Mechanism

A combination of parts designed to perform a given function. A timepiece (a clock or watch), is a piece of mechanism designed to indicate the time; it includes various organs, each of which is a piece of mechanism with a clearly determined function, e.g.

• Chronograph Mechanism: Set of parts for starting, stopping and returning to zero the second-hands and the time-cumulating counters' hands of a chronograph.

• Repeating Mechanism (Repeating work): Set of parts for releasing the strike and operating the hammers of a repeating watch

• Winding-Mechanism: mechanism that winds the mainspring

• Setting-Mechanism: usually connected to the winding-mechanism by common parts for altering the position of the hands of a watch.

Source: G.A. Berner 4-language Glossary, 1988 re-edition, courtesy FH, Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry, Bienne, Switzerland

External links

• FH: Glossary