Watch Jewel Basics - Watch and Learn #3

In today's Watch and Learn video, we cover the basics of watch jewels. What does the number of jewels in a watch mean? What is a jewel? What are the various types? Why are they important?
A 17 jewel watch has bearings from the balance wheel to the center wheel pivot bearings jeweled, therefore considered a 'fully jeweled' watch. 19 - 21 jewel watches are typically higher grade. To minimize positional error, capstones are added to the lever and escape wheel bearings, making 21 jewels. A 17 jewel watch looks the same as a 21 jewel watch to the naked eye, because the additional jewels are usually all cap jewels at the top and bottom of two of the wheels. The balance wheel pivots were the first mechanism to be jeweled in watches, followed by the escapement. As more jeweled bearings were added, they were applied to slower moving wheels. Prior to WWII, a 15 jewel watch was considered "fully jeweled." In the post-WWII era, a fully-jeweled watch was often defined as having at least 17 - jewels.
Watch this video and you will understand the basics of watch jewels!
longislandwatch.com/

[@WeibenWang]

I know what jewels are, and what they are for, but nobody bothers to show them to you close up. So thank you for this! Lo these years later.

[@wongjefx980]

Really informative. Gives enthusiasts beginning collecting and horology a start.

[@islandwatch]

Yes, trying!

[@claudiogobber]

true

[@jfdomega7938]

Another excellent video' thanks mark for these, I really do enjoy them. 🙂👍🏽

[@user-ck4me6co7r]

لوسمحتم ترجمه للعربي مع الشكر arpik plies

[@exothermal.sprocket]

As someone who works in mechanical engineering, good job, Mark. This sort of thing is in my mental world.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks. Was gonna bust out some phase change curves for the working fluid :)

[@demetriobarrera2671]

Do you know anything about Sergio 2 watches

[@poconoboss]

Very enlightening, I never knew the purpose of the jewels. Thanks for the great videos!

[@islandwatch]

That's what I like to hear!

[@DrUmRbOy67]

@@islandwatch Hey Mark...is a basic 7 jewel skeleton watch with no day/date feature or anything fancy dependable enough to keep accurate time in your opinion?The watch is a brand name called "Gute".

[@michaelescay1260]

just starting to read and learn about watches. Your videos are both entertaining and informative. Thanks for putting these all together

[@islandwatch]

Thanks. Glad the work pays off.

[@bigbikerjohn64]

I love these behind the working videos Mark! As an engineer at heart/blood; I truly appreciated seeing this. Great work! 👍

[@Mengelaus]

That was so informative Mark, thank you so much for your effort. Can't wait for the next episodes, please don't stop!

[@alexabney7913]

This mechanical stuff is really reeling me in. I wanted to work with cars but I’ve always loved and pursued art that was expressed at tiny scale. I have detailed drawings only 1cm at farthest points, in 8th grade I used needle tip tweezers to make a fully functional cootie catcher that was only 5x5mm. I’ve always loved precision in small scale stuff

[@v4854]

Post

[@islandwatch]

I love doing intro's twice!

[@frankjaeger5221]

I got a question: instead of rubies why watchmakers doesn't use nylon/teflon pieces which have a very low friction coefficient?

[@islandwatch]

Wear wear wear! The rotation of the gear would wear out the nylon/teflon/delrin/etc pretty quickly.

[@tomasinacovell4293]

When it's nearly full wound it will stop rotating under its own weight, but to actually wind them up efficiently you'll need to rotate the whole watch on the rotors rotational axis like you see it turning around in, about 50'ish times in both directions each so as to give it even wear. And until the grease dries out too much and the movement needs a COA what Benjamin Castro said is correctamundo!

[@gregbernstein1378]

Long Island Watch
Thank you for the informative videos.
What is a saphire "coated" crystal (my watch: 2017 Wenger Heritage Attitude). Pros & cons?

[@keithmillard2527]

Ruby and sapphire are two chemical variations of a mineral called corundum. Corundum is the 2nd hardest mineral after diamond. Synthetic corundum is used for watch jewels, and it is also used in carborundum sand paper and grinding wheels. Because it is so hard and resistant to wear, and costs less than diamonds (even synthetic), it is perfect for watch "bearings". Hope this helps! 👍

[@munawarhussain9859]

very very good video ... very informative .
I acutely put this question on quite a few watch forums not quite getting a proper answers you have answered my question in full thank you .

[@Sparks52]

Well done explanation about jeweling, including a basic intro on shock protection . . . the bane of pocket watches from their inception into the early 20th century . . . suffering from broken balance staffs if the watch was dropped or suffered a hard knock.

[@officialandproper]

Thanks for the informative video! Love the "Watch and Learn" series - always a pleasure, and I usually learn something new!

[@Batman7593]

Love it - easy to understand clear concise education! Thank you for your taking the time to do this sir!

[@LN_06]

Thank you SO MUCH for this awesome video, Mark! Clears up a lot of confusion for me. I've been wondering for so long what the jewel count meant. This channel is great, keep it up!

[@jeffreyoneill6439]

I always wondered how jewels dealt with the end play. I now just saw in your video a shouldered axle which would also rest on the jewel. How simple, and simple of me to not have thought of it. Thank you for solving one of those little mysteries of life.

[@shariarrahman7562]

This video series is why I will buy watches from you whenever possible.

[@islandwatch]

Thank you.

[@roygardiner2229]

This was so informative. Without doubt I shall be watching these videos again and again! Now on to the next in the series!

[@leonidaslantz5249]

Thank you for sharing all this information with newbies such as I. Your channel is as awesome as your watches and customer service.

[@Br0ns0n]

Great information. Love the Watch & Learn series. Thank you for educating us.

[@christianabela6405]

you, sir, are an amazing resource for enthusiasts like myself. Thanks and great job.

[@zepp3lin]

You put up this video about 3 years ago and I just learned something new today about Jewels in watches after about 20 years owning an Automatic Watch.....LOL...

[@thomasm5714]

This explanatory video is a real gem. Thanks!

[@jfrschnell]

recently trying to learn more how watches are made and found your channel. I can't afford mechanical watches (or maybe looking in the wrong places :D ) but those are my favorites and I try to learn as much as I can related to them. Your videos are part of my learning! Thanks a lot.

[@thewatchman8622]

I appreciate the effort you put in to make this video. Great content. Keep up the good work.

[@HeadshotZod]

Great video as always. I just picked a few “1 jewel” watch movements from the late 50’s or so.

[@ttbmg]

Thank you for your expertise and demonstrations. Just getting into watches and I am slowly going down the rabbit hole. it's okay though, because of your channel I am learning about the beautiful functional art of watchmaking . Thank you.

[@Dimma69]

I already had a fairly good understanding of the subject but man you explain things brilliantly.

[@DrRich-mw4hu]

Thank you Mark, very well presented & informative as always! 👍👍👀

[@paredair]

Excellent info - I admire your strong working knowledge on watch movements!

[@alexlamas6324]

Thanks for these Watch & Lerners videos. For a newcomer to the watch scene like me, its valuable information.

[@landov1412]

excellent video Mark. Enjoyed every bit and also learned tons! -from a fellow EE. Love the close up shots of the jewels! shared. Thanks!

[@ajtronic]

I love that you're doing this.

[@islandwatch]

Thank you. It's quite entertaining.

[@theimmovablepetbowl7916]

Great video. Very informative and well done. Your descriptions are great and easy to follow. Great teacher!

[@raymondmalone9721]

Fascinating video Mark , keep up the good work.

[@islandwatch]

Thank you!

[@CrepitusRex]

Love the watch and learn videos. Keep up the good work.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks.

[@ilyaibragimov6255]

Was really looking forward to this eoisode. Didn't disappoint, thank you Marc.

[@manafon5398]

Awesome Video, just bought a vintage Seiko Sportsmatic 5 (1964) of 21 jewels and I had no idea what those jewels were for. thanks a lot for the information ! Suscribed !

[@islandwatch]

Thanks!

[@emanueldefreitas9503]

Brilliant video, really enjoyed the way you explained things and your honesty.

[@daniellimlim458]

Tq very much for sharing this video and great explanation on what the jewels are for. You really shed lights to my questions....and i come to learned from you about mechanical watches jewels. A big thank you again.

[@getoffmylawn8986]

Amazingly informative. Thanks Mark!

[@brotendo]

Such great info. Nice to go back and watch these.

[@a_lucientes]

Thank you for the most concise explanation of this Ive seen on YT! Now it makes sense.

[@pltorok0515]

Mark, outstanding video! Thank you for posting it!

[@islandwatch]

Appreciate it.

[@auburnsenn2040]

A great demonstration, just live the simplicity in explanation to a beginner like myself. Keep up the good work...

[@penelopehunt2371]

Brilliance of this engineering

[@arjunmoutou8061]

This is an amazing video. I've learned so much from your last 2 videos and this one. Thank you so much for making this series of watch and learn videos.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for watching.

[@AkiraTano]

What a neat episode. Enjoyed it a lot. Thanks again, Mark.

[@islandwatch]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed.

[@bigpizzapie]

Thanks for the video. Keep them coming. Very informative.

[@toddfrans1492]

Just getting into this watch care and watch purchasing....came across your videos....very informative...very interesting...love the detail of your video explanation...thanks for taking the TIME.....

[@815AR]

Knowledge is power. Thank You.

[@onsam]

Thank you. Thank you so much for this great video. This was very informative. And thanks to TGV for promoting your channel.

[@islandwatch]

Yes, thank you! TGV!!!!!

[@ianbutler1983]

Fascinating. Thanks, you answered many questions.

[@Malcolm1959]

Enjoying these watch and learns, thanks for your time Mark....

[@islandwatch]

Thank you for "watch"-ing.

[@lyndon6511]

Wow! this is amazing Marc. Very informative video. Keep educating us about the watch world!

[@islandwatch]

Trying!

[@manuelferreira1363]

Great video....like being in a classroom. Thank you!

[@fiberman45]

Hey Mark, outstanding video! I really enjoyed this....

[@philipgregorysougles1744]

Thank you for this very informative video!! Greetings from Greece

[@jonathancarr824]

Thanks Mark! Great educational video.

[@evilD0ER01]

Fantastic video. Thank you for explaining it

[@zHumanfactor]

Thanks Marc for doing these Watch & Learns.

[@aironeyem]

keep up this series! really good and informative video

[@CountryLifeChannel]

amazing, absolutely fascinating thank you fir doing these video

[@JBFire97]

Great series, thank you.

[@itsKibbleTalksWatches]

Great video Mark!!

[@islandwatch]

Thanks!

[@Shinta0SaINt]

Great Video Mark, I'v always wondered about the relevance of jewels. Thank you for your knowledge and patience to share it! Regards Shane (Trinidad)

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for watching!

[@mistermynini]

Very interesting!! Love my auto Oris watch but knowing all this makes it so much more special!

[@islandwatch]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@michaelescay1260]

great episode in this very helpful series. just a suggestion, maybe an episode on periodic watch maintenance

[@islandwatch]

Michael Escay Sure, thanks!

[@yhgaryxu]

Incredibly refreshing!

[@Themcpressure]

Great Video! Thanks for a very informative and interesting video.

[@jami7772]

I always wondered what the function of a jewel was. Thanks Mark, question answered eloquently .

[@islandwatch]

Thank you, and maybe a bit long-winded :)

[@cjm0125]

Another great watch and learn. Well done.

[@mikescudder4621]

Great explanation and demonstration thanks!

[@davew1337]

Thanks for your great videos mark!

[@sirlonewolf816]

You are a very good teacher, thank you.

[@jorgedaniel9656]

I have a Swatch quartz watch with 4 jewels, good to know it's a nice quality quartz, it's served me perfectly for 3 years

[@Daviddome]

Hi Marc...thanks SO much for sharing your love of watches with us... I bought a Seiko SNZG15J1 5 watch with a J code ( JAPAN) and investigated if it's a good or not good watch and found your reviews and lessons . I wondered what jewels were and now I know... just tonight I have watched about 10 of your videos .... 2 weeks ago I couldn't care less about watches ... but for some reason I am now intrigued. It's easy to see how people can love the subject . So, thanks again...you're a natural teacher ...I'm very grateful for you time (pun intended ) .

[@islandwatch]

Thanks David!

[@Claus-L.Mueller]

Again a very informative video! Thanks, Marc!

[@R0zDev]

Very informative great explanation. Thank you.

[@stuartbrown25]

great video,you learn something new each day.....

[@craik26]

Very useful and educative content!! Keep it up Mark! I'm a fan already!

[@islandwatch]

Great! Thank you

[@adrianbirkett594]

Hi Mark, just came across your channel and liked and subscribed. 👍. Excellent demo, great micro shots. It always amazes me how a scrap watch still wants to work!!!. Sometimes I will pop that cap jewel out from the balance and clean and oil it, it can improve the performance of a watch. Like you I have shaky hands and as you know jewels will fly!!!😭. So super careful needed. Thanks again. Adrian 🍀.

[@MalintheSamarakoon]

One of the best series on RUclips. Really enjoying it. Keep it up!

[@islandwatch]

Thank you.

[@butcherbakercandlestickmak2062]

Thanks for all the time & effort that you put into your graphic explanations, much appreciated!...was also wondering are all jewels removed when servicing as I understand some are fixed in place with shellac/other semi permanent adhesives & wondered how this works?
Keep up the good work!

[@MrMuradski]

Incredible. Cheers, Mark!

[@chrisbee9164]

Working my Way through your videos and this one has been fascinating

[@cornycogwheels]

I just found your channel and I love it! Huge analog wrist watch enthusiast here and this video has been o helpful. The information overload was what pushed me to subscribe to your channel xD

[@islandwatch]

Thanks!

[@bernicekemp953]

Thank you very much .... This was Excellent!!!!

[@islandwatch]

Thanks!

[@Hobby-zn7ce]

Exceptional video, thanks.

[@jomuel4725]

Love the video!!! Very informative, very good!!

[@TroyRuby]

Super interesting! Thanks, Marc!

[@01cthompson]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@JuanKis]

Thank your for the video! I have been reading and hearing about jewels but I didn't for what the jewels are. Now I know! Thanks a lot!

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for watching.

[@RenzoMonster]

Thanks for "WATCHing" , very funny pun there!

[@rogexpo9430]

Never knew fewer jewels could be better but it makes sense. Thanks

[@musaziz1948]

Very interesting info. Thanks for sharing.

[@strebis6]

Wow the intricacies of a watch.
Nice video.

[@billyhk6286]

Really informative video, learnt a lot. Thanks very much Mark!

[@islandwatch]

Thank you.

[@3fingerroll]

really enjoying these videos

[@islandwatch]

Glad you hear it.

[@erkekliefrayim3691]

Really interesting.Thank you very much!

[@islandwatch]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@commandZee]

Thanks! Another informative video. What about a trouble shooting video on common mechanical watch issues, their tell tale signs, what's the cause internally, and how to address them?

[@islandwatch]

Sounds like a great idea!

[@antex87]

enjoyed the video. very helpful insightful done with a side of general info. awsome. keep up the good work !!

[@islandwatch]

Thanks!