Word: quartzes
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...example, are enabling scientists to observe atoms in free fall and thus measure gravitational force with unprecedented accuracy. Fountains are also helping scientists measure the oscillations of cesium atoms more precisely than ever before, and cesium atoms are to atomic clocks -- the world's most precise timepieces -- what quartz crystals are to wristwatches...
Camcording can get expensive, but there is a growing "garage video" movement whose members buy much of their equipment at discount stores. For example, a skateboard makes a fine dolly for videotaping toddlers and tricyclers. Ordinary quartz outdoor lights, perched on two-by-fours, provide good background lighting, while an old slide projector makes an excellent spotlight. Inexpensive security cameras can be used to help shoot scenes requiring two or three angles. For long-shots, a baby monitor makes a perfectly adequate wireless mike...
Once upon a time, high-quality watches ticked, had mechanical movements (hand- wound or self-winding) and almost always came from Switzerland. But that was before the onslaught of Japanese quartz watches dealt a near deathblow to the Swiss industry. Now Swiss watchmakers, who survived by converting to quartz technology, plan to turn back the clock...
...timely move is being led by Societe Suisse de Microelectronique et d'Horlogerie, originator of the popular quartz Swatch Watch. The company has - produced six prototypes of a mechanical, self-winding version of the Swatch, which will probably go on sale next year for about $40. Though quartz models constituted 90% of Swiss-made watches last year, the mechanical versions could account for half of all sales...
...revival has two motives. One is that the tiny batteries needed to power quartz watches are not widely available in Third World nations, where the Swiss want to expand exports. The other is competition from an unlikely source: the Soviet Union. Clunky Soviet watches -- often made with Swiss tools bought a decade ago -- are now the rage in Europe...