An automatic watch is a self-winding watch. The movement of your wrist causes the rotor, a weight attached to an automatic winding mechanism, to move and, thus, wind the watch. An automatic watch needs no battery, but will stop if not worn for over a day.
'Chronograph' refers to a watch which, beside indicating time, can also be used to measure a desired interval of time or to time an event. A chronograph has start/stop/reset functions and can measure time intervals to within 1/10 of a second.
A mechanical watch has a number of practical advantages. It is more than accurate enough for daily life, is very durable and, if well maintained, can be handed down from generation to generation as a precious heirloom. A good mechanical watch is often more accurate over a short period of time, such as a 12-second interval. Mechanical watches are also impervious to low levels of magnetism. As a self-contained, perpetually regenerating source of energy, mechanical watches have no battery and are perfectly safe to the environment. It is now, more than ever before, a practical, useful, and efficient mechanical device.
Depending on the movement used, the average daily rate will be between +15/5 seconds per day. These rates are within the tolerances set and cover both automatic and hand winding watches.
An anti-magnetic watch is not, or only slightly, affected by magnetic fields. However, the performance of the watch can be weakened by strong magnetic fields as found in power stations.
A watch movement is a delicate micro-machine which must be protected against water, steam, sweat, dust, dirt and humidity. The case of a waterproof watch is designed with a seal around the crystal, crown and back to ensure the integrity of the watch. All BLITA watches have water resistant cases. Water resistant watches are designed to protect the watch from accidental exposure to moisture, such as being worn in the rain. For any type of sport or work in or near the water, it is recommended to use a BLITA Diver’s watch, which is water resistant to 20 ATM (200 meters).
A sapphire crystal is a watch crystal which has a hardness of 9 moths. It is extremely hard and scratch resistant and can only be scratched by a diamond. However, any hit against the break point of the crystal will cause damage to it.
Gold plated refers to a layer of gold alloy which is combined insolubly to the basic metal (steel, brass, nickel silver). The thickness of the layer is given in microns.
PVD is the abbreviation which stands for Physical Vapour Deposition. Applied in a high vacuum, the object is coated by vapourised titanium nitrite. Such coatings are highly resistant and long lasting. They can be compared to 10 micron gold plating.
Most of our products are water-resistant. Special care is needed every time a water-resistant watch is opened, even to replace the battery. In order to change the battery, we go through a lengthy process performed by an accomplished watchmaker. Some key steps include:
Clean case and bracelet
Measurement of the lower working voltage (the "electrocardiogram" of a quartz watch, so to speak)
Our warranty clearly states that we will not accept watches, which have been opened by someone other than BLITA or one of our Authorized Service Centers’ staff, for repair even though they are still under warranty. Therefore, we encourage consumers to send watches, which are under warranty, to these Authorized Service Centers. If a watch is no longer under warranty, anyone who has proper technical training and equipment (including water-resistant testers and timing machine) may perform repairs on our products. However, the ultimate responsibility is with the service provider.
