A watch whose mainspring rewinds itself through movements of the arm, based on the principle of gravity. Power is transmitted to the mainspring by the oscillation of a rotor through a special mechanism, invented in the 18th century by the Swiss clock and watch-maker Abraham - Louis Perrelet.

Ring-shaped component which turns around an axle. The hairspring to which it is coupled gives it a regular to and fro movement and thus divides time in perfectly equal sequences. Each of these movements is called alternation. The complete process (to and fro) is called oscillation.

Element which transforms chemical energy into electric power.

Type of clock-work (for example size for men's watches, diameter of self-winding watches).

Electronics specialists designate an integrated circuit by the term chip. It is used for the memorization of data and for the operation of different components (for example that of the mainspring which transmits the impulse to the handles).

A watch equipped with a supplementary mechanism which allows to measure and memorize short periods of time. By activating the push-buttons, the chronograph handles (seconds, minutes, hours) can be started, stopped or set back to their initial position.

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A watch which has been successfully tested as to its precision and reliability in the official control facilities of the OSCC (Official Swiss Control of Chronometers). The test conditions are extremely stringent.

All parts and principal mechanisms which make up the mainspring of a watch.

Milled or grooved head button used to wind the mainspring, set the time and correct the date. In the case of the Swatch MusiCall, this same crown is used to set the alarm.

Numerical display. The time is displayed by numbers instead of being pointed to by handles.

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Time indication and other units of measure. The display can be obtained by means of handles which rotate on a dial (analogical display) or by numbers appearing in one or more windows (digital or numerical display). The latter can be supplemented by alphabetic indications (= alphanumeric display). The different displays are carried-out by mechanical andlor electronic means.

The information transmitted by a time measuring instrument. For example a watch with 6 functions would indicate the hours, minutes, seconds, day of the week, date and the month.

Precious stones used as levels for certain wheels and certain escapement components of the watch. Manufactured synthetically since 1902.

Is used, among other things, for the electronic unit of quartz watches. It is composed of a printed circuit of the integrated quartz circuit as well as of various components such as contact blades, etc.

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Incomplete clock-work. All the parts of a clock-work not yet assembled.

Various synthetic materials which compose a Swatch, for example ABS, PC, PO', PA, PNMA, etc.

The quartz in a quartz watch is usually a resonator in the shape of a tuning-fork. It endows the electronic oscillator with high precision.

Reliability of performance under certain conditions and during a fixed time lapse.

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To put a watch in order, enabling it to function.

Simplified and advantageous watch built in Switzerland by G.F. Roskopf in 1867.

Quality label signifying that a watch continues to function correctly after a fall of 1 meter on a hard wooden floor.

Instrument designed to measure short time intervals. No continuous time display as in a watch or chronograph.

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Spare parts. Components of a watch either for its manufacture or for its repair.

Quality label, legally protected. Applies to watches whose clockwork has been assembled, mounted, started-up, set and controlled in Switzerland.

High precision instrument used for measuring time. Applies to any instrument capable of measuring time.

The tachometer division on a chronograph dial is used to measure speed in kms/hour.

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Label de qualité légalement protégé. Il s'applique aux montres dont le mouvement a été assemblé, monté, mis en fonction, réglé et contrôlé en Suisse.

Applies to watches which present varying degrees of tightness in water up to the indicated immersion depths (20m, 100m, 200m, etc).