remontoir: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / SpecializedTechnical / Specialist / Horological
Quick answer
What does “remontoir” mean?
A mechanism in a watch or clock for winding it up.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A mechanism in a watch or clock for winding it up.
In horology, a secondary spring or weight system, often driven by the mainspring, that periodically rewinds a subsidiary mechanism (like a constant-force escapement or a striking train) to maintain consistent power. Historically, also refers to a watch with such a mechanism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is used identically by specialists in both regions.
Connotations
Conveys technical sophistication, precision engineering, and high-end watchmaking.
Frequency
Equally rare and technical in both UK and US English, confined to horological circles.
Grammar
How to Use “remontoir” in a Sentence
The [watch] features a remontoir.A remontoir for the [escapement].The mechanism of the remontoir.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “remontoir” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The remontoir spring was meticulously calibrated.
- It's a rare, remontoir-equipped marine chronometer.
American English
- The remontoir mechanism ensures isochronism.
- This design requires a remontoir assembly.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in historical or technical papers on horology.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Core term in high-end watchmaking and precision clock design, describing a specific component.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “remontoir”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “remontoir”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “remontoir”
- Using it as a general term for any clock component.
- Mispronouncing it as /ˈriːməntwɑːr/ (like 'remnant').
- Assuming it is a brand name.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare and highly specialized technical term used almost exclusively in watchmaking and high-end clockmaking.
Its main purpose is to provide a small, constant source of power to a part of a clock or watch (like an escapement), compensating for the declining force of the mainspring and thus improving timekeeping accuracy.
No, in modern English usage, 'remontoir' is exclusively a noun referring to the mechanism itself.
They are synonyms. 'Remontoir' is the modern French/English spelling, while 'remontoire' is an older anglicized spelling. Both refer to the same mechanism.
A mechanism in a watch or clock for winding it up.
Remontoir is usually technical / specialist / horological in register.
Remontoir: in British English it is pronounced /rəmɒnˈtwɑː(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌrɛmənˈtwɑr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a REMONToir as a tiny, dedicated REMONter (French for 'climber' or 'winder') inside a clock, constantly re-winding a small part to keep time perfect.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BATTERY BACK-UP FOR A CRITICAL COMPONENT: Just as a backup battery kicks in to keep a server running smoothly during a power flicker, a remontoir provides a constant, small reserve of power to a critical part of a timepiece.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'remontoir' exclusively used?