Time is the most expensive currency in the world, and therefore people are increasingly beginning to appreciate punctuality. The alarm clock has long become an integral part of our everyday life, and technological progress does not stand still, trying to facilitate human life, and introduces more and more new devices into it. One of the most successful and sought-after innovations are watches with an alarm clock.
History
The idea of combining watches and an alarm clock appeared in the middle of the last century. A design for a wrist accessory was developed, which would notify its owner with the help of a small needle that extends at a set time and scratches the wrist. This model was not destined to come out and gain popularity because of the discomfort that it brought.
And when the era of electronics began and the signal system became possible to integrate into any device, individual wrist alarms already ceased to be such a necessity. As part of the watch, signaling mechanisms continue to be produced until now.
A wristwatch with an alarm clock has established itself as a very useful device that can help its owner in any situation and in any circumstances.
Benefits
Now many devices are equipped with alarms: from computers to portable gadgets. Mobile digital devices have long surpassed ordinary watches due to their multifunctionality and extensive options. At a given time, a smartphone, tablet and even a home phone can quite wake you up.
In addition, the alarm clock will not only set the necessary time to rise, but also a signal to remind you of important events. However, the main problem of stationary devices is that, being in another room, the owner, most likely, will not hear a warning sound. In this case, a wristwatch with an electronic alarm clock and a reminder system will be an excellent solution.
Such a device is reliable and convenient - time will literally always be at your fingertips and under control. However, the built-in alarm clock takes up a lot of space in the watch case and has its own winding drum, which makes the accessory more massive.
A significant disadvantage of the gadget with a sound alert system is that due to the lack of resonance, the signal can be hard to hear when the watch is on your wrist. This problem was successfully resolved - most companies began to integrate a vibration alarm into their models.. It is impossible not to feel such a signal on your hand, which means that no event will be forgotten.
Models
Swiss watches have long been considered a real luxury item, an expensive pleasure for wealthy people. And indeed, from ancient times it is a standard of quality and reliability. In Swiss models, all the details are very precisely adjusted, the entire clockwork is carefully tuned.
One of the main misconceptions about this watch is the opinion that all of them are hand-made. No matter how cool it may be, only a few of the most famous watch brands can afford the release of such an exclusive. One Swiss model of manual assembly will cost several tens of thousands of dollars.
Another myth claims that Swiss-made watches do not need to be repaired due to their remarkable durability. In fact, despite the highest quality, this watch requires special adjustment and maintenance at least every four years.
Although Swiss companies use sapphire crystals for their products, it would be a mistake to believe that it is unrealistic to break them. Of course, to damage such a strong material will require much more effort, but still it is not "immortal".
Most Swiss models also have a built-in calendar, and representatives of the premium segment can boast of the so-called perpetual calendars, which are automatically adjusted for leap years.
The most famous watches on the market, in addition to Swiss, are American and Japanese companies, which have long established themselves as reference manufacturers of quality watches.
Children's models with an interesting design are widely represented, which will surely appeal to both the boy and the girl, and the backlit watch will be a good addition to any hiking kit.
Another option for female and male wrist devices is a smart watch. In addition to the reminder system, they also have a number of other useful options: a pedometer, music and multimedia control (in conjunction with a smartphone), heart rate measurement. However, a conventional electronic clock with a vibration alarm remains the easiest to use device.
Hi-tech
Quartz models manufactured by leading companies are much more expensive than mechanical ones:
- CITIZEN;
- Seiko (Japan);
- Oregon (America);
- Girard-perregaux,
- BREGUET (Switzerland).
The main advantage of quartz models is the minimum error (no more than a few seconds per day), while mechanical ones can sometimes be late for a whole minute. To prevent such a serious error of mechanical watches, many companies equip their models with special devices - tourbillons (from the French - “whirlwind”).
Tourbillons compensate for the gravitational effect on the accuracy of the clock. This device was first invented in France in the 18th century by watchmaker Abraham Louis Breguet and looked like a kind of balance adjuster. It was joined by all the other components of the watch. The tourbillon rotated opposite to the clock itself, so the position of the gadget and vibration should have a minimal effect on the course of the clock.
To unleash the full potential of tourbillons, the accessory must be equally upright and horizontal. Therefore, if the watch is not worn on the hand, but lies on a table or on a shelf, the mechanism, on the contrary, will reduce its accuracy. So, the desired effect is achieved only due to the rotation of the tourbillon, which additionally increases the load on the clockwork.
How to disable the alarm?
Most electronic models of watches have the same alarm shutdown system. To turn off the signal, you need to go to the accessory menu (most often indicated by the mode button) and use the set key to switch the alarm to off mode.
Selection tips
In order for the device to serve you for many years, you need to approach his choice with all responsibility. First of all, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the materials from which the accessories of your chosen company are made. The most durable and reliable, of course, is metal.
If the accessory is made to order, do not be too lazy to pay special attention to details: discuss with the master the design, width and girth of the strap, and the fastener mechanism.
The design and additional functions of the watch are chosen solely according to your own preferences. However, if you decide to purchase expensive branded watches, you should make such a serious purchase either in a company boutique or on the official website of the manufacturer. Basic precautions will protect you from fakes and wasted money.