What kinds of clocks are there?

  English
term
Synonym
[Derived terms / Abbreviations]
Definition
  analogue quartz time
keeping instrument
  Quartz timepiece whose indicating devices (dial, hands, etc.) have a mechanical construction.
wristwatch   Watch worn on the wrist using a band.
satellite radio watch / clock satellite radio-controlled watch / clock Watch or clock equipped with a function to automatically adjust the time and date using radio signals received from a GNSS including GPS.
*GPS: Global Positioning System
desk clock
table clock
  Stationary clock placed on a desk or a table.
talking watch /clock   Watch or clock that uses audio messages to indicate time, etc.
  wall clock   Clock that is fixed to a wall or a column.
marionette clock
carillon clock
  Clock that plays a melody and activate the dial or a marionette at fixed hours.
carrousel watch   Watch with a mechanism similar to the tourbillon but with the cage rotating around the third wheel instead of the fourth wheel.
mechanical time keeping instrument   Timepiece whose power source, time source elements and indicating devices have a mechanical construction.
chronograph   Timepiece that can measure time besides the time indication function.
chronometer   Name of a mechanical watch whose precision has been tested and which has been certified by an official body managed by the Chronometer Control International Council (CICC).
The test program and minimum requirements are defined by ISO 3159 - Wrist-chronometers with spring balance oscillator.
combination quartz time keeping instrument   Quartz timepiece combining analog and digital quartz display functions.
  pocket watch   Portable watch that can be put on the clothes or in a pocket.
automatic chronograph   Chronograph equipped with an automatic winding device.
time keeping instrument with small seconds hand   Timepiece whose second hand is attached to a different arbor separated from the minute hand arbor.
quartz time keeping instrument   Timepiece which time source is a quartz oscillator.
skeleton watch/clock   Watch or clock whose movement's skeleton can be seen through the case or the dial.
stopwatch   Portable time counter.
Note: Some devices also include a digital time display function.
world time keeping instrument   Timepiece that can display the standard time of each part of the world.
  anti-nickel allergy watch
nickel allergy resistant watch
  Watch with special materials and surface treatment that does not provoke nickel allergy when worn in contact with the skin.
timer   Time counter that can count down to a time set in advance.
anti-metal allergy watch
metal allergy resistant watch
  Watch with special materials and surface treatment that does not provoke any metal allergy when worn in contact with the skin.
Solar-powered watches
solar-powered watch /clock
solar cell time keeping instrument
  Timepiece equipped with solar cells to use the energy of light as power source.
multi-function time keeping instrument   Timepiece equipped with functions such as time counter or alarm besides time display.
Note: Mechanical watches with many functions are also called complicated watch.
multi-hands time keeping instrument   Timepiece equipped with hands for other functions besides the hour, minute and second hands.
This does not include timepiece with small seconds hand.
Note: Mechanical watches with many hands are also called complicated watch.
digital quartz time keeping instrument   Quartz timepiece with electronic display. (LCD, LED, etc.)
electric time keeping instrument   Timepiece using electrical power source but mechanical time source elements and indicating devices.
Note: Some timepieces use utility power for power source and time source.
electronic time keeping instrument   Timepiece that uses electrical power source and electronic time source control.
radio watch / clock radio-controlled watch / clock Watch or clock equipped with a function to automatically adjust the time and date using standard time radio signals.
tourbillon watch   Watch whose escapement and the regulator at its center are placed in a rotating cage.
The escape wheel pinion rotates around the fixed fourth wheel. The cage generally rotates one turn per minute and adjusts to minimize changes in the vertical position.
traveller's clock
travel alarm clock
  Small clock with alarm function that is easy to carry, for example during a travel.
  cuckoo clock   Clock that indicates each hour or fixed times through the song of a bird.
hall clock   Large and tall clock for indoor use.
  alarm clock   Clock with alarm function.
braille watch /clock   Timepiece that can tell time using voice or by touching it with the fingers.

(Note): The above information applies to the members of
the Japan Clock & Watch Association and their products.