Timepieces vs watches

You have probably always heard these two used, but do you think there is a difference?
Sometimes you might expect to hear the word timepiece when it has to do with a classic
vintage watch, pocket watch, or even high end modern watch. However, lately have even
heard timepiece used in Holiday commercials for very affordable watches too ! ..So what
do you have to say? Is there actually a difference between the two? Or is one just a fancy
word for the other? ..Any opinions?

I use the term timepiece when referring to something that is IMHO more then just a watch. Classic, vintage or modern can all fall into this category if they have the 'look'. Just don't ask me what the 'look' is.

Mr Rick wrote:

I use the term timepiece when referring to something that is IMHO more then just a watch. Classic, vintage or modern can all fall into this category if they have the 'look'. Just don't ask me what the 'look' is.

Great points Rick ! So a timepiece is something that goes above, and beyond an ordinary watch for you. Awesome sir. Thanks for your thoughts about this. Really appreciate it !

Timepiece sounds a little pretentious to me. I prefer watches, but what do I know?

merichar wrote:

Timepiece sounds a little pretentious to me. I prefer watches, but what do I know?

I prefer watches as well Mark, and think that you know quite a bit by the way. Thanks very much for giving your opinion on this. It's really interesting hearing everyone's take.

I never say timepiece...seems like someone is "putting on airs" when they use that term...I also feel the same with the term " cocktails"

andrema wrote:

I never say timepiece...seems like someone is "putting on airs" when they use that term...I also feel the same with the term " cocktails"

..Think your right on the mark Mark. Seems like unless it's a neat vintage, or classic like Rick mentioned, that "watch" is used most of the time. Thanks !

I use watches as generally it seems to me when someone says timepiece it's either:

The person knows crap about watches like a mall dept store rep

The person calls their cheap watch a timepiece to make it sound more impressive then it is

Just a fancy word for watch.........but I use it all the time in my eBay auctions for vintage watches...I mean, timepieces.

I prefer timepieces over watches & I'm not pretentious. LOL

watches = invicters

TIMEPIECES to me is Rolex,Panerai's,Omega, etc..etc . My .02

I guess the term is in the eye of the beholder. I mean...take this simple Seiko vintage 1974 LordMatic SPECIAL. Midsized, it came on a bracelate, which I subbed for a black leather. This watch is auto and handwinds, two toned with faceted crystal. Caliber 5216 installed in it.
Though 'small' by today's standards, when you wear this watch, it catches ambient light and like a diamond reflects the light back. Would it qualify for Timepiece?!


Montage 5216 Gold Rose by thianwong1, on Flickr

thianwong wrote:

I guess the term is in the eye of the beholder. I mean...take this simple Seiko vintage 1974 LordMatic SPECIAL. Midsized, it came on a bracelate, which I subbed for a black leather. This watch is auto and handwinds, two toned with faceted crystal. Caliber 5216 installed in it.
Though 'small' by today's standards, when you wear this watch, it catches ambient light and like a diamond reflects the light back. Would it qualify for Timepiece?!


Montage 5216 Gold Rose by thianwong1, on Flickr

Yes sir in my eyes thats a timepiece

I have a SEIKO 1970'S ALL ORIGINAL
6138 BULLHEAD CHRONO, & I consider this a timepiece as well.Seiko is no joke esp. these days..

Some REALLY excellent opinions, along with thoughts here everybody ! WOW ! Thanks so much !

Think Thian's..In the eye of the beholder theme works perfectly come to think of it.

I use the word watch and have no problem with the word timepiece.

It's like the word Trekkie to the Trekker or vice versa, one group thinks they know more than the other,

barnbuilder wrote:

I use the word watch and have no problem with the word timepiece.

It's like the word Trekkie to the Trekker or vice versa, one group thinks they know more than the other,

What a really great analogy here Ron !