Watch Glossary
1356 horological terms explained · 19/23
Date wheel with alternating Arabic numerals and dashes creating a segmented appearance
Audemars Piguet's iconic octagonal sports watch introduced in 1972
Sporty bracelet made from synthetic rubber, water-resistant and flexible
FKM fluorocarbon rubber strap, chemical-resistant, durable, sporty aesthetic
Bracelet combining rubber inserts with steel links for comfort and durability
Durable elastomer material for watch bracelets, popular in diving and sport watches
Application of protective coatings and maintenance to prevent oxidation of components
Dark grey precious metal plating offering distinct color and hardness
Dark metallic coating providing contrast and protection to white metal watch components.
Brief decompression hold near surface; allows final off-gassing before surfacing.
Cross-hatched textured leather, scratch-resistant, popularized by Prada luxury goods
Woven fabric strap traditionally used in sailing, water-resistant and durable
Chronograph optimized for maritime use with specific timing functions for nautical operations.
Peachy-orange colored dial found on vintage Rolex models, prized by collectors.
Bezel with fine matte texture created through sandblasting process for sophisticated appearance
Rough textured surface created by abrasive blasting, offering anti-reflective and aesthetic qualities.
Abrasive blasting process using sand particles to create textured matte finishes on watches.
Case design with applied dial elements creating a layered appearance, often seen in military watches.
Dial construction with luminous layer between transparent sapphire and dial base for enhanced lume
Modern watch dial using sans-serif font for cleaner, contemporary appearance.
Cartier's first wristwatch designed for aviator Santos-Dumont in 1904
Transparent synthetic sapphire crystal used for case construction, offering exceptional clarity and hardness.
Synthetic sapphire used for watch crystals; extremely hard and scratch-resistant
Soft sheen between matte and polish with subtle reflectivity
Creating a soft, non-reflective matte finish on watch components using fine brushing techniques.
Prolonged underwater work where diver's tissues absorb helium at depth.
Specialized cleaning of small watch screws to remove corrosion and debris
Caseback sealed with threads that screw onto the case middle, improving water resistance.
Crown that screws onto the case threads for enhanced water resistance.
Chronograph button secured with a screw for enhanced durability.
Omega's professional diving watch line introduced in 1948
French term for dead beat or jumping seconds hand mechanism with stepped advancement.
Dial with time markings concentrated in sectors rather than full circle.
Long-term changes in watch accuracy caused by wear, aging, and environmental factors
Rolex's exclusive rose gold alloy with improved resistance to color fading and corrosion over time.
Hand-wound movement, 40-hour power reserve, robust construction for field watches
Hand-wound, 50-hour reserve, reliable workhorse for Prospex line, accurate regulation
Simple automatic, 41-hour reserve, iconic in Submariner homage watches, proven durability
Grand Seiko in-house movement, 72-hour reserve, high accuracy, hand-wound precision
Automatic, 40-hour reserve, hacking seconds, day-date complications, affordable reliability
Seiko's proprietary hardened crystal material used in Prospex professional dive watches for scratch resistance.
Seiko's proprietary quartz-mechanical hybrid movement with magnetic braking, eliminating watch tick.
ETA 2824 alternative, 42-hour reserve, Swiss-made, compatible chronograph calibers available
Chronograph movement based on 7750, 42-hour reserve, Swiss manufacture, column wheel
Unique identifier engraved on watch case to establish production date and individual identification
Watch dial with serif font for hour markers and printing, vintage aesthetic variant.
Engraved caseback featuring broad arrow, service number, issuance year, and soldier identification.
Quoted price for watch repair and maintenance work before authorization
Replacement dial installed during Rolex service, potentially reducing watch value.
Record keeping of all service performed with dates and parts replaced
Records of professional maintenance and repairs performed on the watch over its lifetime
Auction term for letters, receipts, and service records proving professional maintenance chain.
Manufacturer-recommended timeframe for professional maintenance and movement inspection
Rotating bezel on military-issue watches typically featuring elapsed-time scale for field operations.
Component that engages intermediate wheel to enable time-setting mode in keyless works
Stingray leather with unique bumpy texture, water-resistant, premium material
Solid metal mesh band with interlocking design, secure and modern aesthetic
Premium horsehide leather from shell area, develops rich patina over time
Verification of watch ability to withstand impact and vibration damage
Bombarding surface with small spheres to increase strength and texture