The Timepiece Journal » horology

A miniature painted enamel watch dial can cost more than a car. Once you understand what goes into making one — the firings, the failures, the irreplaceable artists — the price makes perfect sense.

The tourbillon is either the pinnacle of watchmaking genius or an expensive solution to a problem that no longer exists. We examine both sides of the most debated complication in horology.

Flip a mechanical watch over and you'll see something extraordinary. This beginner's guide explains every key component of a watch movement — mainspring, gear train, escapement, balance wheel and more — in plain language.