Timepiecepedia

Navigate

DatabaseWatch WikiGlossaryBrandsCalibersCollectionsJournal

Language

Watch Glossary

1676 horological terms explained · 23/28

RivetBracelet

Metal pin permanently securing links together in a bracelet.

Rolex Caliber 3135Movement

Perpetual rotor, Parachrom hairspring, 48-hour power reserve, widely used in sports watches

Rolex Caliber 3235Movement

Evolved 3135 with Chronergy escapement, 70-hour power reserve, improved efficiency

Rolex Caliber 3285Movement

GMT-Master II exclusive, dual time module, 70-hour reserve, Chronergy escapement

Rolex Glidelock ClaspBracelet

Rolex's proprietary bracelet extension system allowing micro-adjustments without removing links, debuted in 2005.

Rolex Perpetual RotorMovement

Proprietary automatic winding system in Caliber 3135, featuring bidirectional winding and optimized energy transfer.

Rolex Triplock CrownCase

Proprietary triple-sealed crown mechanism in Caliber 3135 watches, ensuring exceptional water resistance integrity.

Roman NumeralsDial

Classical Roman numeral hour markers for elegant formal appearance

Root Beer GMTHistory

GMT-Master II with brown and black bezel insert, resembling root beer coloring.

Rotating BezelCase

Bezel that rotates in one or both directions for timing purposes.

Rotating Timing BezelBezel

Bidirectional bezel allowing divers to track bottom time and decompression stops.

RotorMovement

Weighted oscillating component in automatic watches that winds the mainspring via wrist motion.

Roulette DateDial

Date wheel with alternating Arabic numerals and dashes creating a segmented appearance

Royal OakModel

Audemars Piguet's iconic octagonal sports watch introduced in 1972

Rubber BraceletBracelet

Sporty bracelet made from synthetic rubber, water-resistant and flexible

Rubber FKMStrap

FKM fluorocarbon rubber strap, chemical-resistant, durable, sporty aesthetic

Rubber Steel HybridBracelet

Bracelet combining rubber inserts with steel links for comfort and durability

Rubber StrapMaterials

Durable elastomer material for watch bracelets, popular in diving and sport watches

Rust PreventionMaintenance

Application of protective coatings and maintenance to prevent oxidation of components

RutheniumPlating

Dark grey precious metal plating offering distinct color and hardness

Ruthenium PlatingTreatments

Dark metallic coating providing contrast and protection to white metal watch components.

Safety StopDiving

Brief decompression hold near surface; allows final off-gassing before surfacing.

Saffiano LeatherStrap

Cross-hatched textured leather, scratch-resistant, popularized by Prada luxury goods

Sailcloth StrapStrap

Woven fabric strap traditionally used in sailing, water-resistant and durable

Sailor's ChronographComplications

Chronograph optimized for maritime use with specific timing functions for nautical operations.

Salmon dialAesthetics

Peachy-orange colored dial found on vintage Rolex models, prized by collectors.

Sandblasted BezelBezel

Bezel with fine matte texture created through sandblasting process for sophisticated appearance

Sandblasted FinishTreatments

Rough textured surface created by abrasive blasting, offering anti-reflective and aesthetic qualities.

SandblastingSurface Finishing

Abrasive blasting process using sand particles to create textured matte finishes on watches.

Sandwich caseCase

Case design with applied dial elements creating a layered appearance, often seen in military watches.

Sandwich dialMaterials

Dial construction with luminous layer between transparent sapphire and dial base for enhanced lume

Sans-serif dialAesthetics

Modern watch dial using sans-serif font for cleaner, contemporary appearance.

SantosModel

Cartier's first wristwatch designed for aviator Santos-Dumont in 1904

Sapphire CaseMaterials

Transparent synthetic sapphire crystal used for case construction, offering exceptional clarity and hardness.

Sapphire CrystalMaterials

Synthetic sapphire used for watch crystals; extremely hard and scratch-resistant

Satin finishFinishing

Soft sheen between matte and polish with subtle reflectivity

Satin FinishingSurface Finishing

Creating a soft, non-reflective matte finish on watch components using fine brushing techniques.

Saturation DivingDiving

Prolonged underwater work where diver's tissues absorb helium at depth.

Screw CleaningCleaning

Specialized cleaning of small watch screws to remove corrosion and debris

Screw-down casebackCase

Caseback sealed with threads that screw onto the case middle, improving water resistance.

Screw-Down CrownCase

Crown that screws onto the case threads for enhanced water resistance.

Screw-Down PusherCase

Chronograph button secured with a screw for enhanced durability.

SeamasterModel

Omega's professional diving watch line introduced in 1948

Seconde MorteComplications

French term for dead beat or jumping seconds hand mechanism with stepped advancement.

Sector DialDial

Dial with time markings concentrated in sectors rather than full circle.

Sector Dial ConstructionDial

Rare vintage dial style featuring segmented sections instead of full dial printing.

Sector Dial VariantDial

Rare dial configuration with hour markers arranged in pie-slice sectors rather than full circle layout.

Secular rateHistory

Long-term changes in watch accuracy caused by wear, aging, and environmental factors

Sedna GoldMaterials

Rolex's exclusive rose gold alloy with improved resistance to color fading and corrosion over time.

Seiko Caliber 4R36Movement

Hand-wound movement, 40-hour power reserve, robust construction for field watches

Seiko Caliber 6R35Movement

Hand-wound, 50-hour reserve, reliable workhorse for Prospex line, accurate regulation

Seiko Caliber 7S26Movement

Simple automatic, 41-hour reserve, iconic in Submariner homage watches, proven durability

Seiko Caliber 9R65Movement

Grand Seiko in-house movement, 72-hour reserve, high accuracy, hand-wound precision

Seiko Caliber NH35Movement

Automatic, 40-hour reserve, hacking seconds, day-date complications, affordable reliability

Seiko Prospex HardlexMaterials

Seiko's proprietary hardened crystal material used in Prospex professional dive watches for scratch resistance.

Seiko Spring DriveMovement

Seiko's proprietary quartz-mechanical hybrid movement with magnetic braking, eliminating watch tick.

Sellita SW200Movement

ETA 2824 alternative, 42-hour reserve, Swiss-made, compatible chronograph calibers available

Sellita SW500Movement

Chronograph movement based on 7750, 42-hour reserve, Swiss manufacture, column wheel

Serial NumberCollecting and Market

Unique identifier engraved on watch case to establish production date and individual identification

Serif dialAesthetics

Watch dial with serif font for hour markers and printing, vintage aesthetic variant.