• Porsche Design Group (Porsche Lizenz- und Handelsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG), based in Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany, was founded in November 2003 by as a majority-owned subsidiary of Porsche AG to combine Porsche AG’s and Porsche Design Group’s accessories and licensing business into one single company.
• Originally, there were five independently operated companies with three different brands: Porsche Design, Design by F.A. Porsche and Porsche Selection:

1. Porsche Design/ Design by F.A. Porsche: Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, designer of the Porsche 911 and grandson of the Porsche founder, opened the Porsche Design Studio in Stuttgart in 1972, which was moved to Zell am See, Austria, two years later. Porsche 911 quickly became the quintessential sports car and a design classic, along with many other products that Professor F. A. Porsche designed. Over the following decades, numerous classic men’s accessories such as watches, glasses and writing utensils were created and marketed worldwide under the “Porsche Design” brand. At the same time, many industrial products and household- and consumer goods for internationally recognized clients, including streetcars for the city of Vienna, were developed under the “Design by F.A. Porsche” brand. All of the studio’s works are distinguished by a clear and functional design language, careful selection of materials and high-quality workmanship, which combines artisan tradition with state-of-the-art technology. Since 2005 all products have been developed and marketed under the brand Porsche Design.
2. Porsche Selection was the accessories brand for the sports car manufacturer Porsche. Porsche has been offering vehicle accessories for over 50 years. Even in the 1950s, the “Porsche Boutique” offered luggage collections, wallets, T-shirts, calendars, model cars, buttons, tiepins and cufflinks developed specially for the 911. The products were sold in Porsche centers around the world and at events like the Carrera Cup. In 1994, Porsche AG’s merchandising division was given the new name “Porsche Selection”, which was changed in 2004 to “Porsche Design Driver’s Selection”. It has also been possible to purchase Porsche products from the Porsche online shops since 2000.(Source – Wikipedia.org)

Many of these watches can be personalized on the Porsche Design Website (just click the header). The pictures you`re about to see represent my choices. So I recommend following the jump and seeing for yourself … maybe you`d like to bulid your own.

P’6000 Timepieces

• P’6300 Flat Six

P´6310 Automatic

The Flat Six series derives its name from the six-cylinder Boxer engines which played a major role in establishing the world-wide reputation of the Porsche name. The ETA 2892-A2 auto-mechanism of the Automatic ensures absolute precision. Power unit: Porsche Design Rotor System. Date display and 42-hour power reserve guarantee permanent accuracy. Index markings and figures have a luminous coating. Case: Stainless steel, matt and polished. Cambered, scratch-resistant and non-reflecting sapphire glass. Case back fastened with six screws.

P´6320 Quartz Chronograph

The ETA 251.262 quartz mechanism of the Quartz Chronograph provides two-stop functions and absolute stopping precision to a tenth of a second. Split-time function. Integrated, ergonomically formed function buttons. 

P´6340 Automatic Chronograph

The Automatic Chronograph is reliably powered by the ETA Valjoux 7750 precision mechanism with automatic winder. It possesses a Porsche Design rotor system and a 46-hour power reserve. The ergonomically formed buttons for the chronograph function are integrated in the case. The case itself: matt and polished stainless steel, with scratch-resistant, non-reflecting sapphire glass.

P´6341 Edition 1 Flat Six Automatic Chronograph

Limited to 935 pieces, this automatic chronograph is completely black and has a unique design. The watch is an homage to the legendary first chronograph that was entirely black and was designed by F.A. Porsche 35 years ago. Case made of PVD-coated titanium. Dial with day and date display. The transparent caseback made of scratch-resistant sapphire glass allows a clear view of the mechanical automatic movement and the Porsche Design rotor in the form of a Porsche sports car rim. Strap made of natural caoutchouc with titanium folding clasp. Certified chronometer.

• P’6500 Heritage

P´6510 P011 Chronograph

This is more than simply an extraordinary, elegant and sporty precision chronograph. It harks back to a veritable legend: the original P011 from the 1970s was the very first entirely black chronograph. The P´6510 Heritage is the first example of the Heritage range, the first re-issue of a Porsche-designed classic timepiece, now with technical improvements over the original. The hands of the watch dial are signal red. The second and minute hands are designed in skeleton-form and register times perfectly in stopwatch mode. Day and date indication. The sapphire glass cover is scratch-resistant and anti-reflective. The crown of the case is screwed in.

• P’6500 Dashboard

2008 / P´6612 Automatic Chronograph

PAC – Porsche Design Aluminium Chronograph

Deep black, deeply impressive: the PAC recalls the heritage of the first completely black chronograph that was designed by Professor F. A. Porsche in the early seventies. The PAC combines two unusual materials: titanium and blackened consistency. The extremely light, PVD-coated aluminium case is equipped with a titanium bezel which is coated with vulcanised black caoutchouc. The PAC is driven by a mechanical automatic movement, caliber ETA 2894-2. The sapphire glass back reveals the self-winding mechanism with Porsche Design rotor system: a power-optimised rotor designed like a sports-car wheel rim.

PTC – Porsche Design Titanium Chronograph

Perfection in every detail: The new Dashboard Classic PTC with its new, innovative DLC coating [“Diamond-Like-Carbon”]: The DLC-coated titanium case along with crown and push-buttons is distinguished by extreme hardness and resistance to scratching, so that the watch has long-term protection against wear and corrosion. The emphasised outlines around the three totalisers are reminiscent of the instrument panel of a Porsche sports car. The PTC is driven by a mechanical automatic movement, caliber ETA 2894-2. The sapphire glass back reveals the self-winding mechanism with Porsche Design rotor system: a power-optimised rotor designed like a sports-car wheel rim.

PGC – Porsche Design Gold Chronograph

Those who appreciate a chronograph style of sporting elegance will be delighted by PGC. The puristic, modern dial in black, off-white or brown harmonises to perfection with the refined rose gold of the case. The models with 64 diamonds on the bezel [1.28 carat] are unique pieces of jewellery. Two unusual and attractive variants of the PGC combine the rose gold case with a titanium bezel, that is coated with vulcanised caoutchouc. The PGC is driven by a mechanical automatic movement, caliber ETA 2894-2. The rose gold and sapphire glass back reveals the self-winding mechanism with Porsche Design rotor system: a power-optimised rotor designed like a sports-car wheel rim.

2007 / P´6612 PTC Limited Edition 2007 - £3.500

Limited to 333 pieces, this automatic chronograph sets technological and design standards. Case made of high-grade titanium. Black/orange dial with luminous material on indices and hands. Flange with tachymeter scale. The transparent caseback made of scratch-resistant sapphire glass allows a clear view of the mechanical automatic movement and the Porsche Design rotor in the form of a Porsche sports car rim. The chronograph functions, the rotor and the stitching of the strap are orange and form a contrast to the plain material used. The strap is made of black, perforated lamb’s leather and is fitted with a titanium pin buckle. The P´6612 PTC Limited Edition 2007 is available as a jewelry set including Porsche Design cufflinks and keyring.

2007 / P´6612 PTC Blue Edition 2007 - £3.500

Limited to 917 pieces, this automatic chronograph sets technological and design standards. Case made of high-grade titanium. Black/blue dial with luminous material on indices and hands. Flange with tachymeter scale. The transparent caseback made of scratch-resistant sapphire glass allows a clear view of the mechanical automatic movement and the Porsche Design rotor in the form of a Porsche sports car rim. The chronograph functions, the rotor and the stitching of the strap are blue. The strap is made of black, perforated lamb’s leather and is fitted with a titanium pin buckle. The P´6612 PTC Blue Edition 2007 is available as a jewelry set including Porsche Design cufflinks and keyring.

P´6613 Rattrapante

PTR (Titan) - £4.500

The Rattrapante is equipped with two chronograph second hands which start at the same time. The red hand keeps turning continually; the white hand can be stopped in between. The PTR is based on the precision movement Valjoux 7750 and displays the date. The PTR is driven by a mechanical automatic movement with Porsche Design rotor system. The rotor blade is made of high-strength titanium, as is the case – available with mat finish or polished.

PGR (Gold) - £9.000

The Rattrapante is equipped with two chronograph second hands which start at the same time. The red hand keeps turning continually; the white hand can be stopped in between. The PGR is based on the precision movement Valjoux 7750 and displays the date. The PGR is driven by a mechanical automatic movement with Porsche Design rotor system. The case is made of rose gold.

• P’6700 Performance

P´6750 Worldtimer - £5.500

The Worldtimer is an ideal companion for cosmopolitans. The mechanical worldtimer displays the time in two different time zones simultaneously. The three hands in the center of the watch show the time zone in which the wearer is currently situated. Two dial openings indicate a reference location of the 24 world time zones and its local time. This second time is displayed synchronously to the watch’s primary time. The reference locations are displayed in the dial opening with a three-letter code. It is particularly simple and convenient to change between the two time zones: By pressing a button, the time at the destination is transmitted immediately to the hour hand – without losing a second. Titanium case with two crowns and integrated button. Natural caoutchouc strap with folding clasp in titanium.

• P’6900 Indicator

P´6910 Indicator - £75.000

The first chronograph to mechanically enable a digital display of the stopping time in hours and minutes.

The INDICATOR is heralding a revolution in timing – it is the only automatic chronograph in the world which is equipped with a mechanical-digital stopwatch display. Total stopwatch time: 9 hours, 59 minutes. The dial and hands are perfectly readable: They are also visible in the dark due to the clear layout and the different luminous coatings on the hands and markings. The case and rotor disc are made of hard-wearing titanium – with a satin finish and sandblasted. The sapphire glass is scratch-resistant, anti-reflective and embossed. Power reserve display.

(Pe masura ce mai gasesc informatii, aceasta pagina va fi updatata)
-urmeaza noi modele
-bibliografie
-update la istoric

1990 – Lansarea Biretrograde Perpetual Calendar.

1994 - Lanseaza The Galatea, un ceas facut din rhodium solid.

1998 – Prezentarea Ocean Chronograph, primul ceas din platina, pentru scafandri.

OPUS

In 2001, Harry Winston Rare Timepieces da frau liber ideii Opus. Conceptul OPUS se bazeaza pe ideea de a creea cate o piesa exceptionala de orologerie in fiecare an in parteneriat cu cate unul din cei mai de seama orologisti ai Elvetiei. Se merge pe ideea ca partenerii sunt egali si ca niciunul din cei doi n-ar putea sa realizeze un ceas atat de bun de unul singur.

2001 – In parteneriat cu François-Paul Journe, Harry Winston creaza Opus I, o serie de ceasuri complicate.

2002 - In parteneriat cu Antoine Preziuso, Harry Winston creaza Opus II Tourbillon.Tot atunci lanseaza si modelul Excenter.

2003 – In parteneriat cu Vianney Halter, Harry Winston creaza Opus III un ceas deosebit prin prisma faptului ca orele, minutele si data se formau datorita cifrelor inscrise pe niste discuri, iar posesorul privea prin niste “hublouri”.

2004 – In parteneriat cu Christophe Claret, Harry Winston creaza Opus IV.

2005 - In parteneriat cu Felix Baumgartner si Urwerk, Harry Winston creaza Opus V. Un ceas personalizat de faptul ca are orele inscriptionate pe niste cuburi intr-un sistem rotativ ca niste sateliti.

2006 – In parteneriat cu Greubel-Forsey, Harry Winston creaza Opus VI.

2007 – In parteneriat cu Andreas Strehler, Harry Winston creaza Opus 7.

2008 – In parteneriat cu Frédéric Garinaud & CSH, Harry Winston creaza Opus 8.

2009 – “A stunning feat of architectural engineering, Opus 9 marks the first time that Harry Winston has partnered with two, independent pioneering forces in haute-horlogerie. Both long-time Winstondesigner, watch maker Jean-Marc Wiederrecht, and designer, Eric Giroud, have contributed to some ofHarry Winston’s most significant timepiece innovations. Opus 9 is the first time that the duo has joinedforces to develop a Harry Winston timepiece design.”
              

“In Opus 9, diamonds are not merely a decorative element, but the functional element of time telling. Replacing the traditional watch hands and cyclical dial, time is displayed by two parallel diamond chains, for hours and minutes. Sleek and scintillating, each chain is adorned with 33 baguette-cut diamonds,Harry Winston’s signature shape. Vivid mandarin garnets are strategically positioned to indicate thehours and minutes. Meticulously calibrated, each stone is perfectly set into the links, to ensuremovement, while maintaining their brilliance. Crafted in brass, the chains are designed to maximize mobility while minimizing friction. Recalling Harry Winston’s iconic, invisible settings, the gemstonesappear as floating lines of light, seamless unfolding across the dial.

Maintaining the minimalist style of the display, the chains are powered by a strong automatic movement, concealed within the case. Transforming rotational time into linear time, a rack and pinionmechanism creates the lateral drive needed to propel the continual gliding movement. Though seemingly simple, extreme balance and mechanical precision are essential to mobilize the weight of thediamond chains. While chain mechanisms have been explored before, the added weight of diamonds presents a new technical and functional challenge. Stark and sophisticated, the sculptural case is designed to emphasize the functional beauty of the diamonds, while supporting the movement. Crafted in white gold, the frame is defined by a structural bridge, which lends both technical and aesthetic stability to the design. The central vertebrae of the watch, the bridge forms a lynch-pin lock that secures the mobile components of the watch in place,creating additional stability and shock resistance. Encased in transparent sapphire crystal, the case and movement of the chains remain visible at all angles – a poetic view of time elapsing.”

Project Z

Project Z a luat fiinta pornind de la ideea ca un metal pretios foarte bun pentru orologerie este Zalium-ul.

Zalium, the perfect metal for a wristwatch?

Zalium was developed by Ronald Winston, a noted chemical engineer, who, like his father, Harry Winston, knew how to distinguish a great diamond from a good one. As an MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) researcher of rocket propellants, he became an expert in the special zirconium alloys used in jet and rocket engines. He realized that a metal that could withstand superheated corrosive gasses in the high-stress interior of a rocket motor would be perfect for the creation of an indestructible wristwatch. In addition, zirconium is non-reactive and hypo-allergenic (it is used to make surgical implants and instruments), harder than titanium and almost as light. Its lustre hints at the fact that it is more commonly found on the moon than on Earth. Ronald Winston identified one zirconium alloy that seemed to give off a special gleam. He named it Zalium for zirconium (Zr) and the allium lily.

2004 / Project Z1

2005 / Project Z2

2006 / Project Z3

2007 / Project Z4

Designed to let you ease your way through time zones and appear in the boardroom after a dip in the ocean, the self-winding Z4 is a watch that minds its own business and minds it well.Harry Winston’s ideal traveller’s watch is the fourth in the Project Zalium series, launched by Ronald Winston in 2004 as “watches of finesse and force.”The 44mm case accommodates two separate hour-and-minute dials for your business and leisure time. The associated graphic displays of daytime and nighttime, for each time zone, reveal, at a glance, when to place calls around the globe.By pressing the repeater-style trigger on the left side of the case, you can click from one time zone to the next.The easy-to-read date, quick-set by the crown, is framed vertically in the interplay of discs for the minute display and hour.Completing the indicators is the tiny rotating shuriken symbol — a multi-bladed throwing weapon, a feature of all Project Z watches — which shows that the movement is functioning normally.The sophisticated time-zone module was constructed in-house by Harry Winston on a robust, self-winding calibre.Blue on carbon black or white on anthracite grey balance clarity and discretion on four levels of the dial.

Zalium is the hard, light, zirconium alloy of which Z watches are crafted. Developed for use in jet engines, its hypo-allergenic properties and extreme resistance to corrosion make it ideally suited for watchcases. Its hue is a matte battleship grey with a celestial lustre and a dark, sophistcated gleam. The case has mobile lugs for comfort on the wrist, and those “in the know” will recognise Harry Winston’s emblematic motif protecting the crown.

Harry Winston is producing a limited edition of 300 Z4 watches. As an embodiment of Harry Winston’s promise to deliver “nothing but the exceptional,” this elegant and beautifully crafted watch is well-deserving of its place among the Project Z models.

2008 / Project Z5

The Z5, the next evolution in the prestigious Project Z Series by Harry Winston Timepieces. Bringing together for the first time two a tourbillon mechanism and two time zones, the Z5 caters to men who frequently traveler, as well as also to those who are in tune with the world.


Elegant form meets multiple functions in the Z5, the next evolution in the prestigious Project Z Series by Harry Winston Timepieces. Bringing together for the first time two a tourbillon mechanism and two time zones, the Z5 caters to men who frequently traveler, as well as also to those who are in tune with the world.


Capturing the distinct, sporty character of the watch, the marvelous complication, the tourbillon mechanism (automatic), is displayed at 6 o’clock. With the Z5, Harry Winston’s master watchmakers have added a new challenge with the inclusion of a double time zone. The first time zone – for the reference city – is placed off-centre at 2 o’clock, while the second, smaller time zone – for the visited city – is at 9 o’clock. A jumping display, in French, contains names of 24 worldwide cities corresponding to each of the 24 time zones. Further displaying the expertise in craftsmanship, the creators of Z5 have gone one step further by simplifying the handling of this complication – the hour and the city can simultaneously be adjusted by simply turning the crown.


A brilliant new demonstration of our innovative and expert watch making, Z5 represents the next phase of Harry Winston’s exclusive Project Z series. For the fifth time, the tourbillon is held in a Zalium case, a material perfectly fashioned by the company and unique to Harry Winston haute horlogerie. The vertical guillochage of the dial reflects the elegance and codified beauty of the watch. A choice of leather or rubber strap features an embossed, stylized three-bladed shuriken design – a concealable Ninja throwing weapon – the mobile symbol of Project Z watches.

2008 / Lady Z

Avenue Squared A²

Harry Winston introduces the A²: Avenue Squared timepiece, a statement of sophistication and style. Amplified and elegant, this modern interpretation takes the brand’s iconic Avenue timepiece to the power of two by exploring dualities in form and function.

The Harry Winston Avenue Collection’s signature, elongated shape is redefined with a re-proportioned, oversized squared case. Length and width are near similar in size, set in diamonds for a graphic, yet feminine feel.

This sleek, clean look ensures a full-panoramic view of the dual-time zone dial with two separate quartz movements. The two time spaces are joined within two diamond circles, forming an infinity symbol for added visual harmony.

Dual colors of the dial, for day and night, further enhance the balance and duality in design.

(A² Men)

Glissiere

Harry Winston redefines the luxury wristwatch as a mechanical artwork in its third superwatch of 2006/2007.

A rectangular case frames a tableau of precision mechanics, recalling the wheels, sliding pistons and rails of a steam locomotive.


This kinetic sculpture is another astonishing timepiece, after Opus 6, conceived by the team of Hamdi Chatti since he took over as managing director of Harry Winston Rare Timepieces in Geneva in October 2005.

“Whether it’s with diamonds or mechanisms, Harry Winston’s purpose is to create a work of art,” explains Mr Chatti. “That means we always do it differently, because there is no art without originality.”


Manual winding and trime-setting system, direct drive through the back of the watch to the barrel arbor and under-dial work respectively

The most apparent difference is the winding system: on one side, two sliding blocks of platinum with toothed racks that directly engage the winding ratchet; on the other side, stylized wings that crank up the ratchet via pinions.

The steam-age power-reserve indicator along the bottom underlines the linear configuration of the movement. The flying tourbillon animates the endless locomotion through time in precise jumps of six degrees of arc. Its diamond endstone (Harry Winston oblige) proclaims a D-flawless finish throughout: the rails for the sliding weights are so smooth that oil would create friction.

A rectangular case frames a tableau of precision mechanics Black alligator leather strap with folding buckle


This mechanical installation can be viewed from unusual angles — through lateral windows in the upper and lower caseband.


Also unconventional is the manual winding and time-setting system — direct drive through the back of the watch to the barrel arbor and under-dial work respectively.


Following this year’s sixth Opus watch and a Westminster-chime repeater, the “locomotive” sets Harry Winston’s new watchmaking on an artistic railroad of colour, that combines motion and form.

In cazul in care nu stiati, imi plac foarte mult ceasurile de mana. De-a lungul timpului am strans o colectie impresionanta de poze cu diferite modele care mai de care mai impopotonat si/sau mai scump.

Avand in vedere ca blogul asta are la baza ideea ca voi arata tuturor cam ce inseamna “frumos” si “interesant” pentru mine, am ales sa fac o sectiune dedicata ceasurilor.

Voi incerca (pe cat posibil) sa scriu in fiecare saptamana (duminica) cate un articol despre o marca consacrata sau una la inceput de drum, in care sa prezint un scurt istoric si sa acopar (in prima faza) cateva colectii (sau doar cateva piese) de orologerie.  Fiecare casa va avea o pagina dedicata ei, asa ca imi va fi foarte usor sa modific continutul unei pagini in cazul in care voi o sa ma ajutati cu informatii noi.

Acest entry va fi updatat de fiecare data cand adaug un articol nou in baza de date:

1. Harry Winston

2. Porsche Design

3.

Sub tab-ul “Watches” o sa fie o categorie “.Miscellaneous” in sistemul episoadelor din X-Files … adica pe langa articolele despre firme vor fi si acele episoade “monster of the week” in care voi incerca sa prezint cate un model interesant pe masura ce le mai scot din arhiva sau imi sunt trimise de prieteni.

GLOSAR:

• Automatic Watch
  • An automatic watch requires no battery. The watch mainspring is wound automatically by a balance wheel which rotates due to normal wrist motion whilst wearing the watch.There are 2 types of automatic watches i.e. mechanical and automatic.Mechanical watches have to be wound up and automatic watches work on the movement of the wrist.
• Bezel
  • This is the ring around the case which holds the crystal of a watch to the case of the watch.
• Bi-Directional Rotating Bezel
  • A bezel that can be rotated either clockwise or anticlockwise.
• Buckle
  • The traditional loop and pin buckle is called a ‘buckle’. A hinged fold-over style metal clasp that opens and closes easily, allowing the watch to be placed on the wrist.
• Calendar
  • A feature that shows the date, and often the day of the week and month. Most calendar watches show the information digitally through an aperture on the watch face.If watches have perpetual calendars this will mean that the date will automatically change at the end of the month.Somechronograph watches show the information on sub-dials on the watch face.

Calibre

The mechanism inside the watch that tells the quality of the watch movement.
Case

A case of a watch is the primary housing for the internal watch movement.
Case back

The bottom of the watch case that can be opened for access to the watch movement for repair or battery change.Some watches have a sapphire glass backing which allows you to see the working mechanism of the watch.
Chronograph – This is a watch with a variety of extra features displayed on sub-dials.This can include hours, minutes, seconds, power reserve, date and moon phase.
Chronometer – This is a watch which has been measured for accuracy and tested for precision by an official testing institute.
Complication – An additional function other than basic timekeeping of the hours, minutes, and seconds. Certain features such as automatic winding or date are considered complications. The main complications are power reserve, moon phase, GMT, and full calendars. Great complications are split second chronographs, perpetual calendars, tourbillons, and minute repeaters.
COSC – This is the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute that will certify the official chronometer status of a watch.
Crown – The ‘Crown’ is known better as the adjustment dial on the watch. The crown is used to adjust the time, date and for winding up the watch.
Crystal – The ‘crystal’ is thetransparent cover over the dial. The crystals can either be made from resin, minerals or sapphires.
Date Window – A small opening in the dial through which the date is displayed.
Deployment Buckle – The deployment buckle is a clasp that folds nicely in to the strap for elegancy.
Dial – The ‘dial’ is the face of the watch showing the time.
Diving Watch – A watch that is at least 200M water resistant. Has a one way rotating bezel and a screw-on crown and back. Some watches have a helium escape button to release the pressure after the diving
Escapement – Set of parts (escape wheel, lever, roller) which converts the rotary motion of the train into to-and-fro motion (the balance).
End of Battery Life Indicator (EOL) – The EOL indicates when it is time to replace the existing battery. Different manufacturers use different methods to indicate a low battery, i.e. if a second hand usually sweeps, when the battery is low it will begin to tick.
Finishing – The finishing of watches come in three types of finishing’s, a polished surface, a brushed finish and a gold plated finish.
Fly-Back Hand (Retrograde Date Hand) – Usually, a hand indicating a date or time against a scale and then ‘flies back’ to catch up with to another date or time. For example, a hand that ‘flies back’ to the beginning of the month after reaching the 28th, 29th, 30th, or 31st day of the month.
Geneva Stripes – A form of decoration in higher grade watch movements which look like a pattern on the face of the watch.
Grand Complication – A Grand Complication is a combination of complications but it must have a perpetual calendar with or without moonphase indication), a split-second flyback chronograph and a minute repeater. Manufactures quite often include many other complications as well.
Horological – The art of making a Timepiece.
Jewel – In watch making, a synthetic ruby used for making low friction bearing in which the delicate pivots of the movement wheels run in. In some deluxe watches, sometimes sapphires or garnets are used. Expensive watch movements are jeweled from the barrel to the balance, and all automatic work, date and complication movements are expected to be jeweled.
Luminous – The hour markers and/or hands have a feature coating of a glow in the dark which will illuminates in the dark so you can tell the time where there is insufficient light.
Manufacture – A French term for a watch factory which itself produces the components needed for the manufacture of watches.
Mechanical Automatic Wind – A watch which has mechanical moving parts and winds its mainspring automatically using an internal rotor system.
Mechanical Manual Wind – A watch which has mechanical moving parts and requires its mainspring to be manually wound.
Moon-Phase Calendar – On some watches, the display of the evolution of the lunar cycle: rising, full or waning moon.
Movement – This is the internal mechanism of a watch. Assembly of parts and main components such as the mainspring, balance assembly, escapement, train of wheels, setting and winding .
Perpetual Calendar – A complication or function of a watch which displays correctly without adjustment, the day, date and month, and can also account for leap year cycles.
Power Reserve Indicator – A ‘Power Reserve Indicator’ shows the power resource of a mechanical movement watch.
PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) – A method of coating thin watch cases by integrating titanium particles and then depositing gold for color. (Usually comes in black finish)
Quartz – This is awatch with a battery-powered mechanism.
Retrograde – This is a pointer hand on a watch dial which returns to zero at the end of a prescribed period i.e. days/months. For example a watch may have a retrograde date,meaning that the hand moves up a scale a day at a time, pointing to the current date, when it reaches 31 it will spring back to 1.
Rotor – In automatic winding mechanisms, an unbalanced, semicircular metal turns freely in both directions winding the mainspring.
Sapphire Crystal – A Sapphire Crystal is a synthetic watch crystal that is extremely hard and very scratch resistant.
Skeleton Movement – Movement on a watch where the plates have been removed or trimmed so that you can see the gears and other parts.
Skeleton Watch – Crystal on the front and back.
Waterproof – No watch can be 100% waterproof.
Water Resistant – Describes a watch case designed to prevent water from entering.
Tachometer (Tachymeter) – A watch or stop watch used for the measurement of speed.It measures speed in kilometers per hour based on 1000m distance.
Tourbillon – This type of watch is a complex piece of micro-engineering which results in the escapement of a watch rotating on its own axis; the aim is to cancel out the variations in running regularity which can be caused by the watch being in different positions; (a watch may gain in one position yet lose in another).