Watch 101

This is the specific chronometer that is most appropriate for boat or ship use. Using a marine chronometer allows the wearer to measure longitude while sailing in the sea.

This is the property of a pendulum or balance wherein it is possible for a certain amount of time that the pendulum or balance is not affected by the amplitude of the oscillator. To put simply, a pendulum or balance has the property of isochronism wherein it takes equal time to complete a swing regardless …

Any watch that meets the international standard ISO 6425 requirement is a diver’s watch. This international standard requires the watch to be at least 100 meters water resistant, to be visible for at least 25 cm distance in total darkness, to have a bezel that rotates and undirectional, to be 4800 A/m antimagnetic resistant, and …

This is attached to the strap or bracelet. This allows the strap or bracelet to be adjusted, placed, and removed. Deployant buckle is generally safer and more convenient to use. Featured Image Credit: Perpetual Watch

This is the face of the watch that displays data, either digital or analog. This is the visual interface as a product of the watch’s movement. Featured Image Credit: RWG.cc

Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres or COSC is the agency based in Switzerland that tests and certifies Swiss chronometer watches.

The crystal plays important role in the watch because it keeps the dial and hands protected from the elements. Materials used often vary but the most common is sapphire because it is scratch resistant.

When a watch meets the requirements of the ISO 3159/DIN 8319, it can be labeled as a chronometer watch. This international standard aims to evaluate the performance of the watch. The test is often performed by independent testing bodies like the COSC or the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres based in Switzerand. On top of …

The amount of play happening in between the gear teeth is called backlash in horology. A certain level of backlash is crucial to ascertain the smooth power transmission from one gear to another.

The bracelet is the metal or rubber band that keeps the watch on the wrist of the wearer. The band material being used by watchmakers differs. Featured Image Credit: ofrei

This is the part of the dial that holds the dial-side crystal in place. There are bezels that rotate to keep track of the time elapsed. The bezel are sometimes screwed or even snapped to the watch’s case.

This is a process to soften metal through heat exposure. Tempering is not only relevant in putting pieces together but also adding a layer of oxidation to the workpiece. The blue color that is often seen in the screws used in watches is the product of tempering. Featured Image Credit: Study Blue

This is the process of using lathe to cut metal. It is called turning because rather than using the cutting tool, the lathe only rotates the workpiece.

Attaching two metal pieces permanently is what we call the method of riveting. This is very usual in manufacturing a watch especially in riveting the wheel and pinions together. Featured Image Credit: Watch Repair Talk

Using a mill, this is the process of metal cutting. The typical mill has a rotating cutting tool and has a part that locks the workpiece to keep still while cutting.

This is a highly advance technology used in fabrication to create micro parts with high precision. This method is important in the manufacturing process. In German, this is also referred to as the Lithographie, Galvanoformung, Abformung. In English it means Lithography, Electroplating, and Molding.

Electroplating is the process of using electrical current to place a thinly cut metal to a workpiece. This is to boost both the functional and aesthetical aspects of the timepiece.

DRIE or the deep reactive-ion etching is the process in fabrication where parts from silicon wafers are being created. The part shapes of the silicon wafer are being outlined through a process called lithography. Through lithography, a mask very similar to the silicon wafer is made and further plasma etched. This process was not originally …

CNC or the Computer Numerical Control is a process where the computer will serve as the main control of the machining equipments like the mills and lathes. This is more practicable to accomplish heightened repeatable precision as compared to direct human labor although there is still human intervention to activate and monitor the job. This …

Straight graining is the process of rubbing an abrasive in a workpiece done to achieve a fine surface finish. This is usually applied in linear strokes. Springs and bridges commonly undergo this process.

This is the term used for the collection of overlapping circular abrasions usually done in the workpiece. Featured Image Credit: Watch Time

This is the stage where a small portion of the metal is being removed to achieve a smooth surface. This significantly helps in both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the watch. Featured Image Credit: Secret of Elegance

Finishing is a process that, in the watch-making industry, has a wide variety of techniques. Each manufacturer applies different processes depending on their strategy to increase the watch’s aesthetic value. This also boosts the function of the watch because it aids longevity through oxidation and friction reduction in the machine’s moving parts.

This is a process that wheels commonly undergo. An abrasive is placed to a workpiece while it is rotating in a lathe to achieve a surface finish. Featured Image Credit: Horology Crazy

In 1905, Hans Wilsdorf (1881-1960) founded the famous timepiece brand, Rolex, in London. Read the story of Hans Wilsdorf. Read the reviews of Rolex Watches: Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116523 (Black Diamonds) Review Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116523 Review Rolex Vintage Datejust 1603 Review Rolex Yacht-Master 16622 Review Featured Image Credit: Rolexblog.blogspot

Abraham Louis Breguet (1747-1823) is popular for the brand he founded called Breguet. He was a legend in horology. He contributed significantly in watch-making with his very useful inventions. His work inspired watchmakers until today. Featured Image Credit: Bilanz.ch

The watch’s feature that enables the wearer to determine the time in major cities around the world despite the difference of their time zones. Featured Image Credit: Fashion Fresta

The scale found in the dial of the watch that measures distance based on time. Featured Image Credit: Forbes

This is usually located at the outer case of the dial. It is a scale that measures speed based on time.