Cartier Watches: Chronograph or Chronometer

Cartier exudes luxury and their reputation as one of the world’s premier Swiss watchmakers is long standing. Has Cartier gotten by, simply on their good looks? No, the Cartier reputation of excellence has been built on a combination of factors. Yes, their designs are universally appealing, their Tank and Pasha watch creations are loved the world over, as are many others.

A Cartier watch has the look of classic elegance, but looks aren’t everything, and Cartier knows this all too well. Cartier’s watch functioning and movements are just as prominent as their legendary designs. Their Quartz, as well as their hand wound mechanical movements, and automatic winding models are of exceptional quality, so how do you decide which will work best for you, when you look to make your watch purchase? Whether you are in the mood for a sport watch or a luxury version, such as Cartier watches, understanding watch terminology is important. Let’s go over a few key terms:

What’s the difference between a Chronograph and a Chronometer? A Chronograph refers to a watch, which offers a stopwatch. It may have 2 or 3 different registers. Some quartz chronographs will time tenths of a second. You may not find a mechanical watch to time this way, most mechanicals are not equipped to time in this way. A Chronometer is a timepiece, which has passed specific tests. There are a series of tests, measuring the accuracy of the movement in various temperatures and stressful environments. The watch must pass all tests, in order to be a certified chronometer.

What type of crystal might be used on a luxury watch? Watch crystals come in three categories; Sapphire crystal is the most expensive, but also the most durable watch crystal. It is used by most major brands. Mineral crystal is made from hardened glass. This glass is solid, but prone to shattering. Finally, you have plastic or acrylic crystal, which is used on lower end timepieces. It is the least expensive to make, but is not long lasting and will scratch, very easily.

One prominent feature that makes Cartier different from other watchmakers lies on that Cartier creates watches both for time keeping and as an accessory. Cartier watches are also known for their modern look, splendid designs, excellent performance as well as long life, which make them the best choice for many people. The more you know, the better off you will be, when making your next watch purchase. Take the time to learn about watches and you will end up with a timepiece you can treasure for years to come.