Generally speaking, the escapement is a device that regulates the delivery of power to the rest of the movement. Common escapements found in mechanical watches include verge , cylinder , duplex , chronometer and lever varieties. The most common movement on the market today, however, is the quartz movement. The train is the set of gears that translates the power delivered from the escapement into accurate movement of the hands of the watch. Once you've become familiar with a watch's movement, consider its case.
Pocket watches and wristwatches come in a wide variety of shapes, styles and materials.
The materials used in the manufacture of the case provide a substantial indicator of the watch's overall value. Basic wristwatch styles include round, square, rectangular, tonneau, octagonal and asymmetrical models. A gold, self-winding skeletonized calendar wristwatch by Audemars Piguet, c. 1992. A fine watch is more than just a pretty face. Quality and craftsmanship cannot always be seen, and it is important to know the watchmaker's reputation.