WatchesAtlas / Watch knowledge
The Watch Encyclopedia
Understand the details that make a watch.
62 terms
Clear filtersSmall seconds
A seconds display on a separate subdial rather than on the main central axis.
Modern watch technologySmartwatch
A watch with digital computing and connected functions beyond conventional time display.
Finishing & craftsmanshipSnailing
A circular or spiral decorative finish, often seen on wheels or recessed dial areas.
Cases, dials & braceletsSnap-on caseback
A caseback retained by a press-fit or snapping connection rather than a threaded closure.
Finishing & craftsmanshipSnow setting
A decorative arrangement using stones of varied sizes to create an irregular, closely covered surface.
Modern watch technologySolar cell
A component converting light into electrical energy for a light-powered watch.
Modern watch technologySolar-powered watch
A watch using light to generate electrical energy that is stored for later operation.
Cases, dials & braceletsSolid end link
An end link made as a substantially solid component rather than a folded hollow structure.
Complications & displaysSonnerie power reserve
An indication of stored energy available to a watch's striking mechanism.
Modern watch technologySpiromax
Patek Philippe's name for a silicon-based hairspring technology used in selected calibres.
Complications & displaysSplit time
An intermediate reading of accumulated elapsed time while overall timing continues.
Complications & displaysSplit-seconds chronograph
A chronograph with two overlapping timing hands that can separate to record an intermediate time while timing continues.
Cases, dials & braceletsSpring bar
A telescopic pin securing a strap or bracelet between the lugs.
Modern watch technologySpring Drive
A mainspring-powered system using electronic quartz-based regulation and an electromagnetic brake.
Cases, dials & braceletsSquare case
A case with a primarily square face outline, which may have rounded corners or shaped edges.
Cases, dials & braceletsStainless steel
A family of corrosion-resistant steel alloys used for cases and bracelets.
Modern watch technologyStepper motor
A motor moving in controlled increments, often used to drive the hands of an analogue quartz watch.
Cases, dials & braceletsStone dial
A dial made from or incorporating a slice of decorative stone.
Movements & mechanismsStopwork
A mechanism limiting the usable winding or unwinding range of a mainspring.
Finishing & craftsmanshipStraight graining
A decorative or finishing technique producing fine, substantially parallel surface lines.
Complications & displaysStrike-silent selector
A control enabling or disabling selected automatic striking functions.
Complications & displaysStriking hammer
A component striking a gong or other sounding element in a chiming mechanism.
Movements & mechanismsStud carrier
The supporting component carrying the hairspring stud, sometimes adjustable for beat setting.
Cases, dials & braceletsSubdial
A smaller dial within the main dial, used for seconds, calendar or other indications.
Finishing & craftsmanshipSunburst finish
A radiating surface finish that changes the way light reflects from the dial or another component.
Complications & displaysSunrise and sunset display
An indication of sunrise and sunset times calculated for a particular location or configured reference.
Cases, dials & braceletsSuper Titanium
Citizen's name for titanium combined with its specified surface-hardening technologies.
Cases, dials & braceletsSuper-LumiNova
A trade name for photoluminescent materials that absorb light and later emit visible light.
Performance & measurementSuperlative Chronometer
Rolex's designation for its complete-watch testing and performance framework in addition to chronometer certification.
Cases, dials & braceletsSword hands
Hands with a blade-like outline, often broad through part of their length.