In the world of luxury watches, many have seen small jewels embedded in the movement. The prestigious German watch brand **Hermle** is no exception. In their perpetual calendar and chronograph models, more than 10 rubies sparkle among the precision gears. So why do Hermle watches use jewels?
This article will take a closer look at the role that gemstones play, their value, and what watch enthusiasts should pay attention to.
1. Jewels are functional parts, not decorations
The jewels used in Hermle watches are mainly rubies and sapphires , which play an important role in reducing friction inside the watch and maintaining its accuracy.
Main locations
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Bearings (jewel bearings) : Support the rotation of the gears
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Pallet forks : smooth escapement movement
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Rotor and oscillator fulcrum : stabilizes the center of vibration
Gemstones are resistant to wear and tear and do not deform or deteriorate even after prolonged use.
2. Four roles played by gemstones
(1) Prevent wear
Friction between metals can wear down the gears and affect the accuracy of the watch, but jewels are extremely hard, minimizing friction between the shaft and gears.
(2) Improved accuracy
The reduced friction allows the gears to rotate smoothly, which is one of the reasons why Hermle watches are so highly accurate .
(3) Long-lasting lubrication effect
The jeweled surface retains oil better, extending lubrication life, which means longer intervals between maintenance and consistent operation during everyday use.
(4) Aesthetic value
The red ruby sparkles in the light within the precision mechanism of the movement, and for watch enthusiasts, the beauty of a moving ruby is also part of the joy of owning one .
3. The number of jewels and the quality of Hermle's watches
A typical mechanical watch has around 15 to 25 jewels , while more complex models may have more than 30. Hermle's perpetual calendar and Astrolabium models use more than 11 rubies , ensuring both precision and durability.
The more jewels there are, the more "luxury" and "precise" the watch appears to be, but the key to quality is actually where they are placed . Hermle achieves high reliability by precisely placing jewels in key areas that are prone to wear.
4. Summary: Jewels combine precision and beauty
The jewels used in Hermle watches are not merely decorative, but are important components that support the precision, durability, and beauty of the watch. Rubies and sapphires prevent wear, improve lubrication, and ensure the smooth rotation of gears. Furthermore, their beautiful brilliance increases the value of the watch and doubles the joy of owning it.
When choosing a luxury watch, pay attention not only to the case and design, but also to the jewels inside the movement. It is these little touches that make a Hermle watch a reliable watch, providing precision and beauty for many years to come.
💡Points
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Jewels fulfill four roles: preventing wear, improving precision, maintaining lubrication, and providing aesthetic value.
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Accurate placement in key areas is the key to watch quality
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The joy of ownership comes from the combination of functionality and design
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