Watch Glossary

1045 terms · 105 shown · Page 1/2

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.

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

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.

Service Cost EstimateAdministration

Quoted price for watch repair and maintenance work before authorization

Service dialCondition

Replacement dial installed during Rolex service, potentially reducing watch value.

Service DocumentationAdministration

Record keeping of all service performed with dates and parts replaced

Service HistoryCollecting and Market

Records of professional maintenance and repairs performed on the watch over its lifetime

Service intervalMaintenance

Manufacturer-recommended timeframe for professional maintenance and movement inspection

Setting LeverMovement

Component that engages intermediate wheel to enable time-setting mode in keyless works

Shagreen LeatherStrap

Stingray leather with unique bumpy texture, water-resistant, premium material

Shark meshBracelet

Solid metal mesh band with interlocking design, secure and modern aesthetic

Shell cordovanStrap

Premium horsehide leather from shell area, develops rich patina over time

Shock Resistance TestTesting

Verification of watch ability to withstand impact and vibration damage

Shot peeningFinishing

Bombarding surface with small spheres to increase strength and texture

Sidereal TimeComplications

Time measured by the Earth's rotation relative to stars rather than the sun.

SIHHEvents

Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie; Geneva luxury watch exhibition held annually

Silicon HairspringMovement

Hairspring made from silicon, offering improved precision and resistance to temperature variations.

Silicone StrapStrap

Soft, flexible rubber strap, hypoallergenic, easy to clean, casual wear

Skeleton DialDial

Transparent dial exposing internal movement and bridges for aesthetic display.

Skeleton WatchWatch Types

Transparent or open-back watch displaying internal mechanisms and movement components visibly.

Sleep Stage Tracking SensorComplications

Advanced accelerometer differentiating REM, light, and deep sleep phases

Slide Rule BezelDial

Rotating bezel with logarithmic scale for mathematical calculations

SmartwatchModern

Electronic wristwatch integrating digital features, notifications, and smartphone connectivity.

Smooth BezelDial

Polished bezel without texture or ridges for sleek appearance

Snail mail finishFinishing

Spiral swirl pattern resembling snail shell appearance

SnailingSurface Finishing

Concentric circular pattern created on watch components resembling snail shells.

Snowflake dialAesthetics

Distinctive snowflake-shaped hour markers found on Sea-Dweller models.

SolarMovement

Watch movement powered directly by solar panels, requiring no battery replacement.