WatchesAtlas / Watch knowledge
The Watch Encyclopedia
Understand the details that make a watch.
123 terms
Clear filtersArbor
A shaft supporting a rotating movement component and transferring torque where required.
Movements & mechanismsAutomatic winding
A mechanism that winds the mainspring using the wearer's movement, usually through a rotating weight called a rotor.
Movements & mechanismsBacklash
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.
Movements & mechanismsCalibre
A designation for a movement design or family. It helps identify architecture, functions and service requirements.
Movements & mechanismsCam-controlled chronograph
A chronograph using cams or related levers to coordinate its timing controls.
Movements & mechanismsCannon pinion
A friction-mounted component in the motion works that helps drive and set the minute hand.
Movements & mechanismsCap jewel
A jewel forming an end bearing that controls the axial position of a movement pivot.
Movements & mechanismsCarrousel
A rotating regulating assembly using a drive arrangement distinct from a traditional tourbillon.
Movements & mechanismsCentral seconds
A seconds hand mounted at the centre of the main dial.
Movements & mechanismsCentre wheel
A train wheel traditionally associated with the central time display and the movement's minute indication.
Movements & mechanismsChaton
A metal setting used to hold a movement jewel, sometimes secured by small screws.
Movements & mechanismsChronograph brake
A component that arrests a chronograph wheel or hand when timing is stopped.
Movements & mechanismsChronograph hour counter
The mechanism and display accumulating elapsed hours during chronograph operation.
Movements & mechanismsChronograph minute counter
The mechanism and display accumulating elapsed minutes during chronograph operation.
Movements & mechanismsClick
A retaining component that prevents unwanted reverse rotation in the winding mechanism.
Movements & mechanismsClick spring
The spring that keeps the winding click engaged with its associated teeth.
Movements & mechanismsCo-Axial escapement
An escapement architecture associated with George Daniels and Omega that separates aspects of locking and impulse.
Movements & mechanismsColumn wheel
A toothed control component coordinating the start, stop and reset sequence in some chronographs.
Movements & mechanismsConstant-force mechanism
A mechanism intended to deliver a more consistent supply of energy to the regulating system.