QUARTZ WATCH Meaning and
Definition
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A quartz watch is a type of timekeeping device that operates using the quartz crystal's piezoelectric properties. It is a portable wristwatch or pocket watch that incorporates an electronic oscillator regulated by a quartz crystal to maintain precise timekeeping accuracy.
The primary component of a quartz watch is the quartz crystal, a thin slice of quartz material that vibrates at a specific frequency when an electric current is applied to it. This vibration generates a steady pulse or signal that is digitalized and used to regulate the movement of the watch hands.
Unlike mechanical watches that rely on the intricate mechanics of gears, springs, and balance wheels, quartz watches are much more accurate and reliable. The quartz crystal's frequency provides exceptional precision, allowing quartz watches to keep time with incredible accuracy, often within a few seconds per month.
In addition to their accuracy, quartz watches are known for their affordability and versatility. They come in numerous styles, designs, and prices, making them widely accessible to the general public. Moreover, they often have a battery-powered mechanism, requiring much less maintenance compared to mechanical watches.
The introduction of quartz watches revolutionized the watchmaking industry in the 1960s. Their high accuracy, low cost, and ease of production made them highly popular and widely adopted. Today, quartz watches remain one of the most common types of timepieces found on the market due to their reliable timekeeping and affordable nature.
Etymology of QUARTZ WATCH
The term "quartz watch" has a straightforward etymology. It is derived from the combination of two key elements:
1. Quartz: Quartz is a type of mineral, specifically a crystalline form of silica. It is renowned for its piezoelectric properties, which means it can generate an electric charge when pressure is applied to it. This property is crucial to the functioning of quartz watches.
2. Watch: A watch is a timekeeping device typically worn on the wrist or carried in a pocket. The term "watch" itself is of Germanic origin and can be traced back to the Old English word "woecce" or "woeccan", which meant to watch, guard, or keep watch.
Therefore, when you combine these elements, "quartz watch" refers to a type of watch that utilizes the properties of quartz to accurately measure time.
