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24-hour Indicator -
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Displays military time, usually with smaller sub-wheels or in a digital display.
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Accuracy - |
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The consistency of a watch. Not just whether the time is correct, but rather how consistent the time periods are. |
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Analog/Digital - |
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Uses both a digital display and a traditional display. |
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Annual Calendar - |
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Shows the day of week, date and month, with auto-adjustment for month of year. Requires calibration only once a year. |
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Aperture - |
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Small opening, usually used to display calendar information. |
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Applique - |
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The numerals on the watch faceplate. |
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ATM - |
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Atmosphere. A measurement indicating water resistance capabilities. See "Water Resistant". |
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Automatic - |
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A self-winding mechanism for mechanical watches. |
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Balance - |
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A rotating mechanism that keeps the gears in alignment.
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Barrel - |
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A circular wheel with teeth that holds the mainspring.
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Bottom Plate - |
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The metal plate that supports the watch movement parts.
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Bridge - |
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Connecting piece between the bottom plate and various rotating parts.
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Central Piece - |
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The main portion of the watch case, holding the movement.
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Case - |
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The entire container of the movement.
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Caseback - |
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The under part of the watch case. This is where the watch can be serviced.
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Crystal - |
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The cover on a face. It is typically made from glass, crystal or plastic. Higher end watches may have a sapphire crystal, which is more resistant to scratches.
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Clasp - |
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The connection between the two ends of the strap around your wrist.
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Complications - |
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This word may sound negative, but it simply refers to any feature beyond basic hour/minute/second. For example, calendars and moon phases are considered 'complications'.
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Crown - |
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The extended knob that is used for manual winding.
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Escapement - |
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The watch parts that ensure consistent rotation of the balance wheel.
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Gasket - |
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A rubber ring that seals the case against moisture.
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Hand - |
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The piece that points to the hour/minute/second indicators.
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Jewel - |
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A jewel serves as a bearing inside the watch movement, with a very low resistance. Jewels are typically synthetic rubies, but may also be sapphires or other gemstones.
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Kinetic - |
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A watch that does not require a battery but also does not require winding. The mechanism runs entirely on energy generated from normal movement of your body. Also referred to as self-winding.
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Luminous - |
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Hands or indicators that are 'self-lit', allowing for easier reading in low light.
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Manual Movement - |
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A watch mechanism that requires winding.
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Moon-phase - |
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Showing the lunar periods.
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Movement - |
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The mechanism that makes up the main timekeeping components of the watch. The movement includes winding and setting, the mainspring, train and escapement.
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Perpetual Calendar - |
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A calendar mechanism that always remains accurate, correcting itself for month length, including leap year support.
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Quartz Movement - |
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A movement that is driven by a battery-powered quartz crystal. Known to be very accurate.
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Shock Resistance - |
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Shock absorbant watch that can withstand strenuous use.
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Solar-powered - |
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A type of quartz movement in which the batteries are recharged using solar panels on the watch face.
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Skeleton - |
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A watch with a transparent design, in which the movement is visible.
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Train - |
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The wheels and pinions of the watch movement.
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Water Proof - |
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No watch is 100% water proof. Use caution if any watch uses this claim.
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Water Resistant - |
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Water-resistance is measured in atmospheres, which can be translated to distance below water level. The depth implies that a watch will remain resistant to water at the pressure of this depth. Resistance of 3 atm (30m/100ft) is sufficient for rain and everyday moisture. Resistance of 5 atm (50m/165ft) can be used for swimming or in the shower. Resistance of 10 atm (100m/330ft) is necessary for diving or active water activies. More serious divers should choose a 20 atm watch.
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World Time Dial - |
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A dial on the outer edge of the watch face that shows various time zones around the world.
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