SWITCH

In watchmaking, a switch is a device intended to interrupt or engage, on demand, a mechanism or a function. Controlled by a latch, a bolt, a Pusher or a Setting lever, it acts as a selection component that engages or disengages a Complication without stopping the overall running of the Movement. The most common example is the striking switch: on a repeater or striking watch, it allows the striking to be activated or neutralized, or allows a choice between Grande sonnerie, Petite sonnerie and silence. Similar devices are also found to engage a Alarm or lock certain functions. The Switch illustrates the logic of controls in complicated watchmaking: it must be reliable, safe against false manipulations, and discreet enough not to detract from the aesthetics or the operation of theTime piece. Its design requires precision and smoothness of actuation.