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Glossary Of Watchmaking Terms
Watchmaking and horology can be confusing, this glossary of watchmaking terms should help.
Collector & Industry Terms
For enthusiasts and insiders—grasp the language of horological craftsmanship, certification, provenance, and the modern watch market.
Chronometry
Chronometry refers to the science and art of measuring time accurately, particularly in the design and function of precision timepieces.
Learn MoreTool Watch
A tool watch is a watch designed to serve a specific purpose, usually work-related, and often includes additional functions beyond simply telling the time, such as those found in field watches, pilot's watches, and dive watches.
Learn MoreCase & External Components
The outer shell that protects and defines a watch—learn the terms for bezels, crowns, crystals, and other vital exterior elements.
Bezel (Fixed, Rotating, Fluted, Ceramic)
A bezel is the ring surrounding the watch face, which can be fixed, rotating for functionality like timing, fluted for decorative purposes, or made of ceramic for durability and scratch resistance.
Learn MoreMovement & Mechanism Terms
The beating heart of every watch—discover the intricate systems that power timekeeping, from classic mechanical calibres to high-tech complications.
Automatic
An automatic watch, also known as a self-winding watch, is a mechanical watch that uses the natural motion of the wearer's wrist to power itself.
Learn MoreDeadbeat Seconds
Deadbeat Seconds is a watch complication where the seconds hand jumps precisely once per second, mimicking the behavior of quartz movements.
Learn MoreFlyback Chronograph
A Flyback Chronograph is a type of chronograph watch that allows the user to reset the stopwatch hand to zero and immediately restart it with a single press of a button, without the need to stop the chronograph first.
Learn MoreManual-wind (Hand-wound)
A manual-wind (hand-wound) watch is a mechanical timepiece that requires the wearer to wind the movement manually, typically by turning the crown, to power the watch.
Learn MoreMinute Repeater
A Minute Repeater is a complex watch complication that chimes the time on demand, typically indicating the hours, quarters, and minutes using a series of gongs and hammers.
Learn MoreRegulator
A regulator is a type of clock or watch designed for precise timekeeping, often featuring separate dials for hours, minutes, and seconds to enhance accuracy.
Learn MoreVertical Clutch
A vertical clutch in watchmaking is a mechanism where the chronograph seconds wheel and drive wheel are located concentrically on the same axis, allowing the chronograph wheel to engage the running wheel when activated.
Learn MoreDial & Hands
Where form meets function—explore the artistry and purpose behind dials, markers, hands, and luminous materials.
Dial
Dial (Sunburst, Guilloché, Enamel, Sandwich, Tapisserie) refers to various decorative techniques used on watch faces, where Sunburst creates a radial pattern, Guilloché involves intricate engraving, Enamel uses colored glass powder fused to the surface, Sandwich features layered dials with cut-out numerals, and Tapisserie displays a textured grid pattern.
Learn MoreLume (Super-LumiNova, Tritium)
Lume refers to the luminescent material applied to watch dials and hands, such as Super-LumiNova or Tritium, to enhance visibility in low-light conditions.
Learn MoreBracelet & Strap
More than just a way to wear a watch—understand the diverse styles, materials, and mechanics of bracelets and straps.
Bracelet (Oyster, Jubilee, President, Beads of Rice, Milanese)
Bracelet refers to the metal strap or band of a watch, with styles such as Oyster, Jubilee, President, Beads of Rice, and Milanese, each offering distinct designs and levels of flexibility and comfort.
Learn MoreRubber Strap
A rubber strap is a flexible, durable band made from synthetic rubber, commonly used for securing a watch to the wrist.
Learn MoreTropic Strap
A Tropic strap is a rubber watch strap originally designed for dive watches, known for its durability, water resistance, and distinctive crisscross pattern, making it a popular choice for both vintage and modern timepieces.
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