WATCH GLOSSARY
Alloy
A mixture of two or more metals which strengthen the metal and/or enhance its appearance.
Aperture
The small “window” on a watch dial that displays information such as the day, date, and moon-phase.
Atmosphere (ATM)
The indication of the water resistance of the watch. One atmosphere equals ten meters. Water watches are designed for up to 100 meters of water resistance and all of our watches are engineered to prevent water damage in everyday situations.
3 ATM (30 Meters)—Hand washing, rain, light shower
5 ATM (50 Meters)—Shower/bath
10 ATM (100 Meters)—Water sports, Swimming
20 ATM (200 Meters)—Snorkeling
Water Proof Watches at 3 ATM
Water Proof Watches at 5 ATM
Water Proof Watches at 10 ATM
Beck
A small river. Beck also refers to a series of watches produced by Water Watch Company featuring domed sapphire crystal and a sunburst blue dial. Beck series watches are the world’s first and only timepieces to house the Miyota Cal. 0T50 movement.
Bezel
The (usually metal) ring around the top glass crystal of the watch that holds the crystal in its place.
Calder
A name of Scottish origin meaning rough waters; stream. Calder also refers to a silver case and silver band combination in regards to Water Watch Company timepieces.
Caliber
A term used to differentiate between different types of watch movements made by the same manufacturer.
Case
A container that houses and protects the watch movement and dial. Cases come in many shapes such as round, square, tank, carre, oval, rectangular, and tonneau.
Complication
Any function that exists in addition to telling time on a watch. Examples of watch complications may be a chronograph, calendar or moon-phase display.
Channel
The deeper part of a river, harbor, or strait. Channel also refers to a series of watches produced by Water Watch Company featuring, sapphire crystal and Swiss Super-Luminova®.
Crown
A button on the edge of the watch case which can be pulled to set the time, day, date or wind the watch (if mechanical).
Crystal
The transparent glass on the top of the watch that protects the dial. The crystal is typically made of Sapphire, Mineral, or Acrylic.
Deployant Clasp
A folding metal buckle on either a strap or bracelet, created for a more secure fit. If the clasp were to open, the watch would still be attached to the wearer’s wrist.
Dial
Also known as the face, is the visual medium through with information is displayed on the watch. It is a plate, typically made of ceramic, metal or porcelain, that carries the hours, minutes and/or seconds indications.
Dover
A name of Celtic origin meaning ‘the waters’. Dover also refers to a silver case and brown band combination in regards to Water Watch Company timepieces.
Exhibition Case Back
A see-through case back of a watch meant to display the mechanics of an automatic movement.
Hands
The moving indicators on the watch dial controlled by the movement which indicate the hour minute or second.
Harbor
A place on the coast where vessels may find shelter, especially one protected from rough water. Harbor also refers to a series of minimalist design watches produced by Water Watch Company featuring sapphire coated crystal and a unique crown placement at 4 o’clock.
Helium Escape Valve
A valve mechanism in a dive watch that automatically allows built up helium molecules causing pressure, to leave the watch during decompression (while diving).
Hour Marker
The indicator of the hour which is applied or painted on the dial.
Jewels
Rubies or Sapphires which act as bearings on the movement to reduce friction in a mechanical watch.
Jordan
A name of Hebrew origin meaning to flow or descend. Jordan also refers to a silver case and tan band combination in regards to Water Watch Company timepieces.
Kenn
A name of Welsh origin meaning bright water. Kenn also refers to a gold case and gold band combination in regards to Water Watch Company timepieces.
Kai
A name of Hawaiian origin meaning sea. Kai also refers to a rose gold case and tan band combination in regards to Water Watch Company timepieces.
Leven
A name of Scottish origin meaning place of the flood. Leven also refers to a gold case and tan band in regards to Water Watch Company timepieces.
Lugs
Projections on the top and bottom of the watch case that allow the straps or bracelet to be connected to the watch case.
Luminosity
Also called "lume" refers to the photoluminescent coating on the indices and/or hands of the watch which illuminate the dial in dark situations.
Lynn
A name of Gaelic origin meaning lake, waterfall, or pool. Lynn also refers to a gold case and brown band combination in regards to Water Watch Company timepieces.
Marin
A name of Latin origin meaning of the sea. Marin also refers to a silver case and nato strap combination in regards to Water Watch Company timepieces.
Mica
A name of Hebrew origin meaning brook; stream. Mica also refers to a silver case and silver band combination in regards to Water Watch Company timepieces.
Moon-phase
A watch complication that tracks the lunar cycle, reflecting what phase the moon is in as it is seen in the sky.
Morgan
A name of Welsh origin meaning sea-born or sea-circle. Morgan also refers to a rose gold case and rose gold band combination in regards to Water Watch Company timepieces.
Movement
Also referred to as “caliber” is the engine of a watch that acts as the powerhouse to make its functions operate. Types include manual, quartz and automatic movements.
Power Reserve
The available energy stored in a watch's mainspring when referring to mechanical watches.
Pusher
The button(s) located on the edge of the watch case which control functions like a chronograph.
Ren
A name of Japanese origin meaning water lily; lotus. Ren also refers to a gold case and black band combination in regards to Water Watch Company timepieces.
Ross
A name of Scottish origin meaning peninsula. Ross also refers to a rose gold case and black band combination in regards to Water Watch Company timepieces.
Rotor
The rotor, attached to the movement, rotates and winds the mainspring to store power in an automatic watch.
Sapphire Crystal
Also known as Sapphire glass is a form of aluminum oxide used to top a watch case and protect the dial. Sapphire crystal is known for its scratch resistance and its durability as the only crystal harder is Diamond.
Shock Detection
When a watch movement features “shock detection” this means that the SMART IC (integrated circuit chip) inside the movement will detect external impact/shock and prevent the hands from jumping/losing time.
Small Seconds
Sometimes referred to as “sub-seconds” is a smaller dial positioned at the bottom of the main dial to separate the seconds hand from the center of the watch.
Straps
Or bands, are the leather or rubber strips of material that hold the watch securely to the wrist. They must be non-metal to be considered “straps”.
Subdial
A smaller dial placed inside of the main dial to display additional information such as seconds or a moon-phase.
Thames
The River Thames (/'TEMZ/) flows through southern England including London. Thames also refers to a rose gold case and brown band combination in regards to Water Watch Company timepieces.
Tourbillion
A mechanism found in some mechanical watches where the balance wheel and escapement exist in a rotating cage, counteracting the adverse effects created by gravity when the watch is in certain positions, helping to eliminate errors in accuracy.
Vegetable Tanned Leather
An eco-friendly method of tanning leather hides using natural materials like tree bark as opposed to chrome which is used in chrome tanning.
Water Resistant
An indication that the watch is at very least, humidity resistant. See the term “Atmosphere” for an explanation of how water resistance is rated in watches.
