GROOVE

In watchmaking, a groove is a channel or a Unlocking (drop angle) circular recess made on a part of revolution, with a rounded, V-shaped or rectangular section. Its function can be technical or decorative. On the technical side, the groove serves as a housing: groove of a Barrel drum receiving the spring’s hook, groove of an axis accommodating a circlip or a pin, groove of a Bezel serving as a seat for a Gasket / Seal. It can also guide a component, retain a Lubricant or form a reservoir of Oil (basin). On the decorative side, a turned or milled groove highlights a contour, marks a transition between two diameters or enlivens a Case middle, a Crown or a Case back. The groove is made by turning, Milling or Stamping, and is often given a careful finish (Polishing, Buffing) when it is visible. Not to be confused with the Chamfer, which is a bevelling of the Axis, nor with the rabbet, a stepped recess.