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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Complication · Striking & chiming

Alarm Silence Selector

Partially verified

A switch or pusher that allows the wearer to enable or disable the alarm function.

Definition

A switch or pusher that allows the wearer to enable or disable the alarm function.

Historical origin

A practical necessity for alarm watches used in social or quiet environments.

How it works

A lever that blocks the alarm hammer or disconnects the alarm train from the release cam.

Pocket watch context

Common on better alarm pocket watches.

Wristwatch context

Standard on all modern alarm wristwatches (e.g., Vulcain Cricket, JLC Memovox).

Identification

  • A slide marked 'On/Off' or 'Alarm/Silence'

Servicing notes

Mechanical interlock; check that it fully disengages the hammer.

General guidance only. Complicated mechanisms should be assessed and serviced by a qualified watchmaker or clockmaker specialist, not adjusted at home.

Diagram

count wheel or rackdetenthammer and gongwarning piece
Schematic: striking and sounding work. An outline schematic drawn to show the arrangement of the parts discussed here. It is not a dimensioned working drawing and does not depict a particular maker's calibre.

Sources & references

  1. de Carle, D., Watch and Clock Encyclopedia
  2. Britten, F. J., Old Clocks and Watches and Their Makers
  3. Horological Journal (British Horological Institute), technical articles

Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.