A watch is nonmagnetic when it is protected from the deleterious effects of magnetic fields. To achieve this, components most susceptible to the disturbances of magnetism are made of materials that cannot be easily magnetized (for example, balance springs made of elinvar or nivarox are used in conjunction with balances made of brass, nickel, or beryllium bronze). In addition, various nonmagnetic metals are also used for components such as pallets, escape wheel, and roller (or roller table). Another option is to enclose the entire movement within an additional inner case made of a highly conductive alloy. This inner case prevents the formation of magnetic fields inside it.

The unit of measurement used for all civilian timekeeping is the progress of the sun in the sky. True noon is defined as the time when the shadow cast on the ground by a vertical pole is shortest.

The sum of the beats of the speed regulating organ ( e.g., Pendulum or balance wheel) of a clock is described as its "number of vibrations." A complete oscillation consists of two sequential vibrations. For example, classical wristwatches generally have an oscillation frequency of 18,000 vibrations (or "beats") per hour. In other words, the balance completes 9,000 oscillations (beats) or 18,000 half-oscillations (vibrations) per hour. The frequency of the balance of such a clock is 2.5 hertz (Hz).