The knob attached to the top of the winding stem. This term is also used to refer to watches with a chronometer-style escapement. Note that just calling a watch a chronometer doesn't necessarily make it one. Most chronographs are easily recognizable by the fact that they have a central sweep second hand, and many also have separate small dials to keep track of elapsed time.ĭenotes a watch of superior quality. With English watches, the term is often used to denote a watch that can be stopped and restarted on demand for timing or calibration purposes. With American watches, a chronograph is a combination watch and stopwatch.
Some are plain, whereas others are extremely ornate. Cases can be made of gold, silver, brass, nickel or a variety of other metals. The metal shell that houses the actual movement of the watch.
The balance wheel usually has its own separate bridge which is often referred to as the ''balance bridge'' or the ''balance cock. On many watches the top plate of the watch is divided into separate sections, called ''bridges.'' A ''two finger bridge'' or a ''three-finger bridge'' watch is one that has two or three short narrow bridges next to each other that resemble fingers. The movement of a watch consists of a top and bottom plate of metal, between which are located all the gears. Bezels can usually be removed by either prying them off or unscrewing them, depending on the watch, but care should be taken not to break the crystal in the process. The ring of metal that holds the crystal in place. Balance wheels on older watches are usually flat steel or gold, while on later watches they usually have a number of small screws attached which are used to adjust the watch for accuracy. The balance serves the same purpose as the pendulum in a clock. The little wheel visible on most watch movements which rotates rapidly back and forth. The arbor of the balance wheel is called the ''balance staff.'
General Definitions The following is a list of general terms used by watch collectors, together with a basic definition for each term:Īnother name for the shaft that passes through each of the gears, or wheels, that make up the bulk of a watch's movement. If your Web browser has javascript enabled, click Here.īack to the Pocket Watch Collection Main Page Note: This is the non javascript version of this page. On getting a copy, please click HERE or go to The major parts of a watch, and much, much more. Of additional sections, including a brief history of timekeeping through the ages, a diagram of all Self-published booklet expands upon much that is found on this page, and also includes a number " The New Collector's Guide to Pocket Watches." This This is not meant as a scholarly treatise, and muchĪlso, I now have available copies of my informative and lavishly illustrated 40+ page booklet What follows is a brief explanation of some of the terms I use whenĭescribing my watches, as well as some helpful information about
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I couldn't evenįigure out how to set the time on my first watch! As with any specializedįield, pocket watch collecting has its own terminology, and it's not alwaysĮasy for a novice collector to understand what the "experts" are talkingĪbout. When I first started collecting pocket watches, I knew absolutely nothingĪbout them except they looked nice and I wanted one. What's the Difference Between Grade and Model?.Credit cards and international orders now gleefully accepted! For more information and to order, click HERE. The third edition of my popular "New Collector's Guide to Pocket Watches" is now available at my Barry's World store at a special introductory price of only $10.98 + s/h. Goldberg's Pocket Watch Collection - Helpful Information Barry S.