Home > Science > SEM
False-colour SEM of the crown wheel of a watch
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
False-colour SEM of the crown wheel of a watch
False-colour scanning electron micrograph of the crown wheel of a Swiss-made, 17-jewel INCABLOC watch. The crown wheel is part of the watchs winding mechanism. When the watch is wound, the winding pinion (small gear wheel seen edge-on at bottom) rotates, meshing with the crown wheel. The rotation of the crown wheel causes the ratchet wheel at top left to turn, & this wheel is attached to the barrel which holds the mainspring of the watch. The mechanism is clean; the tiny dust particles would not affect its function. The absence of screwdriver marks in the crown wheels slot shows that the assembly has never been serviced. Magnification: x4 at 6x4.5cm size
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6402551
© DR JEREMY BURGESS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Cogs And Gears Common Item Familiar Object Gears And Cogs Items Objects Watch False Coloured
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the intricate beauty of a watch's crown wheel, captured using false-colour scanning electron microscopy. The Swiss-made, 17-jewel INCABLOC watch is renowned for its precision and craftsmanship, and this image allows us to appreciate the inner workings that make it tick. The crown wheel plays a crucial role in the watch's winding mechanism. As the watch is wound, the small gear wheel known as the winding pinion rotates and meshes with the crown wheel seen here. This rotation sets off a chain reaction - as the crown wheel turns, it causes the ratchet wheel at the top left corner of the image to also rotate. This ratchet wheel is connected to the barrel which holds the mainspring of the watch, providing power for its operation. What makes this photograph even more fascinating is its pristine condition. The absence of screwdriver marks in the slot of these delicate gears indicates that this assembly has never been serviced before. Furthermore, despite some tiny dust particles visible on close inspection, they do not affect its flawless function. Magnified four times at a size of 6x4.5cm, this false-colour SEM image offers an extraordinary glimpse into an everyday object we often take for granted – cogs and gears working harmoniously together to keep time ticking away seamlessly.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
