Glossary · Trade
Tipsy key
A winding key with a square that only engages when correctly oriented, protecting the movement.
Explanation
A tipsy key has a winding square on a spring-loaded or pivoted mount that only engages when correctly oriented, preventing the key from being forced onto the wrong square or wound backwards. Patented in the 19th century, tipsy keys are collectible accessories in their own right and a prudent choice for winding valuable key-wound watches.
In the object catalogue
Catalogued objects whose own source record mentions “Tipsy key”. The quoted line shows where; it is the seller’s or museum’s wording, not independent verification.
