Power reserve indicatior
An indicator showing how long the watch can run without winding, changing the battery, recharging, etc. It is found in models with any type of mechanism (see the relevant paragraph). Although the
power reserve indicator is quite approximate, it still makes it easier to monitor the status of the device and reduces the risk of being left without a working watch at the wrong time.
Note that the End Of Life function (see below) in this case is not considered a power reserve indicator, although its role is generally similar.
Colour
The main colour of the watch case.
Modern watches are quite diverse in colour options. The most widespread models are in shades of "
stainless steel ",
golden and
black ; however, in addition to this, on the market you can find, in particular,
white,
yellow,
green,
brown,
red,
orange,
pink,
silver,
grey,
blue and
purple cases.
In general, the colour of the case is a fairly obvious parameter; Let's note only some of the nuances associated with marking:
— Multi-coloured models include models in which there is no clearly defined primary colour. If there is such a colour, it is indicated in the characteristics. And for two-tone cases, an additional colour can be specified, for example, "stainless steel
with gold " or "black
with blue "
— Silver, among other things, are plastic cases without additional coloring.
— "Stainless steel" in this case is a colour, not a material; other metals (e.g. alumin
...ium and titanium) that are not complemented by PVD coating (see “Case Coating”) may have this shade. And the cases of gold watches, in turn, are not necessarily made of gold — red and white gold are also used in jewelry.
— Camouflage coloring is indicated separately — such watches are designated as "military", and here, again, the main shade of the coloring is given. However, not every military model has camouflage on the body; see below for details.Shockproof
The watch has anti-shock properties that allow it to endure, in particular, falls from a fairly large height (from a metre or more). The specific degree of such protection for different models can vary significantly; usually, it is indicated in the official specifications as the maximum height from which the watch can be safely dropped on a flat surface. It is worth noting that shockproof properties are not an absolute guarantee against damage — for example, falling with a dial on a sharp stone, even from a “safe” height, can end sadly. However, such models are anyway more reliable than those for which these properties are not claimed.
Shock-resistant watches will be useful, first of all, to those who regularly have to stay in difficult conditions: builders, climbers, military, etc.
Dirtproof
Watches with special protection against dirt.
This feature implies not only a high degree of water protection, but also an increased resistance to various contaminants — earth, sand, liquid dirt, etc. In this case, it is usually not only about preventing the penetration of dirt into the case, but also about so that the dial, even when heavily soiled, remains well readable, and if desired, the watch can be easily cleaned. In addition, such models as a whole are usually characterized by high strength and reliability. Most often they are positioned as solutions for extreme tourism and other adverse conditions and are equipped with many additional features — such as a compass, altimeter, barometer, GPS tracker, etc. (see "Features").
Thickness
The thickness of the watch case. A fairly obvious parameter; we only note that nowadays it is customary to attribute watches with a thickness of less than 7 mm to
ultra-thin models. This design has both aesthetic and quite practical meaning — a thin watch will be useful for those who wear narrow sleeves with tight-fitting cuffs.
Weight
Total weight of the watch. As a rule, it is indicated taking into account the complete strap/bracelet.
The lightest modern watch weighs
no more than 50 g. The most popular models weigh 50 - 100 g, and weight more than 150 g most often means not only a large, but also a fairly advanced device, usually for sports and tourism purposes.
Both light and heavy weight have their advantages: light watches create minimal inconvenience when worn, while massive watches are subconsciously perceived as a solid and reliable device.