Dial markings
A type of number or symbol used on a watch face to display the time.
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Arabic. Arabic numbers are used today as standard around the world — of the form "1", "2", "3", etc. This marking is considered to be the easiest to read, due to which it has become widespread and is used for all types of dials (see above); and in digital, other options are practically not found at all.
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Roman. In Roman notation, the numbers on the clock are displayed using a combination of the symbols I, V, X — for example, nine corresponds to IX. This marking is used only for the hands of the dials: it provides an original and stylish appearance, which is considered especially suitable for models in the "retro" design. But in digital dials, Roman numerals are not found due to the complexity both in implementation and in perception (and even in watches with hands, getting used to such markings may take some time).
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Tags. A variant used exclusively in pointer dials. This type of markup implies a complete absence of numbers — in accordance with the name, only marks are used. Given that almost all dials are designed for a 12-hour scale and have a standard location of marks, with a minimum habit, you can completely do without numbers — the position of the mark on the scale itself already carries enough information. Note that the design and number of labels may vary. The c
...lassic option is markup every hour; but there is also a more detailed one, with an additional minute scale, and vice versa, a minimalistic one, with only 4 hour markers instead of 12 (at 3, 6, 9 and 12 hours). And in addition to the classic risks, the role of labels can also be played by original design elements — say, graphic symbols or even mathematical examples, the answer to which is the numbers denoting hours (for example, “54 — 48” for the sixth hour).
— Mixed. Markup types that combine several distinct types. One option is to combine Arabic and Roman numerals (for example, when 3, 6, 9 and 12 hours are indicated by Roman, the rest are Arabic). Also included in this category are models with labels, where each label is supplemented by a number — however, only those in which the numbers are noticeably smaller than the labels and play a supporting role. Such types of markings are used mainly for design reasons, to give the dial an original appearance.Features
Among the functions in the table clock and radio you can find:
alarm clock,
snooze,
voice notification,
calendar,
thermometer,
world time,
radio auto-off timer,
time projection,
dial backlight,
case backlight,
USB charging port,
wireless charging gadgets,
flashlight. More details about them:
- Alarm. The watch has a classic alarm clock that provides a sound signal at a customer-specified time. Of course, this function can be used not only for morning wake-up, but also for other warnings. However, the most popular way to use an alarm clock is to wake you up in the morning. In light of this, some models may provide a very specific way of disabling the alarm - for example, by installing a propeller in place that takes off from the clock when the alarm goes off; and some models begin to move at the same time as the signal, and you have to catch them. There can be many similar options, but they all follow the same principle: to push the customer to take active action and reduce the likelihood of falling asleep after the sound has been
...turned off. Watches with original alarm clocks will be especially useful for tech who tend to wake up when they wake up, turning off the alarm and falling asleep again.
— Delay of the alarm signal (Snooze). As the name suggests, this function is designed to reschedule the alarm to a later time. Its meaning is that when a signal is triggered, the customer can literally move the alarm time by several minutes with just one click of a button. Snooze is intended primarily for tech who prefer to lie in bed for a while after the alarm goes off before getting up: it minimizes the risk of falling back to sleep and missing the time to wake up, while pressing the Snooze button is much easier than changing alarm clock manually. In some models, the delay time is fixed (usually about 5 - 10 minutes), in others it can be adjusted at will.
— Voice notification. The watch has a voice warning system. One of the most popular uses of such a system is to announce the current time at the press of a button; in some situations, this method of finding out the time can be more convenient than trying to look at the dial. Theoretically, other types of alerts could be provided - for example, a low battery warning; however, for a number of reasons they are rarely used.
- Calendar. The watch has a calendar function. This feature requires, at a minimum, the display of the current day of the month, but the matter is not limited to this: even in watches with pointer dials (see “Movement type”), the calendar can also cover the day of the week or even the current month, and in digital devices - also the year, the number of the week in the year and a lot of other information, including displaying calendar tables for each individual month. The calendar can also provide other functions, such as setting an alarm for certain days of the week.
- Thermometer. The presence of a thermometer function in the watch allows you to use it to determine the air temperature in the number. This function may be useful in cases where you need to maintain a certain microclimate - for example, if there is a baby in the house. Built-in thermometers, as a rule, are made electronic, which provides more than sufficient accuracy for domestic use. And in some models, the digital temperature display can be supplemented with a color one - for example, by changing the color of the housing backlight (see below for the backlight itself).
- World time. The presence of a world time function in the watch allows you to determine the current time in other regions. Most often, an additional dial is used for this, which is set in advance for the time of the time zone of interest and constantly displays this time; and in the most advanced models there may be several such dials. There are other ways to implement this function - for example, models with LCD screens (see “Dial type”) can provide quick switching between local time and a specified time zone. In any case, watches with a world time function are useful in cases where you regularly communicate with people from other time zones - in particular, they minimize the risk of being in an inconvenient situation by calling your interlocutor in the middle of the night or at another inopportune moment. On the other hand, today there are more practical ways to monitor standard time than desk clocks (for example, smartphones are equipped with similar tools); therefore, this function is rarely found, mainly in luxury models.
— Radio auto-off timer. A timer that turns off the receiver after a specified time. This way, you don't have to worry about turning off the device manually - just set the desired time and the receiver will turn off automatically. This can be useful, for example, if you like to fall asleep to music: by setting a timer, you can calmly fall asleep without worrying about wasting energy on “all-night” broadcasting (which is especially critical for self-powered devices, see “Power”).
— Time projection. The watch has a projector function. Thanks to it, the device is able to display various data not only on the dial, but also on various surfaces - for example, projecting information onto the ceiling or wall. In some cases, the projector mark is more convenient and better visible than the main dial. As the name of this feature suggests, the projector is primarily designed to display the time; technically, nothing prevents other data from being displayed in this way, however, for a number of reasons, such a possibility is rarely provided. As a rule, the projector unit is made rotating, which allows you to adjust it to different environments.
— Dial backlight. The watch has a dial illumination system. This backlight is convenient in low light conditions: it allows you to see the dial without using additional lighting sources (in other words, you can look at the watch even in complete darkness). Note that in this case we are talking about systems that turn on for a short time - usually for a few seconds while the customer holds the button; Constantly glowing symbols on the dial do not count as backlighting, although they can also be seen in the dark without any problems. And in some models, the dial illumination can be combined with the case illumination (see below).
— Case lighting. The watch has a case lighting system. Unlike the dial backlight described above, this function is usually not associated with the main functionality of the watch - it plays a decorative role and also allows the device to be used as a night light.
- Flashlight. The built-in flashlight allows you to use the receiver as a light source. Moreover, the power of such sources can be quite high, providing an effective range of several tens of meters. Usually this function involves a directional beam, but there are also diffused light flashlights.
— USB port for charging. The presence of a port for connecting a third-party gadget and replenishing its energy. Naturally, this solution is applicable when connecting a table clock to a 230 V power supply, and the speed itself will be mediocre.
- Wireless charger. Ability to work in Power Bank mode without using a cable. The gadget is charged wirelessly by placing the desired device on the charging area.
— Pencil stand. The presence of a pencil stand in the watch design. By design, such a stand usually represents a characteristic “glass”; its shape can be varied, but the dimensions are usually large enough to accommodate several fairly large stationery items. Therefore, despite the name, the stand can be used not only for pencils, but also for other items - pens, markers, scissors, etc.Power source
Power supply methods provided in the design of radio receivers and table clocks.
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Batteries. Powered by standard replaceable batteries (
AA,
AAA,
type C,
LR44,
PP3, etc.). There are two main advantages to this diet. Firstly, a shrunken element can be quickly replaced; for this, of course, you need to have fresh batteries in stock, but it’s easy to take care of this in advance. Secondly, consumer devices are independent of outlets; this allows you to install them on almost any suitable surface, easily move from place to place, without worrying about the length and placement of the mains cable. Batteries, of course, need to be purchased separately, which slightly increases spending. However, many replacement batteries are also available as rechargeable batteries. Thanks to all this, battery-powered models are very popular today.
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Network. Powered by a standard 230 V network. On the one hand, this option eliminates the hassle of batteries, and on the other hand, connecting to the network is associated with a number of inconveniences: the power cord limits the ability to install a radio or clock in places where there are sockets nearby, moreover the device may interfere or simply not fit into the overall environment. Mai
...ns power in watches is quite rare in its pure form - much more often it is used as a fallback option for battery-powered models: if the situation allows, you can plug the watch into an outlet and not waste the charge.
- Battery. Powered by an original battery that is not related to standard sizes. Like the batteries described above, this option provides the device with autonomy. However, the key difference is that the battery, as a rule, does not provide for quick replacement: a non-standard format makes it difficult to purchase a spare battery, and more often than not, it is generally made non-removable. Therefore, the main, if not the only, option for discharging is charging, which requires a connection to the network and takes quite a long time. As a result, rechargeable batteries are considered a less suitable power option than replacement batteries and are rarely used.Material
The most popular material option for housings today is
plastic. At a low cost, it is quite strong and reliable, can have any colour and a very complex shape, which allows you to create devices with a variety of designs. Therefore, this material is used in all price categories of table clocks.
In addition, there are other options; they, usually, indicate that the watch is created with an emphasis not only on functionality, but also on an attractive appearance. For example, upscale models with pointer dials often use
wood to emphasize the traditional design.
Metal(mainly steel) can be found both in classic and original designs (
watches in glass). And in the most expensive, "image" devices, the main value of which is precisely the appearance, bronze, brass, gilding, marble and other similar premium materials are also used.