Glossary

A complication in mechanical watches that produces audible sounds at specific time intervals. It is designed to strike or chime, adding an acoustic dimension to the timekeeping function of the watch. The striking mechanism typically consists of a set of hammers, gongs, and other components that work together to produce the sound. The hammers are responsible for striking the gongs, which are coiled wires or bars with specific lengths and tensions. When activated, the hammers strike the gongs, producing different tones or sequences of sounds.