Also known as hack or stop seconds. A watch that “hacks” or that has “hacking seconds” is one in which the seconds hand stops when the crown is pulled out. Hacking is typically achieved when pulling the crown out to the time-setting position causes a brake or lever to come into contact with the rim of the balance wheel, causing it to stop and to be held in position. Hacking allows the watch to be more easily set to a reference signal, or synchronized with second timepiece. Pushing the crown in releases the brake or lever, allowing the balance wheel to move freely.
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