Hacking

[TARDIS]

Can someone please tell me what exactly the hacking movement on a watch does and how to activate it?

I should really know this, but I don't, so that's why I'm asking.

Please don't tell me an activation of the hacking movement causes the watch to break out in a terrible cough because I just won't believe it.

Thanks
Steve

[Launch Mini]

Hacking in simple terms, is a term used when the second hand stops moving when the crown is pulled out.
This allows more precise setting of the time, as you can stop the second hand at the 12, the push the crown in & the exact time.
Non hacking movements, the second hand keeps moving.
Some watches even have a system that resets the second hand automatically to the zero position.

[Otis]

It's not coughing, it's when someone uses a remote terminal to access your...... sorry, couldn't resist

I believe the hacking feature is when you pull the crown out fully, and the second hand stops, enabling you to set the correct time, down to the second.

I'm sure someone more knowledgeable will be able to answer better than I, but I'm pretty sure that's it.

[JJ Irani]

Show me a RADO or a JACOB & Co. and I'll show you some real hacking....with a bloody sledge hammer!!!

Now this is called hacking...

[miner]

Now tell me this
Why is the ability to stop the second hand on a watch called "Hacking".

Its not something that springs to mind when someone says they have a hacking movement.

[mike]

Originally Posted by miner

Now tell me this
Why is the ability to stop the second hand on a watch called "Hacking".

Its not something that springs to mind when someone says they have a hacking movement.

My best guess it's a military term.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by mike

My best guess it's a military term.

Mike is 100% correct its just, a military term referring to watches that stop the second hand, to allow for more accurate synchronization between two or more watches.

As others have said, hacking refers to the second hand stopping when the crown is pulled out to adjust the time. I believe Mike is right that this is a military term (although it was never used in my time in the military - at least that I recall).

There are different methods of accomplishing this, but the type I will show is very common.

This is a picture of various parts from an ETA 2836-2 and I've circled the hacking lever - it is "L" shaped with a hole in it where it pivots on a post on the main movement plate.




This next picture shows the keyless works removed (dial side or bottom plate), and you can see the tip of the hacking lever that engages in the clutch of the keyless works - I've circled it for clarity. When the stem is pulled out, the clutch moves the small end of this lever. The note at "A" shows the area where the balance is on the other side of the plate - this is important as the next photo will show.






This next picture shows the other side of the main plate (top plate). The area where the lever swings is circled - you can see the post where the lever pivots near the top center of the circle. The long end of the lever swings over to touch the rim of the balance (at the right edge of my red circle) when the stem is pulled out, stopping the movement - this is how this particular movement "hacks."






Other designs can stop a wheel on the going train with a brake, but again this method is probably the most common type out there. It's actually pretty simple and very easy to add to a movement, which makes me wonder why some movement don't include this feature.

Sorry for the poor photos but these are just some general shots that I dug up that show the items in question. I hope this helps!

[Rockrolex]

Great explanation, Al. Thank you for that information.

[TARDIS]

Thank you all for those detailed explanations

Now I know. I wrongly assumed it meant that the second hand automatically flicked up to 12 o'clock, but this is an additional feature on some watches like chronographs.

Steve

[miner]

Thanks Guys
A truely amazing answer to the question.
I love this place