WatchesAtlas / Watch knowledge
The Watch Encyclopedia
Understand the details that make a watch.
12 terms
Clear filtersBacklash
Clearance between meshing gear teeth that allows some free movement before torque is transmitted.
Movements & mechanismsBalance inertia
The rotational inertia of a balance wheel, contributing to its behaviour as part of the regulating oscillator.
Movements & mechanismsBalance rim
The outer portion of a balance wheel, where much of its regulating inertia is concentrated.
Movements & mechanismsBalance staff
The central shaft supporting the balance wheel and its related components.
Movements & mechanismsBalance wheel
The oscillating wheel that works with the hairspring to regulate a mechanical movement.
Movements & mechanismsBarrel
The drum containing the mainspring. Its toothed rim transfers stored energy into the wheel train.
Movements & mechanismsBarrel arbor
The shaft around which the mainspring is wound inside its barrel.
Movements & mechanismsBarrel cover
The closure retaining the mainspring inside a barrel while allowing its intended movement.
Movements & mechanismsBidirectional winding
An automatic winding system able to wind the mainspring as its rotor turns in either direction.
Movements & mechanismsBreguet overcoil
A raised outer curve of a hairspring designed to improve its expansion and contraction geometry.
Movements & mechanismsBridge
A structural part supporting movement components, usually fixed at two or more points.
Movements & mechanismsBumper automatic
A historical automatic winding design with a weight that travels through a limited arc between buffers.