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Explore Q Report's Content Centre for expert advice on jewellery insurance. You can also read e-guides and blogs, watch videos and more.

Explore Q Report's Content Centre for expert advice on jewellery insurance. You can also read e-guides and blogs, watch videos and more.

Jewellery, engagement ring & watch advice, plus insurance tips & industry insights. 

Watch expert tips, discover insurance benefits & hear real customer stories. 

Find answers to common questions about jewellery, engagement ring & watch insurance. 

Click here to access important policy documents - Product Disclosure Statement, Financial Services Guide, and Policy Wording.

Click here to access the Target Market Determination (TMD) document.

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Understanding Your Luxury Watch

Q Report Team

Updated on March 18, 2025
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A luxury watch does more than tell time. It reveals your personality, conveys an appreciation for technology and enhances your appearance. Today’s premier timepieces rely on the ingenious inventions of the past while incorporating space-age materials and eco-friendly manufacturing processes.

But do you understand your luxury watch as well as you’d like to? Timepiece enthusiasts agree that the more you learn, the more you love. From mechanics to complications, let’s look at the basics of your luxury watch.

Types of Luxury Watches

A day at Baselworld is enough to make your head spin. With so many intricate complications and designs, it seems as if there’s no end to the variety of luxury watches. But every watch can be categorised into one of the following categories:

  • Quartz - A battery powers the movement, prompting the second hand to move in individual ticks.
  • Mechanical - The watch must be manually wound to cause the second hand to move in a sweeping motion. 
  • Automatic - Kinetic energy from the wearer’s wrist powers the movement to drive the mechanism in the watch

As you might guess, mechanical movements have been around the longest, followed by automatic movements and then, more recently, quartz. Although quartz movements may seem most practical, automatic watches hold the spot for most popular in today’s market.

How do Quartz Watches Work?

In 1969, Japanese-based Seiko introduced the revolutionary quartz movement, which kick-started an era of battery-powered wristwatches. From utilitarian to luxury, battery-powered watches were everywhere in the 1970s and 80s.

Here’s how the quartz movement works. The battery sends an electrical signal through a piece of crystal quartz, causing it to vibrate 32,768 times per second. The vibrations create a precise frequency, which is measured by the circuit and converted into a single pulse each second. This pulse moves the watch hands with precision.

How do Mechanical (and Automatic) Watches Work?

The mechanical movement seems incredibly intricate. Still, if you strip away the complications, you’ll find the same basic structure in every mechanical watch: a mainspring powering a going gear train, which is regulated by an escapement.

Instead of being powered by a battery, mechanical watches use energy from the wound mainspring. As it slowly unwinds, the spring transfers energy to various gears and springs, powering functions such as the watch hands and complications.

Automatic watches work much like mechanical watches, but they have a metal part called a rotor, which rotates freely and is connected to the movement. With every action of the wearer’s wrist, the rotor spins and transfers energy to the mainspring. As a result, the mainspring is automatically wound.

Important Terminology

As you learn about luxury watches, you may encounter new terms. Here are a few of the most common and helpful.

Watch-Illustration_Post-image-4

 

Bezel - The bezel holds the dial-side crystal in place. It may be screwed or snapped onto the watch’s case. Some luxury watches feature bezels that rotate to record elapsed time.

Bracelet - A bracelet is a flexible metal band that keeps the watch strapped to the wearer’s wrist.

Chronometer - Today, this term applies to watches that satisfy the requirements of the international standard ISO 3159/DIN 8319. Most enthusiasts agree that the name is only used for watches that have been evaluated by independent testing organisations, such as the Swiss Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC).

Crown - The crown protrudes from the side of the case and is used to wind the watch, set complications and protect the movement.  

Crystal - The crystal is the clear covering over the dial. Crystals are often made from scratch-resistant sapphire, but they may also be made from mineral glass or even plastic.

Dial - The dial is the visual interface to the watch. It may display a variety of information, including time and date.

Lugs - These metal bars connect the case to the bracelet or strap.

Strap - A strap is a thin band of leather, rubber or fabric that keeps the watch strapped to the wearer’s wrist.

Subdial - A subdial is a smaller dial on the main dial that displays additional information, such as a chronograph’s recorded time.

Connecting with Your Jeweller or WatchMaker

When you purchase your first luxury watch, ask plenty of questions. Your jeweller or watchmaker should be happy to answer queries and help you find the perfect watch for you. 

Like any mechanical object, a luxury watch requires maintenance from time to time. Ask your jeweller about the specific needs of your timepiece. As a general rule, take your watch in for a check-up every three to five years for upkeep. If you notice something wrong at any time, don’t hesitate to get it checked. In many cases, a simple adjustment can return it to its former glory.

Insure Your Luxury Watch

Protect your luxury watches with Q Report watch insurance. If the unexpected happens, you’ll be able to repair or replace it, even if you were travelling outside the country when the incident occurred.

We love luxury watches as you do, and we aim to keep yours safe.

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Purchase Amount

To get an accurate insurance quote, please provide the amount from your purchase receipt.

Don't have the receipt?

If you don't have the receipt, you can provide the most recent valuation amount instead.

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A luxury watch does more than tell time. It reveals your personality, conveys an appreciation for technology and enhances your appearance. Today’s premier timepieces rely on the ingenious inventions of the past while incorporating space-age materials and eco-friendly manufacturing processes.

But do you understand your luxury watch as well as you’d like to? Timepiece enthusiasts agree that the more you learn, the more you love. From mechanics to complications, let’s look at the basics of your luxury watch.

Types of Luxury Watches

A day at Baselworld is enough to make your head spin. With so many intricate complications and designs, it seems as if there’s no end to the variety of luxury watches. But every watch can be categorised into one of the following categories:

  • Quartz - A battery powers the movement, prompting the second hand to move in individual ticks.
  • Mechanical - The watch must be manually wound to cause the second hand to move in a sweeping motion. 
  • Automatic - Kinetic energy from the wearer’s wrist powers the movement to drive the mechanism in the watch

As you might guess, mechanical movements have been around the longest, followed by automatic movements and then, more recently, quartz. Although quartz movements may seem most practical, automatic watches hold the spot for most popular in today’s market.

How do Quartz Watches Work?

In 1969, Japanese-based Seiko introduced the revolutionary quartz movement, which kick-started an era of battery-powered wristwatches. From utilitarian to luxury, battery-powered watches were everywhere in the 1970s and 80s.

Here’s how the quartz movement works. The battery sends an electrical signal through a piece of crystal quartz, causing it to vibrate 32,768 times per second. The vibrations create a precise frequency, which is measured by the circuit and converted into a single pulse each second. This pulse moves the watch hands with precision.

How do Mechanical (and Automatic) Watches Work?

The mechanical movement seems incredibly intricate. Still, if you strip away the complications, you’ll find the same basic structure in every mechanical watch: a mainspring powering a going gear train, which is regulated by an escapement.

Instead of being powered by a battery, mechanical watches use energy from the wound mainspring. As it slowly unwinds, the spring transfers energy to various gears and springs, powering functions such as the watch hands and complications.

Automatic watches work much like mechanical watches, but they have a metal part called a rotor, which rotates freely and is connected to the movement. With every action of the wearer’s wrist, the rotor spins and transfers energy to the mainspring. As a result, the mainspring is automatically wound.

Important Terminology

As you learn about luxury watches, you may encounter new terms. Here are a few of the most common and helpful.

Watch-Illustration_Post-image-4

 

Bezel - The bezel holds the dial-side crystal in place. It may be screwed or snapped onto the watch’s case. Some luxury watches feature bezels that rotate to record elapsed time.

Bracelet - A bracelet is a flexible metal band that keeps the watch strapped to the wearer’s wrist.

Chronometer - Today, this term applies to watches that satisfy the requirements of the international standard ISO 3159/DIN 8319. Most enthusiasts agree that the name is only used for watches that have been evaluated by independent testing organisations, such as the Swiss Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC).

Crown - The crown protrudes from the side of the case and is used to wind the watch, set complications and protect the movement.  

Crystal - The crystal is the clear covering over the dial. Crystals are often made from scratch-resistant sapphire, but they may also be made from mineral glass or even plastic.

Dial - The dial is the visual interface to the watch. It may display a variety of information, including time and date.

Lugs - These metal bars connect the case to the bracelet or strap.

Strap - A strap is a thin band of leather, rubber or fabric that keeps the watch strapped to the wearer’s wrist.

Subdial - A subdial is a smaller dial on the main dial that displays additional information, such as a chronograph’s recorded time.

Connecting with Your Jeweller or WatchMaker

When you purchase your first luxury watch, ask plenty of questions. Your jeweller or watchmaker should be happy to answer queries and help you find the perfect watch for you. 

Like any mechanical object, a luxury watch requires maintenance from time to time. Ask your jeweller about the specific needs of your timepiece. As a general rule, take your watch in for a check-up every three to five years for upkeep. If you notice something wrong at any time, don’t hesitate to get it checked. In many cases, a simple adjustment can return it to its former glory.

Insure Your Luxury Watch

Protect your luxury watches with Q Report watch insurance. If the unexpected happens, you’ll be able to repair or replace it, even if you were travelling outside the country when the incident occurred.

We love luxury watches as you do, and we aim to keep yours safe.

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Understanding the 4 Cs of Diamonds
Diamond Shapes
Choosing a Ring Style
Selecting a Ring Retailer

Understanding Mechanical Movements

Rolex-super-precision

Unlike their battery-powered quartz counterparts, luxury watches have a beating heart – the mechanical movement. First created in the 14th century, large, weight-driven tower clocks with verge escapements and foliot balances marked the dawn of mechanical timekeeping.

Today, the core concept of mechanical movements remains unchanged from its original conception. It involves an intricate arrangement of gears, springs, and an escapement powered by a wound mainspring. This precision engineering allows for smooth operation and precise timekeeping.

Manual watch movements require the wearer to wind the crown periodically. Automatic watch movements, on the other hand, utilise the wearer's movements to keep the mainspring wound, offering a convenient everyday solution.

The Patek Philippe Calatrava, with its ultra-thin manual movement, exemplifies the elegance of traditional watchmaking. On the other hand, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, with its self-winding mechanism epitomises practicality and durability.

Whether manual or automatic, a mechanical movement imbues a luxury watch with a soul, a testament to human ingenuity and a treasured heirloom for generations to come

Luxury Watch Complications: Exploring Hidden Features & Functionality

Luxury watches often boast 'complications,' intricate mechanisms that add layers of sophistication, style and utility. Here, we explore some of the most fascinating complications created by the best luxury watch brands.

Statistic Heading

Rolex-super-precision

Unlike their battery-powered quartz counterparts, luxury watches have a beating heart – the mechanical movement. First created in the 14th century, large, weight-driven tower clocks with verge escapements and foliot balances marked the dawn of mechanical timekeeping.

Today, the core concept of mechanical movements remains unchanged from its original conception. It involves an intricate arrangement of gears, springs, and an escapement powered by a wound mainspring. This precision engineering allows for smooth operation and precise timekeeping.

Manual watch movements require the wearer to wind the crown periodically. Automatic watch movements, on the other hand, utilise the wearer's movements to keep the mainspring wound, offering a convenient everyday solution.

The Patek Philippe Calatrava, with its ultra-thin manual movement, exemplifies the elegance of traditional watchmaking. On the other hand, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, with its self-winding mechanism epitomises practicality and durability.

Whether manual or automatic, a mechanical movement imbues a luxury watch with a soul, a testament to human ingenuity and a treasured heirloom for generations to come

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Common Diamond Alternatives
for Engagement Rings

Tanzanite

Contents insurance is essential for anyone who owns valuable items, as it helps protect you should a potential loss occur in your.

Aquamarine

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Sapphire

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Luxury Watch Complications: Exploring Hidden Features & Functionality

Luxury watches often boast 'complications,' intricate mechanisms that add layers of sophistication, style and utility. Here, we explore some of the most fascinating complications created by the best luxury watch brands.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

“Knowing your engagement ring is insured brings peace of mind. Accidents can happen, and insurance coverage alleviates the worry and stress of potential loss or damage.”

Unlike their battery-powered quartz counterparts, luxury watches have a beating heart – the mechanical movement. First created in the 14th century, large, weight-driven tower clocks with verge escapements and foliot balances marked the dawn of mechanical timekeeping.

Today, the core concept of mechanical movements remains unchanged from its original conception. It involves an intricate arrangement of gears, springs, and an escapement powered by a wound mainspring. This precision engineering allows for smooth operation and precise timekeeping.

Manual watch movements require the wearer to wind the crown periodically. Automatic watch movements, on the other hand, utilise the wearer's movements to keep the mainspring wound, offering a convenient everyday solution.

The Patek Philippe Calatrava, with its ultra-thin manual movement, exemplifies the elegance of traditional watchmaking. On the other hand, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, with its self-winding mechanism epitomises practicality and durability.

Whether manual or automatic, a mechanical movement imbues a luxury watch with a soul, a testament to human ingenuity and a treasured heirloom for generations to come

Export
Expert Tip

Budget Considerations

Diamond shapes can vary in price due to popularity and demand. Round brilliants, for example, tend to be more expensive than other shapes due to their high demand. If budget is a concern, consider alternative shapes or prioritise other aspects, such as cut quality, over the shape itself.

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Amet minim mollit non deserunt ullamco est sit aliqua dolor do amet sint. Velit officia consequat duis enim velit mollit. Exercitation veniam consequat sunt nostrud amet.

Amet minim mollit non deserunt ullamco est sit aliqua dolor do amet sint. Velit officia consequat duis enim velit mollit. Exercitation veniam consequat sunt nostrud amet.

Jewellery Insurance FAQ

Contents insurance covers the items within your home in case they are damaged, lost or stolen. This can include furniture, electronics, clothing and other personal.  Contents insurance is essential for anyone who owns valuable items, as it helps protect you should a potential loss occur in your.

Contents insurance covers the items within your home in case they are damaged, lost or stolen. This can include furniture, electronics, clothing and other personal.  Contents insurance is essential for anyone who owns valuable items, as it helps protect you should a potential loss occur in your.
Home Security Fortification

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised.

Travel Savvy

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised.

Social Media Caution

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised.

Regular Valuations

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised.

bulb
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Contents insurance is essential for anyone who owns valuable items, as it helps protect you should a potential loss occur in your.

Luxury Watch Complications: Exploring Hidden Features & Functionality

Luxury watches often boast 'complications,' intricate mechanisms that add layers of sophistication, style and utility. Here, we explore some of the most fascinating complications created by the best luxury watch brands.

Home Security Fortification

Contents insurance covers the items within your home in case they are damaged, lost or stolen. This can include furniture, electronics, clothing and other personal.  Contents insurance is essential for anyone who owns valuable items, as it helps protect you should a potential loss occur in your.

Purchase Amount

To get an accurate insurance quote, please provide the amount from your purchase receipt.

Don't have the receipt?

If you don't have the receipt, you can provide the most recent valuation amount instead.

OK

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