Luxury watches have a language of their own — and if you're new to the world of timepieces (or even a seasoned collector), understanding the terminology helps you appreciate your watch on a deeper level.
This quick glossary covers 20 essential watch terms every enthusiast should know — so the next time you’re browsing Mateo Moretti or chatting with a fellow collector, you’ll speak the language of time with confidence.
1. Automatic Movement
A watch powered by the motion of your wrist, eliminating the need for a battery.
2. Quartz Movement
Powered by a battery, quartz watches are extremely accurate and low-maintenance.
3. Mechanical Movement
A manual movement that requires hand-winding, known for craftsmanship and tradition.
4. Chronograph
A stopwatch feature built into a watch, typically with extra subdials and pushers.
5. Case Diameter
The width of the watch face, typically measured in millimeters (e.g., 40mm).
6. Lug-to-Lug
The distance from the top to the bottom of the watch lugs — important for wrist fit.
7. Bezel
The ring around the dial, sometimes functional (e.g., rotating on dive watches).
8. Dial
The face of the watch — where the hands and markers are located.
9. Subdial
A smaller dial within the main dial, used for chronograph, seconds, or other features.
10. Crown
The knob on the side of the watch used for setting the time and date (and winding, if manual).
11. Water Resistance
Indicates how well a watch is sealed against water, often measured in meters (e.g., 30m, 100m).
12. Sapphire Crystal
A highly scratch-resistant material used to cover and protect the dial.
13. Lume
Short for "luminescence" — glow-in-the-dark material applied to hands or markers.
14. Complication
Any function on a watch beyond basic timekeeping — like a date, chronograph, moonphase, etc.
15. Power Reserve
How long a mechanical or automatic watch runs once fully wound, usually 40–70 hours.
16. Skeleton Dial
A partially open dial that shows the inner movement of the watch.
17. Deployment Clasp
A folding clasp mechanism that secures the strap or bracelet to the wrist.
18. Strap vs. Bracelet
Straps are usually leather, rubber, or fabric; bracelets are made of metal links.
19. GMT
A complication that allows you to track a second time zone, often with an extra hand.
20. Swiss Made
A label for watches made in Switzerland under strict quality and origin standards. Mateo Moretti follows a similar commitment to craftsmanship and design.
Final Thought
Understanding these terms helps you make smarter decisions when buying, wearing, or collecting watches. At Mateo Moretti, we believe in educating our community — because luxury should always come with clarity.
Whether you’re just starting your watch journey or deep into your collection, knowing the language of horology adds depth to every tick of the second hand.
