Watch Glossary
1676 horological terms explained · 15/28
Rolex GMT-Master II with green aluminum bezel released in 2005
Green Submariner with green bezel, nicknamed after Kermit the Frog character.
High-strength synthetic fiber strap, lightweight and heat-resistant material
Mechanical system allowing crown to wind mainspring and set time without key
Swiss-made shock absorption system protecting pivots from mechanical damage and vibration.
Seiko's electromechanical movement converting automatic winding energy into electrical power.
Rolex's specialized 5N rose gold alloy offering superior hardness and color retention properties.
Watch requiring buyer assembly from pre-made components; common in microbrands
Creating textured ridged patterns on metal surfaces for improved grip on watch components.
Thin protective coating providing glossy finish and enhanced durability.
High-gloss protective coating applied to dial surface creating deep, reflective finish
Parallel link design resembling a ladder, lightweight and comfortable fit
Precision grinding process using abrasive compounds to achieve exact dimensional tolerances.
Precision welding technique using lasers for delicate watch case and component repairs
Chronograph clutch mechanism engaging laterally to connect or disconnect the seconds wheel.
Measurement of geometric accuracy and flatness of a watchmaking lathe's supporting bed structure.
Replaceable gripping element in watch lathe chucks that holds components during turning operations.
Method of analyzing even clamping force across lathe chuck jaws during watchmaking operations
Measurement ensuring equal clamping force across all chuck jaws preventing component slippage.
Adjustment mechanism on watch lathe to correct spindle wobble and ensure concentric part rotation.
Fine-tuning procedure for lathe's cross-slide measurement accuracy to achieve sub-micron depth cuts.
Analysis of rake angle, clearance angle, and nose radius for optimal watchmaking finish
Calculation of optimal tool advancement speed preventing chatter in micro-pivot turning
Mechanism controlling bearing friction on watchmaking lathe spindle for optimal rotation smoothness.
Wear measurement system for ceramic spindle bearings indicating maintenance requirements
Support bearing assembly on watchmaking lathes preventing component deflection during precision turning.
Fixed support point on watchmaking lathe preventing component deflection during precision turning operations.
Graduated reference wheel on watchmaking lathes for precise pitch control during screw cutting operations.
Testing procedure measuring tool post deflection under cutting load to ensure part dimensional accuracy.
Adjustable mechanical cam modifying sunrise-sunset calculation for geographic location
Leather strap with traditional buckle closure, classic formal appearance
Leather variant of NATO strap, combines durability with refined appearance
Natural or synthetic material used for classic dress watch bracelets
Hybrid strap with rubber exterior and leather backing, combines durability and style
Crown positioned at 9 o'clock instead of standard 3 o'clock for left-handed watch operation.
Chronograph movement, hand-wound, 50-hour reserve, Swiss precision for military watches
Component in the escapement mechanism that controls the release of energy to the balance.
Fine-tuning lever escapement drop distance to achieve optimal beat regularity.
Type of escapement using pallet fork and lever to regulate energy release to balance
Precise angular positioning of lever banking pins to optimize impulse transmission efficiency.
Mathematical definition of lever impulse surface angle relative to escape wheel center.
Measurement protocol verifying balanced geometry of lever pallet fork arms.
Quantification of minor play between lever and escape wheel teeth at rest.
Degree of engagement between escapement and balance wheel at impulse.
Watch produced in restricted quantities, often numbered and highly sought by collectors.
The height variation of surface undulation in linen-pattern guillochage.
Accuracy of interwoven cross-hatch pattern formation in linen guillochage.
Standard spacing distance between linen weave lines, typically 1.5mm increments.
Modern guillochage method mimicking natural linen textile surface appearance.
Fine linear pattern resembling fabric linen texture
The repeating cycle length of linen weave pattern unit cells.
Diagonal cross-hatching pattern imitating linen fabric weave structure on dial surface.
Pattern intersection points where horizontal and vertical linen lines cross on dial.
The directional orientation of linen weave pattern relative to dial center.
Individual connected segment forming a bracelet, connected by pins or rivets.
Specialized tool for removing pins or springs to adjust bracelet length
Amorphous metal alloy used for watch bezels and components, offering extreme hardness and durability.
Exotic reptile skin strap, lightweight with unique textured appearance
Non-linear mathematical scale for multiplication and division calculations
Oversized Mercedes hour hand resembling lollipop, found on military Submariner models.