The pocket watch was one of the most popular gadgets of its age. Introduced in the early sixteenth century, timepieces were luxury items that were only owned by men of means. When one was lost or stolen, their owners would actually post reward notices in their local newspapers. These watches were made by trained artisans who spent most of their waking hours working with watches. The watch and clock industry was largely responsible for the growth of several European cities.
Switzerland has been home to the world’s most accomplished watchmakers since the middle of the sixteenth century. The Swiss city of Geneva became a magnet for horologists everywhere after the first watchmaker’s guild was established there in 1601. The growing town was later known as “a city of watchmakers.” At its peak, watch shops from Geneva shipped over 60,000 handcrafted timepieces each year. And that was before the Industrial Revolution!
The global watch industry remained almost unchanged for over three centuries. Sure, machines were used to do some of the work. But mechanical watches were still worked on by expert horologist until the early 1970s. These timepieces had gears, cogs and springs that had to be properly calibrated. Then the Quartz Revolution changed everything.
These electronic watches were no longer made by hand, but rather by machines, which meant that they could be mass produced for a fraction of the price. In just a few years, most of the world’s top mechanical watchmakers had thrown in the towel and moved on to something else. The watch industry has been surprisingly stable since then. The mature market posts solids, but unimpressive growth most years. Part of the problem is that most of the top players have been making watches for decades. In other words, the industry desperately needs new blood. It needs ambitious, young watchmakers who aren’t satisfied with the status quo. Enter Android Watches.
For obvious reasons, potential for growth is extremely important to all new companies. That is why most business owners are attracted to emerging markets, rather than mature ones. A mature market is not only much harder to enter, since there are generally only a few key players and they are firmly established, but it also offers less room for growth. Why then would anyone want to start making watches?
Android Watches was founded in 1991 by a visionary watch designer by the name of Wing Liang. Though it might seem like a long time, two decades is but a blink in the watch industry, and Android is still considered the new kid on the block. They have, however, earned a reputation for high-quality timepieces that defy convention when it comes to design. Their futuristic electronic and mechanical watches are like nothing we have ever seen.
Android has built a stellar reputation for several reasons. For one thing, their timepieces are extremely well made. Many of them are assembled by hand by experienced artisans and each model is original and inimitable. They don’t look anything like other watches, no matter who makes them. Let us take a moment to review two of their most popular models.
Android Alien
The Alien has been one of Android’s best selling models since it was introduced. With its polished silver case and twin watch dials that look like eyes, the Alien really does resemble an extraterrestrial. Powered by Japanese quartz movement, it is one of their most durable and reliable watches. Both watch dials are protected by scratch-resistant mineral crystal watch covers, and the watch case and bracelet are made of stainless steel. The Android Alien is one of the most striking watches we have ever seen, which makes it is popular conversation piece. It is also water resistant in up to 330 feet (100 meters) of water.
Android Mystique Skeleton
The skeleton dial design is extremely popular for automatic watches, since they have moving parts. This dial is partially open, so observers can see all of the spinning cogs, gears and wheels that power the timepiece. Few new watchmakers offer automatic models because they are more expensive to manufacture than electronic models. But mechanical timepieces are also more durable and much easier to repair than digital timepieces. As a result, they are often passed from parent to child over several generations. If properly cared for, a quality automatic watch can last for centuries.
With its gold-tone inner mechanics and its genuine alligator skin watchband, the Android Mystique is often marketed as a luxury model. But the timepiece is also more rugged than most high-end wristwatches. It has a water resistance of 100 meters (330 feet) and luminous white watch hands that can be clearly seen in low light conditions .
Android Watches are sold online and at select stores across the country. Take a moment to browse their offerings and find your favorite models now.
Kevin Williams is a freelance writer who writes about jewelry, watches and specific brands like Android Watches.
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