Watch Glossary
1104 horological terms explained · 16/19
Transparent synthetic sapphire crystal used for case construction, offering exceptional clarity and hardness.
Synthetic sapphire used for watch crystals; extremely hard and scratch-resistant
Soft sheen between matte and polish with subtle reflectivity
Creating a soft, non-reflective matte finish on watch components using fine brushing techniques.
Prolonged underwater work where diver's tissues absorb helium at depth.
Specialized cleaning of small watch screws to remove corrosion and debris
Caseback sealed with threads that screw onto the case middle, improving water resistance.
Crown that screws onto the case threads for enhanced water resistance.
Chronograph button secured with a screw for enhanced durability.
Omega's professional diving watch line introduced in 1948
French term for dead beat or jumping seconds hand mechanism with stepped advancement.
Dial with time markings concentrated in sectors rather than full circle.
Long-term changes in watch accuracy caused by wear, aging, and environmental factors
Rolex's exclusive rose gold alloy with improved resistance to color fading and corrosion over time.
Hand-wound movement, 40-hour power reserve, robust construction for field watches
Hand-wound, 50-hour reserve, reliable workhorse for Prospex line, accurate regulation
Simple automatic, 41-hour reserve, iconic in Submariner homage watches, proven durability
Grand Seiko in-house movement, 72-hour reserve, high accuracy, hand-wound precision
Automatic, 40-hour reserve, hacking seconds, day-date complications, affordable reliability
ETA 2824 alternative, 42-hour reserve, Swiss-made, compatible chronograph calibers available
Chronograph movement based on 7750, 42-hour reserve, Swiss manufacture, column wheel
Unique identifier engraved on watch case to establish production date and individual identification
Watch dial with serif font for hour markers and printing, vintage aesthetic variant.
Engraved caseback featuring broad arrow, service number, issuance year, and soldier identification.
Quoted price for watch repair and maintenance work before authorization
Replacement dial installed during Rolex service, potentially reducing watch value.
Record keeping of all service performed with dates and parts replaced
Records of professional maintenance and repairs performed on the watch over its lifetime
Manufacturer-recommended timeframe for professional maintenance and movement inspection
Rotating bezel on military-issue watches typically featuring elapsed-time scale for field operations.
Component that engages intermediate wheel to enable time-setting mode in keyless works
Stingray leather with unique bumpy texture, water-resistant, premium material
Solid metal mesh band with interlocking design, secure and modern aesthetic
Premium horsehide leather from shell area, develops rich patina over time
Verification of watch ability to withstand impact and vibration damage
Bombarding surface with small spheres to increase strength and texture
Time measured by the Earth's rotation relative to stars rather than the sun.
Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie; Geneva luxury watch exhibition held annually
Hairspring made from silicon, offering improved precision and resistance to temperature variations.
Soft, flexible rubber strap, hypoallergenic, easy to clean, casual wear
Transparent dial exposing internal movement and bridges for aesthetic display.
Transparent or open-back watch displaying internal mechanisms and movement components visibly.
Advanced accelerometer differentiating REM, light, and deep sleep phases
Rotating bezel with logarithmic scale for mathematical calculations
Electronic wristwatch integrating digital features, notifications, and smartphone connectivity.
Polished bezel without texture or ridges for sleek appearance
Spiral swirl pattern resembling snail shell appearance
Concentric circular pattern created on watch components resembling snail shells.
Distinctive snowflake-shaped hour markers found on Sea-Dweller models.
Watch movement powered directly by solar panels, requiring no battery replacement.
Case construction where the caseband is machined entirely from solid metal, no hollow sections.
Solid metal links connecting band to case, versus hollow bracelet end links.
Bracelet link constructed from a single solid piece of metal.
Bracelet links that are completely filled, heavier and more durable than hollow
Chiming mechanism that strikes the hours and sometimes quarters automatically at set times.
Omega's legendary chronograph, the first watch worn on the Moon in 1969
Dial with radial cracks emanating from center, resembling spider web pattern
Axial and radial deviation of lathe spindle rotation affecting precision of turned watch components.
Rolex's silicon hairspring and balance wheel assembly for enhanced chronometric performance.
Chronograph with two independent hands allowing measurement of two simultaneous time intervals.