Watch Size confusion

[mrcardigan]

Hi all.

Quick question....one I suddenly realised I didn't know the answer to....with all the watches I've bought and learnt about, various sizes are mentioned 16s, 6/0, 3/0 12/0, size O, etc.

What part of a watch is actually being measured that defines what size the watch is classified as??

Cheers,
Andy C

[JerryT]

The measurement is across the diameter of the pillar plate of the movement, sometimes also called the bottom plate. This is the plate to which the dial is attached. You measure the plate and not the dial as sometimes the dial may be larger or smaller than the movement.

[mrcardigan]

OK...thanks....more questions generated then...

Why is the size format on some of them expressed as number/number eg 16/0, whilst on others it's just a number. Also, why is 0-sized named as much?

And what is the measurement expressed in? (mm, inches, rods??????)

[stryfox]

http://www.timezone.com/2002/10/01/watc ... tems-9600/

[mrcardigan]

Excellent link. Thank you so much, I understand it now.

Andy C