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A cylindrical winding part, with beveled RATCHET teeth on its upper end, a groove in the middle, and teeth on its lower end. Slides BACK and forth as the watch is moved from winding to SETTING POSITION. Also called CASTLE wheel.

A cylindrical winding part, with beveled ratchet teeth on its upper end, a groove in the middle, and teeth on its lower end. Slides back and forth as the watch is moved from winding to setting position. Also called castle wheel.

A bracelet is the FLEXIBLE metal BAND consisting of assembled links, usually in the same style as the watchcase. Detachable links CHANGE the length of the bracelet. Bracelets can be made of STAINLESS STEEL, sterling silver, gold, or a combination. See also strap.

A bracelet is the flexible metal band consisting of assembled links, usually in the same style as the watchcase. Detachable links change the length of the bracelet. Bracelets can be made of stainless steel, sterling silver, gold, or a combination. See also strap.

Also called self-winding, A mechanically powered watch that is wound by the motion of the wearer's arm rather than through turning the winding stem (manual mechanical). In response to this motion, a rotor turns and WINDS the watch's MAINSPRING. If an AUTOMATIC watch is not worn for a day or two, it will run down and need to be wound by hand to get it STARTED again.

Also called self-winding, A mechanically powered watch that is wound by the motion of the wearer's arm rather than through turning the winding stem (manual mechanical). In response to this motion, a rotor turns and winds the watch's mainspring. If an automatic watch is not worn for a day or two, it will run down and need to be wound by hand to get it started again.

One-twelth of a Ligne. A unit of measurement used for (USUALLY) Swiss and French watches. Often used to state the THICKNESS of the watch MOVEMENT. One Ligne is 0.1879mm or 0.0074 inches. There are 12 douzième to one Ligne, 12 Ligne to one French inch (pouce, French for thumb) and 12 pouce to a French foot (Pied).

One-twelth of a Ligne. A unit of measurement used for (usually) Swiss and French watches. Often used to state the thickness of the watch movement. One Ligne is 0.1879mm or 0.0074 inches. There are 12 douzième to one Ligne, 12 Ligne to one French inch (pouce, French for thumb) and 12 pouce to a French foot (Pied).

Not to be confused with Chronometer. Originally "time-writer". A chronograph is a fully-functional WATCH, with the addition of a start-STOP timer. Most CHRONOGRAPHS are operated by two "pushers," one to start and stop the chronograph second HAND, and the other to return that hand to the STARTING position..

Not to be confused with Chronometer. Originally "time-writer". A chronograph is a fully-functional watch, with the addition of a start-stop timer. Most chronographs are operated by two "pushers," one to start and stop the chronograph second hand, and the other to return that hand to the starting position..

An alloy of 90% fine SILVER and 10% copper. It is called coin silver because early US coins were a ready source of this raw material and were SOMETIMES melted down and made into watch CASES.

An alloy of 90% fine silver and 10% copper. It is called coin silver because early US coins were a ready source of this raw material and were sometimes melted down and made into watch cases.

A bimetallic balance often CONSTRUCTED from BRASS and steel, and split near the balance arms and constructed so that its effective diameter will contract or expand with CHANGES in TEMPERATURE.

A bimetallic balance often constructed from brass and steel, and split near the balance arms and constructed so that its effective diameter will contract or expand with changes in temperature.

The metal housing that contains the internal parts of a WATCH. Can be made of almost any metal. MANY vintage POCKET watch cases are brass or base-metal plated with gold. There were also many ALLOYS of NICKEL used for pocket watch cases. For wristwatches, stainless steel is the most typical metal used, but titanium, gold, silver and platinum can also be used.

The metal housing that contains the internal parts of a watch. Can be made of almost any metal. Many vintage pocket watch cases are brass or base-metal plated with gold. There were also many alloys of nickel used for pocket watch cases. For wristwatches, stainless steel is the most typical metal used, but titanium, gold, silver and platinum can also be used.

Provided by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology, Time and Frequency DIVISION, BOULDER, Colorado. Atomic time is measured through vibrations of atoms in a metal isotope. The result is extremely accurate time that can be measured on instruments. A radio signal transmits this EXACT time throughout North America and some 'atomic' watches and clocks can RECEIVE them and correct to the exact time.

Provided by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology, Time and Frequency Division, Boulder, Colorado. Atomic time is measured through vibrations of atoms in a metal isotope. The result is extremely accurate time that can be measured on instruments. A radio signal transmits this exact time throughout North America and some 'atomic' watches and clocks can receive them and correct to the exact time.

Two discs MOUNTED on the balance staff: a larger DISC which holds the ROLLER jewel, and beneath it a smaller crescented disc which, along with the guard PIN on the pallet, provides the roller SAFETY function.

Two discs mounted on the balance staff: a larger disc which holds the roller jewel, and beneath it a smaller crescented disc which, along with the guard pin on the pallet, provides the roller safety function.

The spring-governed OSCILLATING wheel that governs the timekeeping accuracy of the WATCH. This is the PART of the watch that oscillates at a steady rate to measure the TIME.

The spring-governed oscillating wheel that governs the timekeeping accuracy of the watch. This is the part of the watch that oscillates at a steady rate to measure the time.

In astronomy, an analemma is a curve representing the angular offset of a celestial body (usually the Sun) from its mean position on the celestial sphere as VIEWED from ANOTHER celestial body (usually the Earth). For instance, knowing that Earth's average SOLAR day is exactly 24 hours (by definition), an analemma can be traced by plotting the position of the Sun as viewed from a fixed position on Earth at 24-hour intervals for an entire YEAR. The resulting curve resembles a figure 8. This curve is commonly printed on globes. See also "EQUATION of Time."

In astronomy, an analemma is a curve representing the angular offset of a celestial body (usually the Sun) from its mean position on the celestial sphere as viewed from another celestial body (usually the Earth). For instance, knowing that Earth's average solar day is exactly 24 hours (by definition), an analemma can be traced by plotting the position of the Sun as viewed from a fixed position on Earth at 24-hour intervals for an entire year. The resulting curve resembles a figure 8. This curve is commonly printed on globes. See also "Equation of Time."

The "face" of the watch. Most commonly made of metal, or glass-like ENAMEL on a metal SUBSTRATE (often incorrectly called porcelain). Can ALSO be made from a wide VARIETY of EXOTIC materials and metals.

The "face" of the watch. Most commonly made of metal, or glass-like enamel on a metal substrate (often incorrectly called porcelain). Can also be made from a wide variety of exotic materials and metals.

This term REFERS to a precision watch that is tested in various TEMPERATURES and positions, thus meeting the accuracy standards set by C.O.S.C. in Switzerland. These watches are provided with a chronometer certificate detailing specific test RESULTS by the C.O.S.C.

This term refers to a precision watch that is tested in various temperatures and positions, thus meeting the accuracy standards set by C.O.S.C. in Switzerland. These watches are provided with a chronometer certificate detailing specific test results by the C.O.S.C.

An acrylic crystal composed of plastic composite that is generally less expensive than a GLASS or mineral crystal. Sometimes called an "unbreakable" crystal, though this is a MISNOMER as they can DEFINITELY BREAK. A high-quality acrylic crystal has optical PROPERTIES very similar to glass.

An acrylic crystal composed of plastic composite that is generally less expensive than a glass or mineral crystal. Sometimes called an "unbreakable" crystal, though this is a misnomer as they can definitely break. A high-quality acrylic crystal has optical properties very similar to glass.

The arbor (or AXLE) for the balance wheel. The part that, UNFORTUNATELY, OFTEN BREAKS when you drop your WATCH.

The arbor (or axle) for the balance wheel. The part that, unfortunately, often breaks when you drop your watch.

COMPLEMENTARY part fixed to the main plate to form the FRAME of a watch movement. The other PARTS of the watch are MOUNTED inside the frame

Complementary part fixed to the main plate to form the frame of a watch movement. The other parts of the watch are mounted inside the frame

The setting lever, or the PART of the watch that retains the winding stem. ALSO refers to that part of a chronometer ESCAPEMENT that LOCKS the ESCAPE wheel.

The setting lever, or the part of the watch that retains the winding stem. Also refers to that part of a chronometer escapement that locks the escape wheel.

A word used to denote a unique movement model or design. Used for both QUARTZ and mechanical MOVEMENTS. Also called GRADE on American WATCHES.

A word used to denote a unique movement model or design. Used for both quartz and mechanical movements. Also called Grade on American watches.

The axle of a WHEEL or gear that TURNS in a bearing or JEWEL; e.g. BARREL arbor, WINDING arbor, pallet arbor, etc.

The axle of a wheel or gear that turns in a bearing or jewel; e.g. barrel arbor, winding arbor, pallet arbor, etc.

PART of the CASE. The loop to which a WATCH strap or chain is affixed. The part that may accidentally come off, allowing your PRECIOUS watch to fall to the floor when you're pulling it out of your pocket.

Part of the case. The loop to which a watch strap or chain is affixed. The part that may accidentally come off, allowing your precious watch to fall to the floor when you're pulling it out of your pocket.

The two REGULATOR pins which "pinch" the BALANCE SPRING and GOVERN the fine-timekeeping of the watch.

The two regulator pins which "pinch" the balance spring and govern the fine-timekeeping of the watch.

The AMOUNT of the unrestrained motion of the ESCAPE wheel as it leaves one pallet jewel and DROPS ONTO the locking surface of the other pallet jewel.

The amount of the unrestrained motion of the escape wheel as it leaves one pallet jewel and drops onto the locking surface of the other pallet jewel.

The inner cover on the back of a watch CASE. Typically found on hunter-case WATCHES.

The inner cover on the back of a watch case. Typically found on hunter-case watches.

The PAWL which PREVENTS the RATCHET wheel from turning backward when the mainspring is WOUND.

The pawl which prevents the ratchet wheel from turning backward when the mainspring is wound.

The PORTION of the CASE COVERING the BACK of the WATCH.

The portion of the case covering the back of the watch.

Two pins, sometimes adjustable, which limit the side to side motion of the PALLET fork. Adjusting the banking pin also controls the AMOUNT of slide of the ESCAPE TOOTH on the pallet jewel

Two pins, sometimes adjustable, which limit the side to side motion of the pallet fork. Adjusting the banking pin also controls the amount of slide of the escape tooth on the pallet jewel

PART of the case. The ring or "FRAME" that holds the CRYSTAL in place.

Part of the case. The ring or "frame" that holds the crystal in place.

The KNOB USED to wind the watch and SET the HANDS

The knob used to wind the watch and set the hands

The FORCE which holds the pallet against the banking pins. DRAW RESULTS from the combined angles of the escape WHEEL teeth and the pallet-jewel locking faces.

The force which holds the pallet against the banking pins. Draw results from the combined angles of the escape wheel teeth and the pallet-jewel locking faces.

USED to indicate a smooth round or oval convex shaped polished gemstone. In watch TERMINOLOGY, it often DESCRIBES a decorative stone set in the watch CROWN.

Used to indicate a smooth round or oval convex shaped polished gemstone. In watch terminology, it often describes a decorative stone set in the watch crown.

A generic term used to refer to the band that HOLDS a watch on your WRIST. The preferred terms are bracelet and STRAP, which more clearly describe the TWO major types.

A generic term used to refer to the band that holds a watch on your wrist. The preferred terms are bracelet and strap, which more clearly describe the two major types.

The act of heating and SLOWLY cooling a METAL in order to RENDER it softer for the purpose of MACHINING, or to relieve internal stress.

The act of heating and slowly cooling a metal in order to render it softer for the purpose of machining, or to relieve internal stress.

ALSO called "mainspring barrel." THIN cylindrical "can" which holds the mainspring of a watch and provides the MOTIVE power to drive the gear-train, usually through the center WHEEL. See also "MOTOR Barrel" and "Going Barrel."

Also called "mainspring barrel." Thin cylindrical "can" which holds the mainspring of a watch and provides the motive power to drive the gear-train, usually through the center wheel. See also "Motor Barrel" and "Going Barrel."

A thin steel tube with pinion leaves at its lower end and which CARRIES the minute hand on its UPPER end. Provides a friction "CLUTCH" with the center arbor when setting the watch.

A thin steel tube with pinion leaves at its lower end and which carries the minute hand on its upper end. Provides a friction "clutch" with the center arbor when setting the watch.

Control Officile SUISSE de Chronometers or Swiss Controle Officiel DES Cronometres- the independent Swiss regulatory ORGANIZATION that rigorously tests and certifies (or fails) WATCH movements for chronometer status.

Control Officile Suisse de Chronometers or Swiss Controle Officiel des Cronometres- the independent Swiss regulatory organization that rigorously tests and certifies (or fails) watch movements for chronometer status.

POISING a balance by measuring its ERRORS ONA TIMING machine while the watch is running in different positions. Dynamic poise compensates for the motion of the entire oscillating balance system.

Poising a balance by measuring its errors ona timing machine while the watch is running in different positions. Dynamic poise compensates for the motion of the entire oscillating balance system.

Aaron Dennison was one of the "Fathers" of the American watch industry, and he invented several standards of measuring watches and mainsprings. The Dennison GAUGE for watch sizes is based on a size A being 1" and for each additional size larger, you WOULD add 1/16". The most common sizes were N (1 11/16), which is close to 18s and L (1 10/16), which is close to 16s. Used primarily by the E. Howard Watch Company (of which Dennison was a founder). Dennison Gauge is still used for the measurement of mainsprings for American pocket watches.

Aaron Dennison was one of the "Fathers" of the American watch industry, and he invented several standards of measuring watches and mainsprings. The Dennison Gauge for watch sizes is based on a size A being 1" and for each additional size larger, you would add 1/16". The most common sizes were N (1 11/16), which is close to 18s and L (1 10/16), which is close to 16s. Used primarily by the E. Howard Watch Company (of which Dennison was a founder). Dennison Gauge is still used for the measurement of mainsprings for American pocket watches.

Also known as a "water clock", an ancient Greek time-keeping device similar to an hour-glass, which used a regulated flow of water or mercury through a small aperture to MARK the passage of time. It is said that the CLEPSYDRA was invented to limit the SPEAKING time of Greek ORATORS (public speakers), which means that the first clocks were really invented for the purpose of encouraging politicians to sit down and SHUT up!

Also known as a "water clock", an ancient Greek time-keeping device similar to an hour-glass, which used a regulated flow of water or mercury through a small aperture to mark the passage of time. It is said that the clepsydra was invented to limit the speaking time of Greek orators (public speakers), which means that the first clocks were really invented for the purpose of encouraging politicians to sit down and shut up!

Abraham Louis Breguet, 1747-1823. Horological genius and inventor, and one of the most famous WATCHMAKERS of all TIME. The name is also applied to a BALANCE spring which has its OUTER coil raised above the body of the spring and curved INWARD.

Abraham Louis Breguet, 1747-1823. Horological genius and inventor, and one of the most famous watchmakers of all time. The name is also applied to a balance spring which has its outer coil raised above the body of the spring and curved inward.