Jewels

The jewels in a watch movement are small synthetic gemstones, typically made of ruby or sapphire, that serve as low-friction pivot points for the gear train and other moving parts. They help reduce wear and increase the longevity of the mechanical movement by minimizing metal-on-metal contact. Jewels are commonly used in critical areas such as the escapement and balance wheel, with the number of jewels often indicating the movement’s level of refinement and complexity.