What does 17 jewels mean?

Unlocking the Mystery: What are the 17 Jewels in Watch Movements?

When you're a watch aficionado, time is more than just hours and minutes; it's about the intricate dance of gears and springs happening within the watch's heart, the movement. One aspect that one might come across while delving into this fascinating world is the mention of "17 jewels". But what does it mean, and how does it reflect the quality of timepieces?

A Gemstone Orchestra: The Role of Jewels in Watch Movements

The 17 jewels mentioned in watch movements refer to the number of jewels - usually synthetic rubies - used in their construction. These jewels serve as bearings for the gears and other elements of the movement, reducing friction and ensuring a smooth performance, like a well-tuned orchestra.

Why Synthetic Rubies?

The choice of synthetic rubies as the jewel of choice in watch movements is no coincidence. These gemstones possess the ideal qualities for the task: they have a low coefficient of friction; they're hard, resisting wear and tear, and non-magnetic. Additionally, synthetic rubies can be produced with consistent quality and size, further enhancing their suitability for watchmaking purposes.

The Evolution of Jewels in Watch Movements: From Precious to Functional

In the early days of watchmaking, natural jewels like diamonds and sapphires were used for their beauty and extravagance. As time passed, however, the understanding of the functional use of jewels grew. Reducing friction directly translated to a watch's performance, affecting its accuracy and durability. Thus, the incorporation of jewels shifted from being a luxury to becoming a necessity in high-quality timepieces.

Why 17 Jewels?

A natural question arises: why 17, and not any other number? The answer lies in the evolution of mechanical watch movements. A basic manual-wind movement requires seven pairs of jewels for the wheel train, two more pairs for the escapement, and a jewel each for the balance staff, the pallet lever, the escape wheel, and the second wheel. Adding these together, we obtain a total of 17 jewels. It's worth noting that some luxury watches feature additional jewels for improved performance, while others incorporate decorative ones.

Storing Your 17-Jewel Timepiece: Watch Boxes for the Discerning Collector

A finely crafted watch, a testament to the perfect harmony of aesthetics and functionality, deserves proper care and storage. Choosing the right watch box is just as important as curating your collection, not only for the preservation of your timepieces but also for the sheer joy of admiring the arrangement of these mechanical marvels.

With an exquisite, hand-picked selection of watch boxes, Watch Box Studio caters to the discerning collector's needs. Luxurious yet practical, these boxes will ensure that your 17-jewel masterpieces and other prestigious timepieces find the perfect home.