Notes on Clocks (Part 2)

Wu Jingao

07

People’s pursuit of perfect watches never stops.

That Zhongshan watch must have been used for a long time, and the time became increasingly inaccurate. Sometimes it could be off by two or three minutes a day, so I had to pull out the "key" (that is, the watch crown) every day. Called the crown), set the pointer. When I asked a watch repairman on the street, I was told that I need to apply oil for maintenance and adjust the hairspring in the movement. After I carefully watched the whole process of how he adjusted the hairspring on the spot, I thought it was very simple. Later, when the watch became obviously faster and slower again, I unscrewed the back cover myself and used a sewing needle to carefully stir up the tiny movement that controls the amplitude of the hairspring. The rod, after repeated debugging, really works. At that time, I thought, how easy it is to make money by repairing watches.

My later Shanghai watch also had shortcomings. The protection of the glass cover is very annoying. At that time, it was basically made of plexiglass. If it was slightly touched or scratched, there would be obvious scratches on the surface, which was certainly uncomfortable to look at. If it is not heavy, you can wipe it with a soft cloth dipped in toothpaste, and it seems to have some improvement; more obviously, you can have the watch repairman "polishing" it, that is, press the glass surface of the watch against the soft bristle wheel of the professional device, and use your hands to polish it. Turn the wheel, and the rapid rotation will produce a very "soft" scratch. After a while, the scratches can be removed and the brightness will be increased; if the scratch is too severe, the watch cover must be replaced. In addition, it is very inconvenient to tell the time at night and in the dark. I always think that it would be great if the watch had a "luminous glow" like Chairman Mao's badge in the past, so that it could be seen under the quilt. What was quite troublesome was "winding up". At that time, domestic mechanical watches were usually fully wound and could run continuously for about 24 hours, but they often forgot to "wound up" and it was easy to make mistakes. Also, people who work often get confused about the day and the day. I wonder if the date and day of the week can also be displayed on the watch?

These problems seemed to be solved overnight. In 1993, the school accountant Yan wore a double lion watch that was very high-end and became popular at the time. It was imported from Japan and fully automatic. It was said that there were two spring discs in the movement, one for escapement and the other for complementing each other. Just push it once, which ensures that the clock will continue to drive, the hands will not stop, it will still be luminous, and it will also display the calendar and day of the week. Basically all the indicators of an ideal watch are present.

In 1995, after using two simple electronic and off-brand mechanical "transitional" watches and realizing that "first-class price, first-class product", I bought a watch that was as famous as the Double Lion watch at the time. The Citizen fully automatic mechanical watch is also Made in Japan.

I thought this Citizen watch was really good at the time: it had a square black dial, golden scales, and red logo embellishments, and it felt elegant but not vulgar; It is also very convenient and fully automatic. As long as it shakes when worn on the hand, it will not stop for any 24 hours. The running time is also accurate, and the speed will not exceed 15 seconds at the beginning of the day. It is also luminous, so you can wake up in the middle of the night or watch a movie in the theater. , you can tell what time it is by raising your wrist; it's also waterproof, so it won't hinder your washing and washing. I didn't take it off even when I went to the swimming pool or bathhouse.

I had worn the watch for a year or two. When I took it off to adjust the calendar, I accidentally dropped it on the floor tiles. The mechanism was intact, but a corner of the cover glass was slightly broken, although it did not affect the time. , but it always looks uncomfortable. Let’s replace the glass. At that time, I didn’t know that I had to go to a regular watch shop, so I just wanted to save time and effort, so I casually found a stall for “finishing clocks” on the street: a table with drawers, surrounded by glass or glass in front, on both sides and on the top. Transparent plastic film, the "semi-enclosed" kind. The people were very polite, and the glass cover was replaced immediately, and it wasn't too expensive. But when I got home and took a closer look, I found glue oozing out from the dial inside the glass. It was an obvious flaw. I asked about it, and the answer was "inevitable," so I had to admit it.

Gradually, I learned that for watch repair, especially for branded watches, it is best to go to the first-level formal shopping malls in Nanjing and Huai'an City. There are special brand watch repair shops there with professional technology, reliable quality and low prices. typical. What I was looking for was a small individual stall. Not to mention anything else, the location of the stall was really not that good - it was almost "hiding" on the edge of the public toilet next to a bank in the county. Guidance, if you don't look around, you won't find it at all, and you won't believe that that place can be related to sophisticated and high-end "watches". Look again, the watchmaker, together with his precious set of tables and stools, seems to be huddled there. But thinking about it again, I guess it was just to save the cost and trouble of getting a license. Making a living is still not easy.

The Citizen watch that had its watch replaced with a montre later had more and more problems. The most obvious thing is that it will fog up inside, especially in winter mornings, when riding a bicycle or doing outdoor activities. I guess it is caused by the obvious temperature difference between the body temperature and the cold air outside. It will take a while for the fog to disappear.

The seal after replacing the watch cover must be unqualified. The non-standard maintenance will greatly weaken the waterproof performance of the watch. If this happens for a long time, the movement will definitely have humidity, and it is normal for the travel time error to become larger. In addition, I soaked the watch in warm water many times, which is actually a taboo when wearing a watch. Later I learned that the so-called "waterproof" refers to cold water, and hot water is definitely not allowed. Time soaking in it is even more rude to the watch.

Not long ago, I was taking a shower in the bathroom. I saw an old man next to me wearing a jade necklace and a watch on his arm. I told him bluntly: "The watch cannot accept hot water." The old man raised his wrist and saw that He said hurriedly: "My watch costs more than 100,000 or 200,000 yuan, it doesn't matter..." I also took a look at the watch. It was gold with diamonds and a crown logo. I bet it was a Rolex! I don’t know whether the waterproof performance of high-end luxury watches is very special, and I can’t say more. At that time, this old man reminded me of the three bowls of Wusong that "wanted" to pass through Gang. I was like the shopkeeper at Jingyanggang Hotel, shaking my head in my heart: I'm kind-hearted, I'll do whatever you want, but then something goes wrong with my watch. Don’t regret it...

08

Due to improper use and rough maintenance, my piece of CITIZEN (Citizen) It has become increasingly unsightly and unusable.

The decision to change to a new watch was an accidental opportunity. A friend who dressed very tastefully told me one day about the Tissot watch he was wearing at the time. He said that the biggest feature of Swiss watches is the sapphire crystal mirror cover, which is highly resistant to wear and tear, has high smoothness, and basically has no scratches. Moreover, Swiss watches It can preserve value... He also said that his daughter, who is studying abroad, promised that when she gets her salary at work, she will let her father wear a watch worth more than 10,000 yuan like her classmates. His words "a watch worth more than 10,000 yuan" gave me new thoughts and plans about watches.

Among these two watches, I particularly like the former. I browsed the official website many times, found formal promotional materials, repeatedly observed and speculated, and soon found out that the main features of this watch are: It has been deeply imprinted in my mind, and I have summarized its appearance characteristics as follows:

The flying wing hourglass is more elegant than the famous craftsman. Three eight and fifty, it is as suitable as it is.

The fringed disc is the best anti-reflection. Gemstone mirror, beautiful and flawless.

It’s novel and impressive, the calendar is below. The back of the watch is transparent and movement can be observed.

The whole point is marked, twelve digits. Slender and chic, with three blue needles.

Precise minutes and seconds, every 5 seconds. Timing and counting seconds, every minute can be reached.

Note: Flying wing hourglass: The logo of Longines is flying wing, hourglass and the letters LONGINES; 3850: refers to the dial diameter of this model 38.50mm

After asking around and making an appointment for a long time, there was no suitable person who could bring the watch back from overseas as soon as possible. Finally, I heard that members of the education department visited the United States for an inspection, and a group of teachers from the county participated. But who should bring the watch? ——Generally, it is the first time for teachers to go abroad, and they may have to buy "very cost-effective" imported watches. However, there are restrictions at the customs. It is said that each person can only bring one. I found out that two of the teachers were very familiar to me. One had already bought an imported watch, and the other only planned to buy an Apple iPad. What a coincidence, the rest is nothing: for fear that they would find it inconvenient and make the wrong choice, I specially printed color pictures of the two watches, indicating the model number and the usual price and preferential price in US dollars, and also Pay special attention to the size of the dial diameter (this is very important, the size is often the difference between men's and women's models with the same appearance), and also repeatedly reminded me of the upper limit of the price, and also reminded me of some temporary "escape" purchases. Watch strategy...

In the United States, two teachers really went through a lot of trouble for my watch. First, they called me and asked me, what should I do if the price of watches in a certain store is too expensive? They also said that the Longines model was not available, so they sent messages overseas asking me for "instructions"; when they met another similar model in a certain store, they also asked me "if I want it"; they did not dare to buy early, for fear of regretting when they saw a better deal. They didn’t dare to buy too late, for fear of “sliding” over the biggest ear of wheat… When they finally “settled” on the 4574.50.00 model with a particularly satisfactory price in a duty-free shop, they were even more uncomfortable: that new piece Watches, because the original strap is long and the surface is covered with thick plastic film, it is not convenient to wear on the hand. I also said "it is best to keep the packaging box", so when they inspect schools and travel activities, regardless of When catching a train, getting on and off a plane, and entering and exiting a hotel, I always carry the 15-centimeter-square packaging box with me—the new watch is also inside, so I don’t dare to miss anything. I was holding my fingers to hope that they would come back. When we met, Teacher Xue said, "In those days, we were inseparable from our appearance, and our appearance was never separated from our people." I was deeply moved.

There is nothing to say about the new watch. The actual one looks more beautiful than the one in the picture, and I am very satisfied with the price. The original watch strap is a steel chain, which is too long for me to wear, so I have to take off a few pieces.

Having learned my lesson, I could no longer find someone to disassemble the "gold expensive" watches and straps locally, so I made a special trip to Nanjing. I had already found out that there was an authorized repair shop for international famous watches on the basement floor of the Central Shopping Center. I explained my intention and handed over my new watch. The master adjusted the watch strap in a few minutes with the help of professional tools and charged 20 yuan. I carefully put on my new watch and asked a little uneasily: "How is the quality of this watch...?" In fact, I was asking "Is it true?" The man smiled slightly: "We never accept fake watches."

The quality of this watch is really hard to say. It has been almost ten years and has not been sent for oiling once, but the time is accurate. There are errors, but experts say they are within the allowable range. There are almost no scratches on the appearance, especially the cover glass is as smooth as new. I passed by the brand counters several times when I went to the city on business trips, and I consulted the store clerk, and they all thought that I had taken good care of it. It’s true, usually, if I do any physical work, especially if my arms vibrate, I have to take off the watch, use a folded soft cloth to hold it on my arm, and try not to let the strap and the back of the watch touch each other. To avoid scratching, place it in the middle of the table or in a drawer. The more secure the better. If you occasionally get close to speakers, mahjong machines or other objects that may have magnets, keep them away to prevent the watch from being magnetized and affecting the time. I wear Some tops, like jackets and the like, have metal buttons (buttons) on the cuffs. The one on the inside of the left cuff will definitely scratch the watch, so I found a plaster patch and cut a small round piece. It is slightly larger than the button. It is a bit like the man who used to mend pots. If you put it on the button, there will be no obstacles and worries when wearing a watch.

Clock, if you carefully protect it and take care of it according to its habits, it will serve you accurately and highlight you beautifully. This thing is really humane.

09

At certain times, the watch can be used as a compass. I once excerpted the "watch orientation method" from newspapers and recommended it to my friends: when the sun is shining outdoors, place the watch (must be an analog watch) flat and let the hour hand point to the vertical direction of the sun at that time. In this way, It forms an angle with "12 o'clock", and the direction corresponding to the bisector of this angle is the north-south direction, and perpendicular to it is of course the east-west direction. It is very reliable and accurate. My excerpt was in the 1980s. Once, in a letter from a good friend who worked out of town, he specifically asked me to tell him again, saying, "I forgot what I said before."

Indeed, with the development of the times, the shape, function and influence of many clocks are basically changing with each passing day.

Since the 1990s, domestic watches have sprung up, such as Rossini, Fiyta, and Polaris. Following the prime-time advertisement on CCTV that said "the watch will tell you the time on time" The word can be said to be a household name.

However, the functions and quality of these watches were really no match for the Japanese watches that were pouring into the Chinese market at that time, and there was not much difference in price between the two. No wonder the countdown advertisements before "Xinwen Lianbo" and the eight o'clock TV series later became those for "National Liquor Moutai", "Wuliangye", and "Honghualang"...

Not long ago, I heard A friend who loves photography and watches said that the domestically produced Seagull watches are very good and can be compared with Swiss watches in many aspects. This is indeed a blessing. Yes, each country has its own strengths. Countries should recognize their differences, learn from each other, and catch up with each other based on their strength. This is the normal way of diplomacy and business. However, unwarranted suppression and unilateral boycott out of prejudice are unpopular hegemonic behaviors.

Some world sports events, including the world-famous Vienna New Year Concert, are sponsored by internationally renowned timepieces. Think about it, yes. You said it would be more decent and appropriate to have a brand watch sponsor a car rally or some other ball game. How would that be inappropriate if you put a billboard advertising famous wines and cigarettes into the stadium?

We hope that our watches can proudly say "Made in China" anywhere in the world like Huawei mobile phones. We hope that more domestic watches can also serve as the representative of Chinese companies overseas. Brand ambassador.

Today, just as highly popular and highly intelligent mobile phones are rarely used to make and receive calls, watches also seem to be "lost" It has some timing function. For many people who wear them, watches have become a pure accessory. In every household, clocks were once an important decoration. Especially in the 1980s and 1990s, more and more common people would see wall clocks swinging from side to side, accurate and quiet quartz clocks, and table clocks with carved dragons and phoenixes on the walls or counter boards of their halls.

Clocks and watches once played a particularly important role in various fields such as production, labor and daily life. They were the longing and thought of many people. Today, it is still listening silently and witnessing every step of its owner's efforts to create the future and realize his ideals in the rhythm of time.

At that time, Chairman Mao said to Chinese students at Moscow University: "You young people are full of vitality and are in a period of prosperity. It seems like eight or nine o'clock in the morning The sun. Hope rests on you." This famous saying gives new symbolic meaning to time and clocks. Later, in some places, especially schools, it was once fashionable to inlaid huge clocks on teaching buildings. The huge clock was not real, but a fixed shape. The hour hand always pointed between 8 o'clock and 9 o'clock. That is a deep and intuitive hope for all students.

Yes, time flies, the sun and the moon fly by, towards hope and for ideals, not only young people, but all motivated people should Seize the day and live up to your time.

END

About the author Wu Jingao, born in September 1963 in Jinhu County, Jiangsu Province Licheng Commune Shangwan Brigade. Currently, he is a Chinese language researcher and trainer at Jinhu County Teacher Development Center.