Watch Glossary
1045 terms · 70 shown · Page 1/2
Reliable, affordable watch worn regularly without concern for damage or wear
Average gain or loss in seconds measured over a 24-hour period.
Decorative technique using contrasting metal wire for surface patterns
Technique of inlaying precious metals into steel to create decorative contrasting patterns.
Secondary spring reducing oscillation in balance wheel assembly
Quick-set mechanism advancing calendar without advancing hour hand
Rotating disc beneath dial displaying current calendar date
Inspection and replacement of date mechanism components if necessary
Measurement specifying date disc component dimensions
Simple complication displaying the current date, typically requiring manual adjustment for months with fewer days.
Rolex's legendary watch with cyclops magnifier over date window since 1945
Tapered luxedo-style hands typical of dress watches like Cartier Tank
Watch displaying both day and date windows, often referred to as the President watch.
Displays day and date, common in NH35 and mid-tier movements, adds mechanical complexity
Dual window showing both day of week and date of month simultaneously on the dial.
Twin windows displaying both day of week and calendar date in separate apertures
Subdial showing whether current time is daytime or nighttime
Rolex's legendary racing chronograph named after Daytona International Speedway
Component disengaging chronograph mechanism when pusher released
Jumping seconds hand that advances in discrete steps rather than continuously, European term.
Seconds hand that advances in discrete ticks rather than smoothly, pausing between each second.
Chronograph with dial divisions marked in tenths of a second rather than traditional fifths.
Shows time in decimal system dividing the day into 10 hours, used in scientific or historical contexts.
Robust nautical timepiece used on ship decks, predecessor to modern dive watches.
Controlled ascent process to safely release gases from diver's body and equipment.
Watches certified for extreme depth diving; typically 1000m or greater.
Process of removing accumulated magnetism from watch components.
Process of removing unwanted magnetic charge from watch movement parts
Folding buckle that extends from the wrist and folds closed securely.
Fold-over mechanism that deploys outward from watch case for secure fastening
Engagement depth between escape wheel and pallet fork affecting timekeeping stability
Analog dial indication of current water depth; requires special pressure sensor.
Water resistance scale printed on dial indicating maximum depth
Italian term for left-handed; watch with crown at 9 o'clock for left-handed wearers.
Escapement design where the balance wheel operates independently during most of its oscillation
Maximum allowable variation from mean daily rate per standards.
Glass-like coating applied to watch dials for durability and aesthetic finish
Small posts on dial underside securing it to movement bridges.
Surface treatment of watch dial including sunburst, guilloche, or matte patterns
Level of brightness emitted by luminous dial and hand coating in low-light conditions
Skilled craftsperson hand-painting and decorating watch dials with precision
Text and markings applied to dial surface, condition indicates authenticity and age of watch
Inspection of dial printing integrity to ensure legibility and adhesion
Repair or refinishing of watch dial to restore legibility and appearance
Outer circumferential section of dial, often featuring minute markers.
Secondary small dial positioned within main dial for functions like chronograph or GMT
Horizontal dial-facing-up position used in timing measurement.
Mechanism mechanically adding or subtracting time from two different sources to derive a third function.
Mechanical display of time using numerals in windows rather than traditional hands.
Escapement design delivering impulse directly to the balance wheel, reducing energy loss.
Precision polishing preventing surface warping or reflection distortion
Leather deliberately treated to appear worn, aged, or used for vintage aesthetic
Rotating bezel with markings for underwater timing and decompression
Watches combining traditional timekeeping with electronic dive computer functions.
Water-resistant timepiece rated for underwater use, featuring rotating bezel and luminous markers.
Expandable bracelet segment or strap allowing watch to fit over wet suit.
Specialized dive watch meeting ISO standards for underwater use and decompression safety.
Rotating bezel with timing marks for underwater use, typically unidirectional for safety during dives.
Extending bracelet or strap designed to fit over wetsuits or thick clothing
Diamond-Like Carbon coating providing extreme hardness and scratch resistance