Ancient civilizations led to the first monitoring of astronomical bodies as they moved through the sky, which is when the history of timekeeping instruments began. Since then, several fresh discoveries and concepts have led to time-keeping equipment advancements.

(Check out these awesome Dutch Time Pieces)

There isn’t much difference between a watch and a timepiece. A watch is technically a timepiece. However, the dictionary does not provide the full picture. People wear a watch to keep track of the time. It works, is available everywhere, and will serve its purpose as long as you have it. 

On the other hand, a timepiece is much more than that. Care is required in selecting, finding, and wearing this item. The decision to buy one shouldn’t be made hastily; it should be a reflection of you and your personality.

Here is a quick rundown on the different types of timepieces: 

  • Elemental Timepieces
  1. Sundial
  2. Water Clock
  3. Combustion Clock
  4. Hourglass
  • Mechanical Timepieces
  1. Mechanical clock 
  2. Portable Clocks
  3. Pendulum clock
  4. The balance wheel and the cylinder escapement
  5. Marine Chronometer
  6. The lever escapement 
  7. Temperature and regulators
  8. Tourbillon
  9. The pin-lever escapement 
  10. The Big Ben tower clock
  11.  The Shortt-Synchronome Free Pendulum Clock
  • Atomic Clocks
  • Spring Drive
  • Quartz

What Distinguishes a Watch From a Timepiece?

There are three key signs you should watch out for if you’re unsure of your next purchase, whether it’s a watch or another type of timepiece.

  • Design 

There are a lot of meticulously crafted timepieces. They are carefully assembled to represent a particular philosophy. Top watch companies have different identities because they want to show those qualities through the watches they make. 

Additionally, even if watches are produced in bulk, a wristwatch should be unique to you. You can wear it with confidence, knowing that every time you do, you are wearing a piece of history. Even if similar models may be created and manufactured elsewhere, yours will possess distinctive features.

  • Quality 

A real timepiece is extraordinarily well-made and long-lasting. Coupled with a nice design, it is also made with care, and only the best materials are used to produce it. Care and time are invested in every component, including the material used for the watch straps, the glass used for the face, and its inner workings.

Japanese quartz, for instance, guarantees the item is authentic while removing the need for recharging or rewinding. This kind of attention to detail ensures that your clock will keep you on schedule no matter where you are. A timepiece also has durability. It might even be passed on to the following generation, further increasing its worth.

  • Value 

It’s common to assume that a timepiece is significantly more expensive than a simple watch, but that isn’t always the case. A quality timepiece doesn’t have to be expensive, but it will be worth a lot to you. 

Your views about it should reflect the attention on the design and craftsmanship. 

You’ve found a timepiece, not just another watch, when you find something that you are genuinely interested in, attached to, and feels like yours every time you wear it.

By Manali