Timepieces can have bells or alarms, although the word is sometimes used by people who limit the word 'clock' to 'timepiece with a bell'. Clocks don't need to have chimes (even though their name comes from the Latin for 'bell') and watches don't need to have alarms (despite the etymology). A watch is small timepiece that fits in a pocket or on a wrist. A clock is a large timepiece that may be hung on the wall, or stand on the floor or on a shelf. etc.Ī 'timepiece' is relatively technical term for sundials, clocks, watches: any device that lets you know the time. Or 'hourglasses' and 'sundials' are the same, but watches are different. In other languages perhaps 'watches' and 'mantlepiece clocks' are the same, but wall clocks and sundials are different.

Wristwatch and pocket watch are types of watch.

In English, watches, clocks, sundials and hourglasses are all 'different', but 'wallclocks' and 'mantelpiece clocks' are types of clock. I'm going to get my daughter a clock for her birthday, or perhaps a watch. If you want to write in natural sounding English, either choose 'watch' or choose 'clock', or write 'watch or clock' (and perhaps rephrase).

It is used by people who insist that a 'clock' must have a 'bell' (see the etymology for why). 'Timepiece' is technical and rather dated. I suspect that in your language the distinction isn't usually made, and you are want to translate a sentence that uses this ambiguity from your language to English.īut if you write 'I'm going to get my daughter a timepiece for her birthday.' It will be very odd, even if it is the literal translation. There are words (gotube gives 'timepiece') but these are relatively rare and technical. divers and astronauts, who have to ration breathable atmosphere), will insist on a 'chronometer,' but those don't need to cost $100,000 (yes, really). More usefully, anybody whose life literally depends on accurate timekeeping (e.g. But, the expensive watch market is driven by a relatively small group of fabulously rich people who have more money than anyone could possibly spend in a lifetime, and we should not let their peacocking co-opt this term. 'Chronometer' is also what people call expensive watches. And, to JamesK's point, there really is a staggering diversity of sub-species in very many contexts, a more-precise term is better. 'Timepiece' is the one that probably best describes the familiar kinds of time-keeping devices that a layperson is likely to encounter. I believe this is the largest category that encompasses every possible device whose function is to measure the passing of time. Noun: chronometer plural noun: chronometersĪn instrument for measuring time, especially one designed to keep accurate time in spite of motion or variations in temperature, humidity, and air pressure

Extremely accurate timepiece crossword