repeating watch
Definition
Noun: A "repeating watch" is a type of timepiece that, upon the press of a button or slide of a lever, audibly chimes the hours, quarters, and minutes. It is a mechanical watch designed to "repeat" the time on demand, typically for use in darkness or for the visually impaired.
Usage Examples
- (A watch that chimes the time when activated.)
- (The watch sounded the hours and minutes audibly.)
Advanced Usage
- "minute repeater": a more precise type of repeating watch that chimes the exact minute, not just quarters.
- A minute repeater repeating watch is considered a pinnacle of horological complexity. (A highly advanced version that chimes the time down to the minute.)
Variants and Related Words
- Repeating (adj): functioning by repeating a sound or action.
- The repeating mechanism in the watch is delicate. (The part that produces the chime works repeatedly.)
- Watch (n): a small timepiece worn on the wrist or carried in a pocket.
- This repeating watch is a rare pocket watch from the 19th century. (A portable timepiece with a chime feature.)
Synonyms
- Striking watch: a watch that strikes the hour automatically, but not necessarily on demand.
- Chiming watch: a watch that produces musical or bell-like sounds to indicate time.
Related Idioms
- "repeat the time": to announce the current hour and minute again.
- The repeating watch will repeat the time whenever the wearer desires. (It chimes on request.)
Notes on Usage
- Not to be confused with a regular "striking watch", which chimes automatically at each hour; a repeating watch only chimes when activated by the user.