Horologist

Most frustrating is working on over-complex, poorly made/designed, old musical instruments etc. The kind I can't see the point in, but who's owners force us to service them, by threatening us with money.

Abraham Louis Breguet, 1747-1823. Horological genius and inventor, and one of the most famous watchmakers of all time. The name is also applied to a balance spring which has its outer coil raised above the body of the spring and curved inward.

Again, companies want to hire people who are passionate about the job, so you should have a great answer about why you want the position. (And if you don't? You probably should apply elsewhere.) First, identify a couple of key factors that make the role a great fit for you (e.g., “I love customer support because I love the constant human interaction and the satisfaction that comes from helping someone solve a problem"), then share why you love the company (e.g., “I’ve always been passionate about education, and I think you guys are doing great things, so I want to be a part of it”).

Also known as a "water clock", an ancient Greek time-keeping device similar to an hour-glass, which used a regulated flow of water or mercury through a small aperture to mark the passage of time. It is said that the clepsydra was invented to limit the speaking time of Greek orators (public speakers), which means that the first clocks were really invented for the purpose of encouraging politicians to sit down and shut up!

Aaron Dennison was one of the "Fathers" of the American watch industry, and he invented several standards of measuring watches and mainsprings. The Dennison Gauge for watch sizes is based on a size A being 1" and for each additional size larger, you would add 1/16". The most common sizes were N (1 11/16), which is close to 18s and L (1 10/16), which is close to 16s. Used primarily by the E. Howard Watch Company (of which Dennison was a founder). Dennison Gauge is still used for the measurement of mainsprings for American pocket watches.

Poising a balance by measuring its errors ona timing machine while the watch is running in different positions. Dynamic poise compensates for the motion of the entire oscillating balance system.

Control Officile Suisse de Chronometers or Swiss Controle Officiel des Cronometres- the independent Swiss regulatory organization that rigorously tests and certifies (or fails) watch movements for chronometer status.

A thin steel tube with pinion leaves at its lower end and which carries the minute hand on its upper end. Provides a friction "clutch" with the center arbor when setting the watch.

Also called "mainspring barrel." Thin cylindrical "can" which holds the mainspring of a watch and provides the motive power to drive the gear-train, usually through the center wheel. See also "Motor Barrel" and "Going Barrel."

The act of heating and slowly cooling a metal in order to render it softer for the purpose of machining, or to relieve internal stress.

Seemingly random personality-test type questions like these come up in interviews generally because hiring managers want to see how you can think on your feet. There's no wrong answer here, but you'll immediately gain bonus points if your answer helps you share your strengths or personality or connect with the hiring manager. Pro tip: Come up with a stalling tactic to buy yourself some thinking time, such as saying, “Now, that is a great question. I think I would have to say… ”

In asking this interview question, “your interviewer wants to get a sense of how you will respond to conflict. Anyone can seem nice and pleasant in a job interview, but what will happen if you’re hired and Gladys in Compliance starts getting in your face?” says Skillings. Again, you'll want to use the S-T-A-R method, being sure to focus on how you handled the situation professionally and productively, and ideally closing with a happy ending, like how you came to a resolution or compromise.

A generic term used to refer to the band that holds a watch on your wrist. The preferred terms are bracelet and strap, which more clearly describe the two major types.

Used to indicate a smooth round or oval convex shaped polished gemstone. In watch terminology, it often describes a decorative stone set in the watch crown.

The knob used to wind the watch and set the hands

The force which holds the pallet against the banking pins. Draw results from the combined angles of the escape wheel teeth and the pallet-jewel locking faces.

Part of the case. The ring or "frame" that holds the crystal in place.

Everyone disagrees with the boss from time to time, but in asking this interview question, hiring managers want to know that you can do so in a productive, professional way. “You don’t want to tell the story about the time when you disagreed but your boss was being a jerk and you just gave in to keep the peace. And you don’t want to tell the one where you realized you were wrong,” says Peggy McKee of Career Confidential. “Tell the one where your actions made a positive difference on the outcome of the situation, whether it was a work-related outcome or a more effective and productive working relationship.”