Something that is pretty to look at and significant is what most citizen think of when they think of jewels. Add sometimes our thoughts go back centuries to the Egyptians wearing these thoughprovoking and shinny gems. Did you ever think that these gems would be used in the development of watches? Most citizen don't realize that they are a significant part in the productions of watch making.
Jewels, when manufacturers used them in the development of timepieces, were used for the first time for their functionality. Garnets, diamonds, rubies, and sapphires are widely used in the output of watches. Sapphires are chemically the same as rubies. Before 1900, jewels either had too many flaws or were from stones that were too small. Most rubies used after the 1900's were synthetic. Most citizen think if the timepiece is expensive it is because of the number of jewels used in the manufacturing of it and because the social associates the high number of gems used in the output to the higher quality and pricing of the product, some manufacturers have used this to their advantage in false advertising to fool the public. Manufacturers use non-functional gems instead. But in actuality, they are not the cause of the higher prices. The cost of manufacturing the goods increases the cost. Some manufacturers claim that 80% of the cost of producing a timepiece is labor. Most of the labor is used to insure a high grade of consistency and added gems can make it easier to achieve this consistency. The quality of the finishing on the goods and the number of adjustments play a big part in the cost as well.
Watches
There are some types of gems used in the output of development timepieces. The first is called a Hole Jewel. This fits over the gear, these are donut shaped. Next is the Cap, they are flat and settled on the ends of the axles. Pallet jewels are brick shaped that help engage and release the wheels in side. The roller Jewel helps with the balancing. The mainstream barrel will be jeweled in a pocket watch. These sparkly gems are often used in the development of chronograph timepieces. More complex watches use up to 40 gems in their production. Shock function jewels are used in the output of shock unyielding products.
The downside of using jewels in the output of timepieces is that they break easier than using metal bushings. Watches made in the 1890's had no more than 15 gems. Over jewelling a watch was opinion to make it less rugged, and not as thoughprovoking to the wealthy.
As you can see, jewels are extremely important in the manufacturing of watches and along with other components and new innovations, the quality and accuracy of timepieces today are a much better goods than in years past. We have come a long way since early days of timekeeping devices. I'm sure as technology improves and with improvements in output we will see even better products manufactured with more endurance and accuracy.
Why Watches Have Jewels
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