A watch feature that sounds an alarm at preset time or at regular intervbals
A function that provides altitude by responding to changes in barometric pressure, commonly found in pilot watches. Note that inside a pressurized airplane cabin, the altimeter will register as if on land.
The most commonly-used term in refering to any analog timepiece that operates on a battery or on solar power and is regulated by a queartz crystal.
A watch with a dial, hands, and numbers or markers that present a total display of a 12-hour time span.
Small opening. The dials of some watches have apertures in which certain indications are given (e.g. the date, the hour, etc).
Applique or applied chapters are numerals or symbols cut out of a sheet metal and struck or riveted to a dial.
Process of fitting together the components of a movement. This was formerly done entirely by hand, but the operations have now been largely automated. Nevertheless, the human element is still primordial, especially for inspection and testing.
Unit of pressure used in watch making to indicate water-resistance.
Provided by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology, Time and Frequency Division, Boulder, Colorado, atomic time is measured through vibrations of atoms in a metal isotope that resembles mercury. The result is extremely accurate time that can be measured on instruments. Radio waves transmit this exact time throughout North America and some "atomic" watches can receive them and correct to the exact time. To synchronize your watch with atomic standard time, call (303) 499-7111.
A watch whose mainspring is wound by the movements or accelerations of the wearer's arm. On the basis of the principle of terrestial attraction, a rotor turns and transmit its energy to the spring by means of an appropriate mechanism. Abraham-Louis Perrelet invented the system in Switzerland in the 18th Century.
