The world of watches is a strange and amazing world. If you are not aware of watch terms, you will probably think that he is speaking a different language when talking to an expert or a watch seller! These terms are very attractive. Knowing these terms will help you to make the best choice when buying a watch and to know the tricks of buying the best watch. From terms related to different models of wristwatches to terms related to the style and function of wristwatches, it is not without pleasure to know them. Join us in this article to have an adventurous journey to the world of these interesting and specialized terms.
7 Movement Components Terms
Movement components are the internal parts of a watch that work together to keep accurate time. Key terms include the Mainspring, a coiled spring that powers the watch; the Gear Train, a system of gears that transmits power from the mainspring to the watch’s hands; the Balance Wheel, an oscillating wheel that regulates the watch’s timekeeping; and the Escapement, a mechanism that releases the balance wheel to oscillate. Additionally, Jewels are synthetic rubies or sapphires used to reduce friction in the movement, while the Rotor is a component of an automatic watch that winds the mainspring as the wearer moves their arm. Understanding these movement components is essential for appreciating the intricate mechanics of a watch. here are some of terms about Movement Components:
1. Tourbillon
A tourbillon is a complex mechanism in a watch that aims to counteract the effects of gravity on the watch’s timekeeping. It’s characterized by a rotating cage that holds the watch’s escapement and balance wheel, and was invented in the late 18th century by French watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet. The tourbillon mechanism works by rotating the escapement and balance wheel in a cage, which helps to counteract the effects of gravity on the watch’s timekeeping.
Tourbillon watches are considered to be highly complex and intricate timepieces, and are often associated with high-end luxury watch brands. They’re prized for their beauty, craftsmanship, and historical significance, and are highly sought after by watch collectors and enthusiasts. While some watch experts argue that the benefits of a tourbillon watch are largely theoretical, they remain highly valued for their intricate mechanisms and beautiful craftsmanship. Some watch brands offer affordable tourbillon watches, while others experiment with new and innovative tourbillon mechanisms, such as off-center or flying tourbillons.
2. Caliber
A caliber is a specific type of watch movement that is characterized by its unique characteristics, such as its size, shape, and features. Calibers are often referred to by their diameter and thickness, and are typically designated by a specific number or name. For example, the Rolex Caliber 3135 is a well-known movement used in many Rolex watches. Calibers can be either mechanical or quartz, and are designed to provide accurate timekeeping and other functions such as date and time display.
3. Jewels
Jewels are synthetic rubies or sapphires that are used in watch movements to reduce friction and wear on the gears and other components. They are typically used in mechanical watches, where they are placed at the pivot points of the gears to reduce friction and allow the gears to rotate smoothly. Jewels are highly durable and resistant to wear, and are often used in high-quality watches to ensure accurate timekeeping and long-term reliability. The number of jewels in a watch movement can vary, but is often used as an indicator of the watch’s quality and precision.
4. Mainplate
The mainplate is the base plate of a watch movement that provides a foundation for the other components. It is typically made of a durable material such as brass or nickel silver, and is machined to precise tolerances to ensure accurate timekeeping. The mainplate serves as a mounting point for the gears, bearings, and other components of the movement, and is often decorated with engravings or other ornaments. In high-end watches, the mainplate may be made of a precious metal such as gold or platinum, and may be decorated with intricate engravings or other forms of ornamentation.
5. Mainspring
The mainspring is a coiled spring that powers a mechanical watch. It is typically made of a durable material such as steel or titanium, and is designed to store energy as it is wound. The mainspring is attached to the watch’s gear train, and as it unwinds, it transmits power to the gears, allowing the watch to keep accurate time. The mainspring is a critical component of a mechanical watch, and is often made to precise tolerances to ensure accurate timekeeping and long-term reliability. In high-end watches, the mainspring may be made of a specialized material such as a high-tech alloy, and may be designed to provide a longer power reserve.
6. Escapement
The escapement is a critical component of a mechanical watch that regulates the release of the watch’s balance wheel. It is typically made of a durable material such as steel or titanium, and is designed to release the balance wheel at precise intervals, allowing the watch to keep accurate time. The escapement is often referred to as the “heart” of the watch, as it is responsible for regulating the watch’s timekeeping. In high-end watches, the escapement may be made of a specialized material such as a high-tech alloy, and may be designed to provide improved accuracy and reliability.
7. Gear Train
The gear train is a system of gears that transmits power from the watch’s mainspring to the watch’s hands. It is typically made of a durable material such as steel or titanium, and is designed to provide a precise and efficient transmission of power. The gear train is a critical component of a mechanical watch, and is often made to precise tolerances to ensure accurate timekeeping and long-term reliability. In high-end watches, the gear train may be made of a specialized material such as a high-tech alloy, and may be designed to provide improved accuracy and reliability. The gear train may also be decorated with intricate engravings or other forms of ornamentation.
Buy Ladies Watches Online in Dubai
10 Chronograph Features Terms
Chronograph watches are distinguished by their ability to function as both timepieces and stopwatches, with features such as subdials, pushers, tachymeter scales, and additional complications like flyback functions and rattrapante hands, which allow for precise timing and measurement of elapsed time, speed, and distance. here are some of terms about Chronograph Features:
1. Subdials
Chronograph watches feature a face with subdials. These subdials often measure elapsed time in minutes, hours, and sometimes even tenths of a second. The subdials are controlled by the chronograph pushers and allow for precise timing of events.
2. Pushers
Chronographs have additional pushers, usually located on the side of the watch case at the 2 and 4 o’clock positions. These pushers control the chronograph functions, such as starting, stopping, and resetting the timer. The placement and design of the pushers can vary between different chronograph models.
3. Tachymeter
Many chronographs feature a tachymeter scale on the bezel or around the outer edge of the dial. A tachymeter allows the wearer to calculate speed based on travel time or measure distance based on speed. This feature is particularly useful in racing and other sports timing applications.
4. Flyback Function
Some high-end chronographs include a flyback function, which allows the wearer to reset the chronograph hands to zero and immediately start a new timing interval without stopping the chronograph first. This feature is useful for timing consecutive events or laps in a race.
5. Rattrapante (Split-Seconds)
A rattrapante, or split-seconds chronograph, has an additional seconds hand that can be used to measure split times or the time of multiple events that start at the same time but end at different times. The rattrapante hand is controlled by a third pusher, usually located at the 8 or 10 o’clock position on the case.
6. Column Wheel
A column wheel is a mechanical component found in high-end chronograph movements. It is responsible for controlling the chronograph functions, such as starting, stopping, and resetting. Column wheel chronographs are often praised for their smooth pusher operation and precise actuation.
7. Vertical Clutch
A vertical clutch is another feature found in some high-end chronograph movements. It engages and disengages the chronograph mechanism from the timekeeping gears, reducing the wear and tear on the movement. Vertical clutch systems also minimize the “chronograph wobble” effect that can occur when the chronograph is started.
8. Pulsometer
Some chronographs, particularly vintage models, feature a pulsometer scale on the dial or bezel. This scale allows the wearer to measure heart rate by counting a specific number of heartbeats and aligning the chronograph seconds hand with the corresponding number on the scale.
9. Telemeter
A telemeter scale, found on some chronographs, allows the wearer to measure the distance between an event and the observer based on the time difference between seeing and hearing the event. This feature was originally designed for military use, such as calculating the distance to artillery fire.
10. Foudroyante (Jumping Seconds)
A foudroyante, or jumping seconds hand, is a rare complication found on some high-end chronographs. This hand makes one complete revolution per second, allowing for more precise timing of short intervals. The foudroyante hand is usually located on a subdial and is driven by a separate gear train.
Flyback Chronograph
3 Time-Setting Enhancements Terms
here are some of terms about Time-Setting Enhancements:
1. Hacking Seconds
Hacking seconds is a feature that allows the seconds hand of a watch to stop when the time is being set. This function is particularly useful for achieving precise time synchronization, as it enables the wearer to set the watch exactly to the second. When the crown is pulled out to the time-setting position, the seconds hand will halt, allowing the user to align the minute and hour hands accurately with a reference time source. This feature is commonly found in mechanical watches and is appreciated by enthusiasts for its practicality in ensuring accurate timekeeping.
2. Quickset Date
The quickset date function is a practical enhancement found in many modern watches, allowing the wearer to easily adjust the date without having to turn the hour hand multiple times. By pulling the crown to a specific position and turning it, the user can advance the date quickly, making it much simpler to set the watch, especially after it has stopped or when transitioning between months. This feature is particularly beneficial for watches with a date complication, as it saves time and effort when adjusting the date.
3. Dual Time Zone
A dual time zone feature allows a watch to display the time in two different time zones simultaneously. This is particularly useful for travelers or individuals who frequently communicate with people in different regions. Typically, a dual time zone watch will have an additional hour hand or a subdial that indicates the second time zone, often accompanied by a 24-hour scale to differentiate between AM and PM. This functionality enables the wearer to keep track of local time while also monitoring the time in another location, enhancing convenience and usability.
Buy Best Men Watches Online in Dubai
Hacking Seconds
3 Diving Watch Features Terms
- Helium Escape Valve : A feature in some diving watches to prevent damage during decompression.
- Rotating Bezel : Used to track diving time; the bezel can only move unidirectionally to prevent accidental overestimation of dive time.
- Water Resistance : Specifies the maximum depth at which a watch can function without leaking.
Helium Escape Valve
3 Luminescence Terms
- Lume : Material used on the watch’s display to glow in the dark for increased visibility.
- Super-Luminova : A non-radioactive, highly luminescent coating applied to watch hands and markers.
- Tritium : A radioactive material used previously for watch illumination, noted for its long-lasting luminescence.
Super Luminova
20 Watch Types Based on Movement
For a person who does not have a specific field of watches, all watches are the same; It doesn’t matter if the second hand of a watch has a continuous and smooth movement on this rotating face or if it shows off the ticking and ticking of the passage of seconds. The energy of the wristwatch is taken from the battery or the source of this energy is from your heartbeat and pulse. In this section, we have examined the terms of the wristwatch in terms of the type of movement:
Buy Best rolex women watches in dubai
1. Automatic Watches
Some watches are called automatic watches. Automatic watches are those wristwatches whose source of energy is the pulse of your hand. These watches may sometimes lag behind the time clock because they need the pulse of your hand to be charged. However, automatic watches are very luxurious and special and attract collectors. The sporty appearance of these watches and of course their reasonable price attract the audience interested in wristwatches like a magnet.
Also Read: Automatic Watches Buying Guide
2. Mechanical Watches
When talking about mechanical watches, attention is drawn to the watch engine. A motor that does not need a battery to work. But the question is, where does the energy required for mechanical wristwatches come from? Certainly, there is no transcendental energy from the unseen world! The energy required for these watches is obtained from the power accumulated in the mainspring of the watch. Automatic wristwatches are a subset of mechanical wristwatches that get their energy from the wrist, with the difference that in automatic wristwatches, due to the presence of the rotor, there is no need to manually tune the watch, but in mechanical watches, it is necessary to adjust the watch once a day. tune in The mechanical wristwatch is one of the oldest wristwatches in the world, which dates back to the 18th century.
3. Quartz-Solar Watches
If you love to hear the pleasant sound of the hands ticking, the solar quartz watch is for you! Solar quartz is one of the terms of the wristwatch, which is also known as the optical self-charging watch. It is enough to expose your watch to sunlight to provide power for several days through solar cells. This watch model is the most expensive watch among quartz models and has a very sophisticated technology. It may be interesting to know that this watch model can work for about 10 years without the need for batteries.
Also Read: Quartz Watches Buying Guide
4. Hand Wound Watches
Another wrist watch term that you may hear is Hand Wound. This watch model needs periodic tuning and is classified as a mechanical watch. To tune these watches, you have to turn the tuning handle manually to provide the energy needed to turn the hands.
5. Kinetic Movement
Kinetic movements combine the principles of automatic and quartz technology. A rotor generates electrical energy from the wearer’s movement, which is stored in a rechargeable battery. This technology provides the benefit of quartz accuracy with the convenience of self-winding, as there’s no need for battery replacement if worn regularly.
6. Smartwatches
Smartwatches typically use quartz movements but are enhanced with digital technology. They connect to smartphones and provide features like notifications, fitness tracking, and GPS navigation. Smartwatches often have touch screens and customizable watch faces, appealing to tech-savvy users who seek multifunctionality.
7. Chronograph Movement
Chronograph movements include additional components that allow the watch to function as a stopwatch. They feature subdials and pushers that start, stop, and reset the timing function. Chronographs are popular among sports enthusiasts and professionals who require precise timing for events.
8. Tourbillon Movement
The tourbillon is a sophisticated mechanical mechanism designed to counteract the effects of gravity on the escapement, improving timekeeping accuracy. The escapement is mounted in a rotating cage, allowing it to move in different positions. While primarily a demonstration of watchmaking skill, tourbillons are often seen in high-end luxury watches.
9. Regulator Movement
Regulator watches separate the display of hours, minutes, and seconds into distinct dials, allowing for precise time reading. This design is favored by watchmakers for its clarity and unique aesthetic, as it emphasizes the individual components of timekeeping.
10. Skeleton Movement
Skeleton watches feature a transparent case or dial that showcases the intricate inner workings of the movement. The design highlights the gears, levers, and other components, creating a visually striking piece that appeals to collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate mechanical artistry.
11. Perpetual Calendar Movement
Perpetual calendar movements automatically adjust for month lengths and leap years, enabling the watch to display the correct date for many years without manual correction. These watches are complex and require precise engineering, making them highly sought after by collectors.
12. GMT Movement
GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) movements allow the wearer to track multiple time zones simultaneously. These watches typically feature an additional hour hand that rotates once every 24 hours or a rotating bezel marked with 24-hour increments. They are ideal for travelers or those with international business connections.
13. Solar Movement
Solar-powered watches use light to recharge a solar cell, eliminating the need for battery replacements. This eco-friendly technology captures both natural and artificial light, converting it into energy to power the watch, making solar movements a sustainable choice for consumers.
14. Monopusher Chronograph
Monopusher chronographs feature a single pusher that controls all functions of the chronograph—starting, stopping, and resetting. This streamlined design simplifies operation while maintaining the functionality of a traditional chronograph, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate minimalist designs.
15. Digital Movement
Digital watches display time using an electronic screen rather than traditional hands. They often include various features such as alarms, timers, and backlighting. Digital movements are popular for their ease of use and functionality, often found in sports and fitness watches.
16. Spring Drive
The spring drive movement, developed by SEIKO, combines the principles of mechanical and quartz movements. It utilizes a traditional mainspring to store energy, which is then regulated by an electronic oscillator for exceptional accuracy. The unique glide motion of the seconds hand is a hallmark of spring drive watches.
17. Diving Movement
Diving watches are specifically designed to withstand high pressure and are equipped with movements that ensure reliability underwater. They often feature enhanced water resistance, luminous markers for visibility in low light, and unidirectional rotating bezels to track elapsed time while diving.
18. Chronometer
Chronometers are timepieces that have undergone rigorous testing and certification for accuracy by an official body, such as the COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres). These watches are known for their precision and reliability, making them highly regarded among collectors and watch enthusiasts.
19. Minute Repeater
Minute repeater watches feature a complex mechanism that chimes the time on demand. When activated, they produce a series of tones that indicate hours, quarters, and minutes. This intricate function showcases the watchmaker’s skill and is often found in high-end luxury timepieces.
20. Foudroyante Movement
Foudroyante movements feature a seconds hand that completes a full revolution every second, allowing for precise timing of short intervals. This complication is often found in high-end mechanical watches and is appreciated for its technical sophistication and aesthetic appeal.
4 Watch Types Based on Function
Wrist watches can be placed in different categories according to the type of function. If you are one of the open hour people, you are familiar with these terms. But if you want to analyze watches more professionally, you should get more familiar with these watch terms.
1. Analog Watches
One of the wrist watch terms that we often hear is analog. We all have at least one model of analog wristwatch in our drawer. Analog wristwatch refers to wristwatches with hands that can be adjusted manually. The appearance of the analog wristwatch is very nostalgic and we can safely say that most people choose the analog model as their first choice. This model of wristwatches has a classic look and is considered a better choice for formal situations.
2. Digital Watches
A digital wristwatch is a type of wristwatch that does not have moving hands on its screen. Everything boils down to an LED computer screen that shows the time and date and such. Digital wristwatches have the ability to be a stopwatch, compass, alarm clock, display days of the week, and accurately display hundredths of seconds.
3. Hybrid Watches
A hybrid watch combines features of traditional analog watches with smart functionalities. It typically has a conventional watch face displaying the time with hands, but integrates smart technology like fitness tracking, smartphone notifications, and heart rate monitoring without the touchscreen display commonly found on full smartwatches. This allows it to maintain a classic look while offering the conveniences of modern wearable technology. Hybrid watches often boast longer battery life compared to full smartwatches due to their less intensive power demands.
4. Chronograph Watches
A chronograph watch is a type of watch that features built-in stopwatch capabilities alongside regular timekeeping functions. It typically has additional dials (subdials) and push buttons on the side of the case to start, stop, and reset the stopwatch function. Chronograph watches are valued for their precision and utility in timing events. These watches are popular among sports enthusiasts and professionals who need to measure time intervals, such as pilots and racers. The design can range from sporty to elegant, making them versatile for both casual and formal occasions.
Buy Patek Philippe Watches In Dubai
11 Different Watch Models Based on Style
If you care a lot about your style and you want to get a special watch model according to your personal style, you should be familiar with the terms of watch based on style. Each style requires its own watch.
1. Pilot or Aviator Watches
Pilot or Aviator wristwatches are designed to meet the needs of pilots. The main page of these wristwatches is usually full of subtle patterns such as the image of the continents. The face of these wristwatches has relatively large dimensions and the numbers and signs are highlighted to be readable in any light condition. The bright screen and the high contrast of the hands give a person high visibility in any lighting conditions.
2. Vintage Watches
These watches refer to models that have styles and designs from earlier periods. They often have historical value due to their age. Their design is nostalgic, reminiscent of past eras.
3. Racing Watches
Racing watches are specifically designed for driving and racing, often featuring tools like a tachymeter to measure speed. They are designed to facilitate quick time reading and usually have bold colors and large displays.
4. Military Watches
Military watches are designed for use in tough conditions and military environments. They typically feature a 24-hour time display, durable bodies, and good luminosity for nighttime visibility.
Buy Best white gold rolex watches for men
5. Diving Watches
These watches are designed for underwater use and are resistant to water pressure at high depths. They also feature rotating bezels to time the duration of dives and strong backlighting for easy time reading underwater.
6. Luxury Watches
Among the watch terms that we hear a lot is the luxury modification. These wristwatches are made by famous and prestigious brands of the world with the help of an expert team of designers and craftsmen. Luxury watches are often expensive and limited examples are made. Accuracy, quality and reliability are the characteristics of luxury wristwatches.
7. Fashion Watches
Just like clothes and jewelry, wristwatches also have a fashion model. A Fashion wristwatch usually has an unusual but stylish and beautiful appearance and is the best in the fashion world.
8. Pocket Watches
The pocket watch is one of the nostalgic but still popular and widely used watches that are made to be carried in the pocket. These watches are not tied to the wrist and are placed in the jacket pocket.
9. Nurses Watches
Nurses use the Nurses watch to observe hygiene. These watches stick to clothes and have an upside down appearance. Only a person who wears a nurse’s uniform and has a watch attached to his clothing can see the time.
10. Field watches
Field watches are designed for outdoor use and adventures and feature features such as durability and easy readability in various lighting conditions. These watches usually have a durable case and replaceable strap to work well in different weather conditions. Their design is simple and practical, with an emphasis on high performance and strength. Field watches are very suitable for those who are interested in nature tourism and outdoor activities.
Also Read: Why Rolex Watches Are So Expensive?
11. Wood Watches
Wooden watches are made of natural wood material and are usually suitable for those who are looking for eco-friendly products. These watches come in a wide variety of wood colors and textures, and each one is unique. Their design is modern and sometimes simple, which gives them a stylish and natural look. These types of watches are lighter than metal models and give the user a more comfortable feeling.
Watch Terms Summary
The table categorizes various watch terms found in the GMT Watches article. It includes diverse categories such as Chronograph Features, Time-Setting Enhancements, Diving Watch Features, Movement Components, and Luminescence. Additionally, the table outlines types of watch movements like Automatic and Quartz, as well as functional types such as Analog and Digital watches. Styles are also highlighted, ranging from Pilot to Luxury watches, providing a broad overview of the key terms and classifications used in the world of horology. In the table that we present to you in the following article, we have given all the terms related to the clock that are mentioned in this article as titles:
| Category | Terms |
|---|---|
| Chronograph Features | Flyback Chronograph, Tachymeter, Split-Second Chronograph |
| Time-Setting Enhancements | Hacking Seconds, Quickset Date, Dual Time Zone |
| Diving Watch Features | Helium Escape Valve, Rotating Bezel, Water Resistance |
| Movement Components | Jewels, Mainplate, Mainspring, Escapement |
| Luminescence | Lume, Super-Luminova, Tritium |
| Watch Types (Movement) | Automatic Watches, Mechanical Watches, Quartz-Solar Watches, Hand Wound Watches |
| Watch Types (Function) | Analog Watches, Digital Watches, Hybrid Watches, Chronograph Watches |
| Watch Models (Style) | Pilot or Aviator Watches, Vintage Watches, Racing Watches, Military Watches, Diving Watches, Luxury Watches, Fashion Watches, Pocket Watches, Nurses Watches, Field Watches, Wood Watches |
What is Meant By Pre-Owned Watches?
A pre-owned watch is a watch that has already been owned by an owner. This owner can be a collector who has sold one of his watches to reduce the scale and dimensions of his collection or to change parts.
