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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Glossary · Mechanism

Bridge

An individual shaped plate, rather than a full upper plate, supporting one or more wheels.

Explanation

A bridge is a plate-like part fixed at both ends (or with two or more feet) that holds the upper pivots of wheels. A part fixed at one end only is properly called a cock. Bridge layout is a strong identification clue: three-quarter plate, full plate and bridge (Lépine-style) movements look quite different, and makers' bridge shapes are often distinctive enough to help attribute an unsigned movement.