Hacking seconds
Also called hacking, stop seconds, stop-seconds
Hacking seconds is a feature that stops the seconds hand when the crown is pulled out to set the time, so the watch can be synchronised precisely.
Most modern mechanical movements hack, while many older and some simpler ones don't. It's a convenience rather than a sign of quality, but it's also a quick functional check.
When inspecting a watch whose movement should hack, pull the crown to the time-setting position and confirm the seconds hand stops. If it doesn't, the movement or its setting parts may need attention.
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