watch, movement, technique
Watch movement technique explained. The watch and movement components, descriptions and explanation is below.
watch component description
chronograph watch
Every watch with a stopwatch is a chronograph.
chronometer watch
Only watches certified by COSC are allowed to be called chronometer.
A gents chronometer watch has to stay within -4 en +6 seconds variation per day during the COSC time measuring at different temperatures in various positions.
watch balance
In the watch the balance is the component moving circular in both directions continuously.
The balance takes care of the ticking of the watch.
These small (automatic, mechanic) apparatus count 86,400 seconds a day.
A watch ticking 19,800 times per hour does so 5.5 times per second.
watch bezel (raised, grooved edge)
The top of the watch case sometimes has a bezel.
It is the raised, grooved round edge holding the watch glass.
Usually the bezel can be rotated and is decorated.
watch crown
The knobble on the watch, usually at 3 o'clock position, that is used to adjust the watch, is called crown.
watch hack
The hack feature of a mechanic watch causes the seconds hand to stop moving, when you pull out the crown.
watch Incabloc
In a wrist watch Incabloc is a method to protect a watch movement against shock.
Developed in the 1930's.
Other techniques to protect against shock are: Parachoc, Kif, Unisafe and Novochoc.
Incabloc protects by letting the spring-loaded mounting system of the jewelled balance of the movement move laterally and vertically in the watch.
Eta uses Incabloc.
watch jewels
In a mechanic watch jewels are used.
This is a cheap synthetic ruby.
It is an almost frictionless rod mounting place or axle bearing.
More jewels does not mean a better watch.
About 17 jewels are a usual minimum for an mechanic watch with a seconds hand.
A good automatic watch is available starting with 21 jewels.
watch Kif
In a wrist watch Kif is a method to protect a watch movement against shock.
Developed in the 1930's.
Other techniques to protect against shock are: Parachoc, Incabloc, Unisafe en Novochoc.
Rolex uses Kif. Have a look at Incabloc too.
rotor automatic watch
An automatic watch with (usually) a rotor for self-winding the movement.
Developed in the 1930's.
It is a kind of "half" disc with some weight fully rotating (usually) in both directions.
A rotor automatic watch winds the spring during this rotating.