Introducing: Watch Works Glossary
All You Need To Know About Watches

As a watch enthusiast, you know the importance of understanding the intricate details that make a mechanical watch work. From the mainspringMainspring The mainspring is a spiral-shaped metal spring that stores energy in a mechanical watch movement. It is located inside the barrel. The mainspring is wound, either manually or automatically. The mainspring unwinds over time, and the watch will stop running when the mainspring is fully unwound. [Learn More] to the escapementEscapement The escapement is a mechanism in a mechanical watch movement that regulates the release of energy from the mainspring and keeps the watch ticking at a steady rate. The escapement is made up of two main components: the escape wheel and the pallet fork. The escapement is responsible for the ticking sound of the watch, and it ensures that the watch runs at a consistent rate. As the escape wheel rotates forward, it locks and unlocks with the pallet fork, allowing a small amount of energy from the mainspring to be released. This causes the balance wheel to oscillate and the watch to 'tick'. [Learn More], there are many little pieces that contribute to the overall functioning of a watch. That’s why I am thrilled to announce the release of the Watch Works Glossary.

Watch Works started as a column where we talk about various watch complications and parts. Within the Watch Works series, we recently also released a video that details how a mechanical watch works in 3D. This brings us to the introduction of the Watch Works Glossary. The glossary felt like a natural (and much overdue) addition to the series. This comprehensive glossary provides concise, yet detailed, information on all the parts that make up a mechanical watch movement. You’ll learn about the different gears, bridgesBridges The bridges of a watch movement are the metal plates that hold the wheels and other components of the movement in place. They are attached to the main plate of the movement with screws. Bridges are used to support the balance wheel, the escapement, the mainspring barrel and other elements. Combined with the main plate they are the foundation of any watch movement. [Learn More], and other components that work together to keep time accurately. The glossary also covers the various watch complications that exist, such as chronographs, moon phases, and perpetual calendars, so you can gain a deeper understanding of these features.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out on your watch journey, the Watch Glossary should be a handy resource. We have also integrated the Glossary into the overall website. That way when a particular concept or mechanism is mentioned in an article, you can hover over the highlighted word and an explanation pops up right on your screen. Quite handy.

Most important however is that the Watch Works Glossary is a resource we aim to be updating and expanding over the many months and years to come. In case you see anything that can or should be added, updated, or corrected, please let us know.

Check out the Watch Works Glossary right here.