W

• Water-resistant

  The ability to withstand water without detrimentally impacting the timepiece.  For example, a watch 'water resistant to 50 metres' can only be immersed in water to a depth of 50 metres without causing harm.  General definition as follows:

  Water resistant - will withstand splashes of water or rain but should not be worn while swimming or diving.

  Water tested to 50 metres (165 feet) - suitable for showering or swimming in shallow water.

  Water tested to 100 metres (330 feet) - suitable for swimming or snorkeling.

  Water tested to 150 metres (500 feet) - suitable for snorkelling.

  Water tested to 300 metres (660 feet) - suitable for skin diving.

  Divers to 150 metres - Meets ISO Standards and is suitable for scuba diving.

  Divers to 200 metres - Meets ISO Standards and is suitable for scuba diving.  

• White gold

  Created from yellow gold by incorporating either nickel or palladium to the alloy to achieve a white colour.  Most watches made of white gold will be 18 carats. 

• Winding stem

  The button on the right side of the watch case used to wind the mainspring.  Also called a 'crown'.

• World time dial

  A dial, usually on the outer edge of the watch face, that tells the time in up to 24 time zones around the world.