Glossary · Complication
Hacking seconds
A mechanism that stops the balance when the crown is pulled to set the hands.
Explanation
Hack setting stops the seconds hand — usually by a lever touching the balance — when the crown is pulled, letting the watch be set to the exact second. Essential for navigation and military synchronisation, it became standard on service and chronometer-grade watches. Its absence on a claimed military watch is a point to check.
In the object catalogue
Catalogued objects whose own source record mentions “Hacking seconds”. The quoted line shows where; it is the seller’s or museum’s wording, not independent verification.
Pocket watch
Thomas Reid pair-cased ruby duplex deck watch
“Source reports document this large 68 mm pair-cased pocket watch attributed to Scottish watchmaker Thomas Reid, dating to 1804. Previously part of the T.P. Camerer Cuss collecti…”
Wristwatch
Ferdinand Berthoud Chronomètre FB 3SPC.2
“The Ferdinand Berthoud Chronomètre FB 3SPC.2 is a chronometer wristwatch cased in 18k rose gold measuring 42.30 mm by 9.43 mm, offered by Phillips PERPETUAL in London. The movem…”
Wristwatch
Smiths W10 British Army Military Watch (1968)
“This 1968 Smiths W10 is a British Army-issued military wristwatch housed in a stainless steel case with fixed strap bars. The matte black dial displays white Arabic numerals, a …”
Wristwatch
MWC Mil Diver Automatic Watch
“This is a vintage 1980s MWC Mil Diver automatic wristwatch catalogued under reference 0555/6645-02 and SKU WA-4480. According to the seller, the watch is powered by a Swiss ETA …”
Wristwatch
Breitling Chronomat Automatic Chronograph Watch B13050.1
“This Breitling Chronomat wristwatch, reference B13050.1, is constructed in a 40mm round stainless steel case with yellow gold bezel accents and rider tabs. It features an analog…”
Clock
Heuer Navia 8 Days dashboard clock
“This Heuer Navia 8 Days dashboard clock is a mechanical timekeeping instrument dating to the 1960s. Designed for use in automotive, nautical, or aviation environments, it featur…”