We are here to help you on your quest to discover all things watches.
With the expertise of watchmakers in our community we have produced an easy-to-understand glossary of watch terms to assist you in acquiring a better understanding of timepiece mechanics.
Understanding the DNA of a watch can help you make informed decisions when it comes to choosing the right timepiece for you.
Bezel
The bezel is the ring surrounding the dial and crystal.
Good to know: Some bezels rotate and are used for timing activities such as diving or measuring speed with a tachymeter scale.
Crystal
The crystal is the transparent cover that protects the dial while allowing you to read the time.
Good to know: Most modern watches use sapphire crystal, which is highly scratch-resistant and extremely durable.
Movement
The movement is the internal mechanism that powers the watch and keeps time.
Good to know: Movements can be mechanical (automatic or manual) or quartz, each offering different benefits in precision and craftsmanship.
Bracelet or Strap
The bracelet or strap is the band that holds the watch on your wrist.
Good to know: Watches may come with metal bracelets, leather straps, rubber straps, or fabric, each suited for different styles and activities.
Dial
The dial is the face of the watch where the time is displayed with markers and details.
Good to know: Dials can feature luminescent materials so you can read the time in low light.
Hands
The hands are the moving pointers that indicate the hours, minutes, and sometimes seconds.
Good to know: Many watches use luminous coating on the hands so they glow in the dark.
Crown
The crown is the small knob on the side of the watch used to set the time and date.
Good to know: On many sport watches, the crown is screw-down to help improve water resistance.
Case
The case is the main body of the watch that protects all the internal components.
Good to know: Most quality watches use stainless steel, titanium, ceramic, or precious metals for durability and comfort.
WATCH MOVEMENTS 101 | CAN'T TELL A QUARTZ FROM AN AUTOMATIC? HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
A watch has many parts, but the most important of them by far is its movement. A movement is composed of many pieces, and it is the driving force behind your watch, moving the hands and keeping time accurately day in and day out.
Discover how to differentiate between the most common kinds and appreciate the merits of each.
Written by Jeremy Freed
TIME SETTING & WINDING
Adjusting the time requires pulling out the crown and winding the watch requires pushing it in. Depending on whether you're pulling out or pushing in, a separate set of gears will be engaged.
REPAIR CENTER
In addition to the brands, here is a list of trusted service centers you can contact to care for your favourite timepieces.
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MAINSPRING
A mainspring is a spring of metal used in mechanical watches and clocks. Turning the crown winds the watch, tightening the mainspring. This is the energy source of the watch. The power is transmitted through the train of wheels, through the escapement and gives the balance wheel a gentle push every time it oscillates to keep the balance wheel moving back and forth, in turn regulating the time keeping of the watch.
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TRAIN OF WHEELS
The train of wheels connects the mainspring through a serious of wheels connecting the mainspring and balance spring and escapement. The various gears are designed in specific ratios to drive the hands of the watch to tell the correct time. Watch gears are called wheels and pinions. Wheels are between the movement’s plates connected to pivots which rotate in holes contained in the those plates which hold the watch together.
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BALANCE WHEEL
The balancing wheel is protected by a jewel bearings and capstones, which are mounted in a way that absorbs shock and protects the fine balance wheel pivots. Together with the hairspring, pallet fork and escape wheel, they are the components which allow the watch to keep time. The balance wheel and hairspring perform the same function as the pendulum on a wall clock.
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CRYSTAL
The crystal protects the dial and hands from dust and debris, allowing the time to be read. Although called a crystal, it may be constructed of plastic/acrylic, mineral glass, or sapphire. Scratch-resistant and durable, sapphire crystal is the typical choice in luxury watchmaking.
Learn more about sapphire crystal HERE.
ARTICLES ABOUT WATCHMAKING
WHY IT'S IMPORTANT TO SERVICE A MECHANICAL WATCH EVERY 3 TO 5 YEARS
VACHERON CONSTANTIN REDEFINES HOROLOGICAL EXCELLENCE WITH THE LES CABINOTIERS SOLARIA ULTRA GRAND COMPLICATION
CELEBRATING LEADERSHIP AND PASSION IN HOROLOGY
WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST A CERTIFIED WATCHMAKER FOR YOUR TIMEPIECE REPAIRS
DISCOVER SOME ESSENTIAL WATCH SERVICING TIPS
WATCH MOVEMENTS 101 | CAN’T TELL A QUARTZ FROM AN AUTOMATIC? HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
FIVE ESSENTIAL THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT WATCHES
HOW TO SAFELY USE THE QUICK SET DATE FUNCTION ON YOUR WATCH
