error or the level of deviation from the correct time in your time zone. Every watch has a certain deviation every day. Hence, the rate of accuracy of your wristwatch will depend on the model. For instance, an automatic watch may deviate with thirty seconds in a day while an atomic clock deviates with a second for every thirty million years. As you would expect, atomic clocks are expensive. At the same time, wristwatches with a low error rate are expensive.

Chronometer

Now that you understand the term accuracy, you will easily understand the term “chronometer.” The term describes a precise watch with particular or absolute accuracy. Chronometer is also explained or used interchangeably with the term “timepiece.” The term is only used after testing a watch to prove its absolute accuracy. The test involves different environmental conditions and temperatures. Beware of sellers that describe their models as the most accurate without acknowledging the tests necessary to prove accuracy.

Chronography

Chronography is the mechanism through which pushers in the watch case set the hand in motion. The function is important for watches that use a perpetual calendar. Such a calendar is accurate but does not account for the leap years or the odd months. You need to adjust the time when such time laps occur. You can reset the hand to zero to stop lap times or set it in the right motion.

Analogue display

Most watches in Kenya have an analogue display, which includes hands on a dial. The materials used to make the display may differ but the display is the same. New models may have digital displays, especially smartwatches. However, the analogue display is unique and timeless. Do not hesitate to invest in a good watch with the analogue display.

Bridge movement

A watch has a bridge movement if it has a mechanical movement that runs on a manual winding. If you buy old models of wristwatches, you may come across the bridge movement. However, watchmakers now use compact versions that have replaced models with a bridge movement.

Watchwinder

A watch winder sets the watch ready for operation. A watch winder is used in automatic watches, which depends on the wrist’s movements. Hence, your first question before looking for the watch winder is if you are operating a mechanical or automatic watch.

Retrograde watch

You may not come across such a watch in Kenya but in countries with a reversed reading direction. A retrograde watch runs counterclockwise. It may confuse you for a minute because the hands move in the counter direction and reverse back to the starting point after every quarter.

Pinion

A watch with a mechanical movement has a gear train, which consists of two gears. A pinion refers to the smaller gear that is used for power transmission. You may not notice some of these tiny parts unless your watch develops mechanical or operational problems. If you buy a high-quality watch, it will be delivered already in motion and may require nothing much except an occasional battery change.

Sports watches

Sports watches differ from other watch models in their functions. The watches are designed to assist athletes or persons participating in a particular sport or activity. Hence, the functions and designs are different. The differentiating features include the ability to track your mileage, heart rate, GPS location, and speed. Sports watches have a higher resistance level because of the intensity of outdoor activities. For instance, the best models of sports watches are water and abrasion-resistant.

Concluding remarks

Watches come in different models and specifications. The terms used to describe watches will vary across models. However, basic information on the specifications that apply to most watches is important when buying a watch. Watch manufacturers expect that you know the names of different parts, including those that you do not use daily. Examine the features carefully when buying a watch to identify the parts. The information will also help you if you need spare parts or repairs to keep the watch running.

Visit our store for the best collection of watches in Kenya. We will provide any information or clarification you need on the mechanisms and parts of any watch that you purchase.