The world of watchmaking is a world apart, blending technical meticulousness, fascinating history, and timeless elegance. Through this series of quizzes, Charlie Paris invites you to test your knowledge and hone your discerning eye.
Ready to take on the challenge? Here's the first part of our series:
Answers at the end
7 questions to explore the basics of watchmaking. Get your hands on it!
1. What is the main function of an automatic movement?
A. Recharge the watch using a battery
B. Power the watch using wrist movements
C. Allow date to be set automatically
2. What does the acronym ATM mean on a watch?
A. Mechanical Technical Attachment
B. Atmospheres, a sealing unit
C. Minimalist Time Display
3. What watch complication can display lunar cycles?
A. The chronograph
B. The power reserve
C. The moon phase
4. What material is known for its scratch resistance and is used for the glass of high-end watches ?
A. Mineral glass
B. Plexiglas
C. Sapphire crystal
5. What part beats inside an automatic movement to regulate accuracy?
A. The pendulum
B. The rotor
C. The crown spring
6. When did the first known wristwatch appear?
A. End of the 18th century
B. Early 19th century
C. 1969, with the quartz watch
7. Which country is considered the cradle of fine watchmaking?
A. France
B. Japan
C. Switzerland
Answers & explanations
- B / The automatic movement recharges the watch using energy generated by wrist movements.
- B / ATM stands for "atmospheres" and indicates water resistance.
- C / The "moon phase" complication displays the position of the Moon in the sky.
- C / Sapphire crystal is virtually scratch-proof and is widely used in watchmaking.
- A / The balance wheel oscillates to regulate the precision of the movement.
- B / The first wristwatch was attributed to Breguet in 1810 for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples.
- C / Switzerland is the historical cradle of modern fine watchmaking.
Did you like this quiz?
Whether you answered correctly out of passion or curiosity, this first quiz is just a taste of the fascinating world of watchmaking. We'll be offering a new opportunity to explore the workings of time, watch complications, major inventions, and the little anecdotes that thrill watch enthusiasts.
At Charlie Paris, we believe watchmaking should remain accessible without ever compromising on attention to detail. From our Parisian workshop, we design and assemble watches built to last, combining contemporary aesthetics, watchmaking expertise, and technical precision. Automatic or quartz models for men and women feature complications such as moon phase, power reserve indicator, and sapphire crystal dials.