The Laings Journal
Let’s look at K – O in the Watch Dictionary...
Here we’ll look at luxury watchmakers, how timepieces tick and the different looks that watches can now sport!
K for Knowledge
Our watch specialists are equipped with expert knowledge to help you to find the perfect watch. There’s no better place to learn about the artistry of watchmaking than Switzerland. Many of our specialists have visited the Watch Capital for extensive training, experiencing first-hand the exquisite craftsmanship and skill that goes into creating the beautiful timepieces. Our team of experts are equipped with a wealth of knowledge meaning they can teach you all about these intricate timepieces before making your final decision.
Longines La Grande ClassiqueL for Longines
Established in 1832, Longines has a rich heritage and an interesting watchmaking story to tell. The luxury Swiss watchmakers are dedicated to creating watches embedded with tradition, elegance and performance, meaning their impressive creations are the perfect blend of graceful aesthetics and technical expertise.
Offering a great range of timeless styles, it is no wonder that the revered watch brand has built up a loyal following. They are best known for their La Grande Classique collection, which first launched in 1982. Finished with an ultra-thin case and delicate bracelet it is still one of their most popular watches.
M for Movement
Officine Panerai Manual-Wind TimepieceA Movement is the machinery within the case of the watch that powers the timekeeping. Our luxury watches mostly fall into one of the three categories of movement: Quartz, Manual-Wind and Automatic.
A wristwatch of Quartz Movement simply means that it is battery operated. This movement is highly reliable and won’t lose time until the battery runs out. Some watchmakers have also cleverly added “end of life” indicators whereby the seconds hand will skip two or three seconds before another tick to alert you that it requires a battery change.
Manual-wind timepieces are how watches were first made and the movement dates back to the 16th century. To identify a manual-wind movement, you will find the seconds hand smoothly sweeping across the dial or completely stationary when not in use or the power reserve has run out. The movement is powered by the winding of the crown to inject the calibre with power, within seconds you will find the hands sweeping. Manual-wind is typically appreciated by watch lovers as there is a superb amount of skill required to manufacture this type of movement, especially ones that keep good time.
Automatic calibres are the modern version of manual-wind watches as while you can still get the movement going by winding the crown, the watch will power itself with the movement of your wrist. This is also known as self-winding – an effortless take on the traditional manual-wind.
Tudor Black Bay on Nato StrapN for Nato
Nato straps are becoming more and more popular as an alternative to steel bracelets. The fabric of the modern straps are much more lightweight and comfortably hug the watch to the wrist. Different brands such as Tudor, Omega and TAG Heuer now offer their watches on Nato straps and also as optional extras (which are relatively inexpensive too!). With different designs, patterns and colours, nato straps are a good way to add different personalities to your timepiece!
O for Omega
Omega Seamaster Aqua TerraOmega is a Swiss luxury watchmaker who have built up a reputation for their reliability as well as their distinctive style. Since 1848, Omega has been introducing ground-breaking technology and creating watches which are renowned for their precision and exquisite craftmanship. This amazing brand have manufactured watches which are literally out of this world with every one of the International Space Station expedition crews having worn an Omega Speedmaster. Omega’s impressive record can also be seen through their role as official timekeeper to the Olympics.
Omega offers a beautiful range of watches with collections such as the Seamaster, Constellation and Speedmaster. Whether you want to create a sophisticated look with a leather strap, or dazzle with stainless steel or gold, an Omega could be your dream timepiece.
Thank you for taking the time to read our Watch Dictionary! Follow our latest news on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest, or if you have any questions please pop us an email at [email protected].
Laings xXx