Century Cw21 Practice Exam Questions And

American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute (AWCI) – Certified Watchmaker Of The 21st Century (Cw21) Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

(Covers Mechanical Theory, Escapements, Gear Trains, Lubrication, Timing, Quartz Systems, and General Horology Knowledge)

• What is the function of the balance wheel in a mechanical watch?
• To drive the mainspring
• To display the time
• To regulate the rate of the watch
• To store energy

Rationale: The balance wheel oscillates back and forth, controlling the

release of energy from the escapement and thus regulating timekeeping accuracy. 1 / 4

• The mainspring stores energy in what form?
• Magnetic
• Potential mechanical energy
• Kinetic
• Thermal

Rationale: When wound, the mainspring stores potential mechanical

energy, which is gradually released to power the gear train.

• What component transfers power from the mainspring barrel to the

escapement?

• Keyless works
• Gear train
• Hairspring
• Motion works

Rationale: The gear train transmits torque from the barrel to the

escapement system.

• What is the primary function of the escapement?
• To wind the watch
• To control the release of power from the mainspring
• To set the time
• To amplify the balance amplitude

Rationale: The escapement delivers impulses to the balance and

controls energy release, ensuring steady operation. 2 / 4

5. A balance wheel’s period of oscillation depends primarily on:

• The barrel arbor
• The moment of inertia and the hairspring’s restoring force
• The pallet fork angle
• The winding system

Rationale: Oscillation frequency is determined by the balance’s mass

and the elasticity of the hairspring.

• What is the main function of the pallet fork?
• To wind the mainspring
• To transmit impulses between the escape wheel and balance

wheel

• To move the hands
• To lock the barrel

Rationale: The pallet fork alternately locks and releases the escape

wheel, transmitting impulses to the balance wheel.

• In a lever escapement, which part locks the escape wheel teeth?
• Roller jewel
• Pallet stones
• Balance wheel
• Fork horns

Rationale: The pallet stones alternately lock and unlock the escape

wheel teeth, regulating power release. 3 / 4

8. A high amplitude reading on a timing machine suggests:

• Low lubrication
• Excess friction
• Efficient power transmission
• Magnetized components

Rationale: High amplitude indicates smooth power flow and low

friction within the movement.

• What instrument is used to measure watch rate, amplitude, and beat

error?

• Micrometer
• Dial indicator
• Timing machine
• Microscope

Rationale: Timing machines record and analyze the acoustic signals

from the escapement for performance evaluation.

• Which lubricant is commonly used for pallet stones?
• Grease
• Epilame-treated synthetic oil
• Graphite
• None

Rationale: A thin, controlled layer of synthetic oil on Epilame-treated

surfaces ensures optimal friction control.

• / 4