Accuracy/Reliability: What does it all mean?

[Stud Screw]

What exactly do we mean when we say that a watch is “accurate” and/or “reliable?” The impression I get is that they are not the same thing. My understanding of accuracy is a little more straightforward of the two words: A watch is accurate if it consistently keeps a reasonable definition of the correct time, taking into consideration the tolerances of a given watch. But “reliability” is more of a gray area. Exactly what is a reliable watch, by modern standards? One that simply runs, even under harsh conditions? But if a watch runs but consistently loses two minutes a day, that is hardly reliable, much less accurate. So how can a watch be “reliable” without being “accurate?” I see these two words bandied about in watch reviews all the time, without anybody clearly defining what they mean exactly. Do they mean the same thing? Your thoughts?

[Old Expat Beast]

Accurate means it keeps good time. Reliable means it runs without stopping for no reason.

[Burlington]

Accurate stays true to the actual time, the smaller the deviation the more accurate it is.

Reliable to me means it doesn’t need any service interventions outside the manufacturers recommended intervals. If a watch was losing or gaining time excessively that would need a service to rectify. The more forces the watch can take (temperature, water pressure, shock etc.) the more robust it is which also links into reliability for its intended purpose.

i.e. you would not take a patek world time diving and not expect damage. So it’s not a fair test of reliability as it’s not the intended function of the watch.

Any longevity of use beyond the recommended service interval is a sign of reliability too.

[Etschell]

Any watch can be accurate. Not every watch is reliable.

A good example is a g shock. Both accurate and reliable.

[FTX I]

For me a reliable watch is accurate for a very long time regardless of how I wear it.

[Blansky]

For me both terms apply to Rolex.

Rolex has managed to handle both accuracy and reliability very well and also being good to look at.

[JChips]

Accuracy is consistent adherence to a specific hacked time. The level accuracy required depends on your needs, I suppose. The more accuracy you need, the higher the demands of the watch.

Reliability, to me, defines the tool’s ability to keep on working (its accuracy) in your specific environmental requirements. Again, the more demanding environment, the higher the demands of the watch...


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[FTX I]

Originally Posted by Blansky

For me both terms apply to Rolex.

Rolex has managed to handle both accuracy and reliability very well and also being good to look at.

Agree