Watch Glossary and Terms with Images

Its function is to suspend the gears; motion at regular intervals and to supply energy to the balance. The main types of watch escapement are: recoil escapements (verge or crown wheel) dead-beat escapements (cylinder, virgule, double virgule) detached escapements (lever, detent) The lever escapement is by far the most common today. Exceptional watches may be fitted with a different kind, often a detent or virgule escapement. In terms of escapements, one can historically speak of the lever and indeed the Swiss lever type, given that the Swiss lever escapement is the most widely used today because it is especially suited to watches and chronometers.EtablissageFrench term for the method of manufacturing watches and/or movements by assembling their various components.Champlevé enamel, Cloisonné enamel, Painting on enamel End of energyThe end of energy in a "mechanical" watch is indicated by the seconds-hand, which jumps every two, three or four seconds.End of lifeThe end of battery life in a "quartz" watch is indicated by the seconds-hand, which jumps every two, three or four seconds.EngageTo set in motion, to connect two mechanical systems by means of a mechanical, electrical or other device. When a watch is set to the right time, the winding stem engages with the sliding pinion and the intermediate wheel to move the hands.EscapementSet of parts (escape wheel, lever, roller) which converts the rotary motion of the train into to-and-fro motion (the balance). This mechanism is fitted between the gears and the regulating organ.