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Horology A
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| Adjusted |
The process by which the rate of the watch is aligned to be as close
as possible in different physical positions, as well as in different
states of winding (for example, fully wound Vs after 24 hours running)
and in different temperatures. A fully adjusted watch is typically
one that is adjusted for 5 positions (crown down, crown left, crown
up, dial up, and dial down), uniform in time, and temperature (both
heat and cold), for a total of 8 adjustments. |
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| Alarm Timer |
A timer to disable the alarm at a predetermined time in order to
avoid false alarms. |
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| Alarm Watch |
A watch with a built in bell or buzzer that can be set
to ring at a specific time. |
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| Amplitude |
The maximum angular displacement of the balance wheel
from its resting position measured in degrees. Often used as an indicator
of a watch movement's running health. |
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| Analog Display |
There are 2 kinds of time displays: One is called analog, which
is the standard dial formation with hands (generally hour, minute,
and second); the other kind of display is called digital, and it displays
the time as a readout, i.e., 10 : 38. The LCD or LED is used in digital
displays, although some mechanical watches have digital displays using
discs that can be seen through apertures. |
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| Annual Calendar |
A calendar mechanism that automatically adjusts itself for the long
and short months of the year (with the exception of February). More
complicated than a simple calendar (which must be adjusted for all
months of fewer than 31 days), less complicated than a perpetual calendar. |
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Antimagnetic watch |
A watch with features incorporated into the movement or, more commonly,
the case that protects it from disturbances caused by magnetism. |
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| Anti-reflective coating |
A thin metallic coating applied to the crystal in order to eliminate
glare; usually applied to the inside of the crystal but sometimes
to both sides. |
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| Aperture |
An opening on a dial through which can be seen displays such as
the date, day, month, or moon phase. |
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| Applied Numerals |
Raised metal characters attached to the dial. |
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| Applique |
Numerals or symbols that are adhered to a dial. |
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| Arabic Numbers |
0 ~ 9, Originated in India and introduced by the Arabs to Europe
in about the 10th century AD. |
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| Arbor |
A rotating post (or axle) in a watch movement. Typically the central
portion of a wheel (containing the pinion) or the central attachment
point of the mainspring; the barrel arbor. |
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| Assortiment |
French term for the parts used for making an escapement. |
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| ATM |
Refers to a watch's water-pressure rating. ATM is short for atmosphere
and 1 ATM is roughly the equivalent of 10 meters of depth. |
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| Automatic Watch |
A self-winding watch; a watch that does not have to
be wound manually. It winds itself by the action of the watch on the
wearer's wrist, typically through a semicircular rotor inside the
watchcase that winds the mainspring The rotor winds either in just
one direction or two directions. |
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| Automation |
An animated component or character on a watch that performs some
action on command, typically associated with a minute repeater or
other striking complication, and often depicting erotic scenes. Also
known as a jacquemart. |
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| Auxiliary Dial |
A small dial showing seconds only, up to 1 minute, usually at the
6 o'clock position. |
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Aviator's Watch |
Traditionally, a big watch with an oversized dial and luminous numbers
and hands; aircraft navigators wore this type of watch with long leather
straps over the sleeve, i.e., the watch was worn outside the fight
jacket. |
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