Question about jewel count

[FarmD0G]

So I'm looking at watches and see inconsistencies between jewel count and price. I see the $50-$60 Seiko 5 with 21 jewels and see a $130+ 23 jewel 5 Sports or Monster. Or even the new Seiko 4R36 movement with 24 jewels at $150+ then I'll turn around and see an Orient 21 jewel for lesser or equal price and some that are more expensive. I'm a bit confused since my internet research leads me to believe that 17 jewels is all you need for decent function. So is 21 jewel count just a marketing gimmick?? What am I getting with that 24 jewel count vs 21 that I'm paying the same price for or vice versa? I know this is a noob question but I am baffled from comparing research to watch prices.

[Robb Ludwig]

I ran across this the other day. You might find it useful. 83 Jewels Too Many? Part 1 [9/25/02] - TimeZone

[pithy]

From the vintage vault: 39jewel Benrus 3 Star

[FarmD0G]

Wow, thanks for that. Very enlightening. So 17 really is all that is needed. So can I assume that any watch company that states any more than that is guilty of misleading their customers?

[ketiljo]

Not necessarily. Extra jewels can be needed in the auto winding mechanism and other complications.

Cheers,
Ketil

[lysanderxiii]

Give the price of "jewels" is a fraction of a penny per gross, the number of jewels has no relevance to the price....

[pithy]

Give the price of "jewels" is a fraction of a penny per gross, the number of jewels has no relevance to the price....

Gross of each please! Where do I send the payment?

p