The 21st century is going through a watch boom — thanks to the internet and hyper-active social media platforms where everyone from amateurs to experts to geeks and collectors provides an endless wealth of information. Is there misinformation too? Sadly, yes!
Watch myths like Abraham Louis Breguet invented the tourbillion or Paul Newman wore a Rolex Daytona in the 1969 movie ‘Winning’ are so talked about that people almost believe these are true. Let’s debunk a few more for you.
Luxury watches are great investments
No, they are not. Just like a new car, luxury watches lose their value the moment you walk out of the fancy outlet. You can buy it because you may like a particular model or brand but never think that it’s an investment. If the watch model holds its value over time that will be a surprise to everyone.
All nylon straps are made by NATO
Another well-accepted myth! It’s likely to be just a strap if
· It is not made from Admiralty Grey nylon
· It is not 20mm wide
· You don’t buy it from a military surplus supplier or the MoD-approved CWC
· You don’t get a G1098 form at the quartermaster’s stores
The NATO (just the Stock Number) has a 28cm nylon strip across both lugs and an 11.5cm strip sewed to the buckle end. The innovative mechanism prevents it from falling out of your hand during intense activity.
‘Swiss-Made’ means utterly manufactured in Switzerland
Your ‘Swiss’ watch could well be made in China, well, at least a significant part of it. ‘Swiss Made’ is an official designation that can be affixed on an item once certain standards and conditions are met. In terms of watches, when 50% of the “essential manufacturing” is done in Switzerland as well as a minimum of 60% of the value is created in the same country then a watch can be tagged as ‘Swiss Made.’ Furthermore, casing and final inspection must take place in Switzerland. This means that the remaining 50% and 40% respectively can be manufactured or assembled anywhere in the world.
You can take a shower wearing a water-resistant watch
It is not always the case although ideally, it should be. Water resistance for watches is tested in cool temperatures and static conditions. However, in general, you take a bath with the ‘monsoon’ head of your shower open when it is hot & humid outside. The water pressure and temperature duo are a deadly combination for your water resistance watch. And don’t forget the shower gel you are using. These can cause mayhem to the gasket and crown seals.
Mechanical watch’s accuracy will not deteriorate if you don’t wear it
Just like any other machine watches are susceptible to deterioration when not used. Mechanical watches (read all watches) are designed to keep on moving. When you don’t wear it the lubricant that keeps the part moving becomes somewhat solidified. Besides, watch dials, hands and movement components are subject to oxidation due to atmospheric conditions. Eventually, your watch stops functioning properly.
