Glossary

Horology is the scientific study of time. Specifically, horology involves the measurement of time and the making of clocks. You need a small leap of imagination to see the word hour in horology, but if you do, you’ve pretty much nailed the meaning: it refers to the study of time and the art of making timepieces. In horology, time is studied scientifically, just as a geologist studies the earth and a biologist studies life. Horology is very practical since it involves the design and construction of clocks, watches, and other devices for measuring time. Someone who studies horology is a horologist. Like cars and computers, the terminology behind watches is almost as complicated as the mechanics that drive them. Diehard watch nerds throw around familiar terms like “caliber,” “frequency” and “complication” with little regard for an outsider’s knowledge of what they mean in a watch context; they also spout simple jargon that means a lot (“jewels”) and intimidating terms that are actually simple (“Manufacture d’Horologie”). For the timekeeping newbie, a simple glossary will help cut the confusion — consider this your reference point.