clockworks
Timepiece's inner workings
Clockworks refers to the internal mechanism of a clock—the gears, springs, and escapements that make it function.
By extension, any intricate mechanical system may be called clockworks.
The phrase like clockworks describes something operating with smooth precision and regularity.
The gears of the clockworks were visible through the glass case.
Toothed rotating machine parts
- cogsProjections on a wheel
- escapementTick-controlling clock component
- springsCoils, sources, or leaps
- wheelworkInterconnected rotating components
pinions · mainspring · balance wheel · pallet · ratchet · barrel · fusee · jewels
Timekeeping science and craft
- filigreeDelicate twisted-wire ornamentation
- ornateElaborately decorated
- meticulousShowing extreme attention to detail
- engravingCarving into hard surfaces
skeletonized · beveling · watchmaker · horologist · loupe · tweezers · assembly · complications
Old valued collectible
- VictorianOf a prim era
- brassCopper-zinc metal mixture
- pocketwatchPortable hinged timepiece
- fuseeConical warning torch
ormolu · longcase · verge · timepiece · chiming · striking · steampunk · automaton
Science of precise timekeeping
- timekeepingMeasuring duration's passage
- hoursSixty-minute spans
- minutesSixty-second intervals
- secondsTime units, or extras
dial · hands · complications · calendar · moonphase · chiming · striking · alarm
Adjusting for measurement accuracy
- accuracyDegree of correctness
- synchronizationAligning timing across systems
- alignmentCorrect relative positioning
- adjustmentAlteration to improve fit
timing · oscillation · torque · regulation · tolerance · fine-tuning · amplitude
gears
Toothed rotating machine parts
- cogsProjections on a wheel
- escapementTick-controlling clock component
- springsCoils, sources, or leaps
wheelwork · pinions · mainspring · balance wheel · pallet · ratchet · barrel · fusee · jewels · pendulum
horology
Timekeeping science and craft
- filigreeDelicate twisted-wire ornamentation
- ornateElaborately decorated
- meticulousShowing extreme attention to detail
engraving · skeletonized · beveling · watchmaker · horologist · loupe · tweezers · assembly · complications
antique
Old valued collectible
- VictorianOf a prim era
- brassCopper-zinc metal mixture
- pocketwatchPortable hinged timepiece
fusee · ormolu · longcase · verge · timepiece · chiming · striking · steampunk · automaton
chronometry
Science of precise timekeeping
- timekeepingMeasuring duration's passage
- hoursSixty-minute spans
- minutesSixty-second intervals
seconds · dial · hands · complications · calendar · moonphase · chiming · striking · alarm · repeater
calibration
Adjusting for measurement accuracy
- accuracyDegree of correctness
- synchronizationAligning timing across systems
- alignmentCorrect relative positioning
adjustment · timing · oscillation · torque · regulation · tolerance · fine-tuning · amplitude
- Industrial Historyfactories, cotton mills, coal mines, power stations, mill ponds
clockworksdigital electronics
Binary-based circuit technology
microprocessors · computer chips · electronics · integrated circuits · software
clockworkschaos
Complete disorder and confusion
randomness · disorder · unpredictability · entropy · disarray
- like clockworkWith precise regularity
- clockwork precisionPerfect mechanical reliability
- A Clockwork OrangeDystopian novel about conditioning
- clockwork universeReality as divine machinery
- clockwork mechanismsSpring-powered gear assemblies