|
Glossary of Seiko Clock Terms |
 |
Anniversary Clock
A traditional type of mantel clock with a rotating pendulum encased in a glass
dome. The name comes from mechanical movements, which needed winding once a
year.
Ascending Alarm
An electronic alarm which starts off softly and gradually becomes louder in
stages.
Carriage Clock
A traditional type of mantel, desk or table clock characterized by having a
handle on top. Originally a functional feature, the handle is now most often
ornamental.
Cloisonné
An intricate process in which a skilled craftsman creates a highly decorative
design. A copper plate is deeply etched with the artist’s pattern. Silver
plating is bonded to the raised surfaces and polished. Then special enamel
paints are applied and fired in a kiln several times to achieve a hard glossy
surface.
Dual Chime
An electronic clock movement that can be set to select one of two chimes. These
are most commonly either Westminster/Whittington or St. Michael/Westminster.
Dual Time Feature
Two different time zones are displayed on the clock dial. These dials can be a
combination of two separate analog subdials or an analog digital subdial.
Get Up & Glow®
Through the process of electro-luminescence, the dial or hands are illuminated
at the touch of a button.
EASY-TO-SET Front Rotating Alarm Bezel
The ring or “bezel” around the clock dial can be rotated to easily set the alarm
time. This is the most convenient alarm setting feature available.
Light Sensor
A device that automatically disengages all alarms and melodies when there is no
available light. Light sensors are available in some mantel clocks and wall
clocks with chimes or musical movements.
Luminous Hands and Markers
Markers on dials or hands glow in the dark for a period of time.
Nighttime Silencer
A mechanism featured in a chime clock that automatically shuts off the chime at
11:00 P.M. and resumes functioning at 6:00 A.M.
Radio Controlled Clock (R - Wave)
A clock having a special movement capable of receiving a time signal transmitted
by the National Institute of Standards. This radio signal enables the clock to
keep time accurately up to one second in one million years and will
automatically adjust the time according to either standard or daylight savings
time.
Regulator
The pendulum of a clock, which originally served the function of “regulating” a
mechanical time keeping mechanism, is now a popular ornamental feature.
Rotating Pendulum
An ornamental pendulum that moves in a circle, stops, and then rotates in the
opposite direction, or rotates in a continuous circle.
Schoolhouse Clock
A traditional style wall clock featuring a long rectangular wooden case with a
pendulum.
Skeleton Clock
A “see through” design that exposes the clock movement wheel assembly to view.
There is usually a sub-second hand.
Snooze Alarm
This alarm, once stopped, allows for three to five minutes additional sleep
before the alarm resumes sounding.
Step Second Hand
Unique to quartz clocks, this “start-stop-start” motion precisely measures time
in one second intervals.
Sweep Second Hand
The second hand moves in one continuous motion and has the advantage of being
extremely quiet while operating.
Tambour
This is a traditional style whose name is based upon its resemblance to a small
drum-like tambourine.
24 Hour Time
Also known as military time. To convert 12 hour time to 24 hour time add 12 to
any PM time. For example: 2:00 P.M. is 12 + 2 or 14:00 in 24 hour time. To
convert 24 hour time to 12 hour time, subtract 12 from 13:00 through 24:00. For
example: 14:00 in 24 hour time is 14 - 12 or 2:00 P.M. in 12 hour time.
Retired Clocks
Clocks that have been discontinued and no longer available.
|
- Click to browse
any of the following Seiko Clock Categories -
|
KWUD071804 |