Ohio Watchmaker Certification Exam

Ohio Watchmaker Certification Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2025|2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary function of a mainspring in a mechanical watch

movement?

• To regulate timekeeping
• To wind the balance wheel
• To store and release energy
• To reduce friction

Rationale: The mainspring stores mechanical energy and releases it

gradually to power the movement.

• Which component controls the oscillation rate of a watch movement?
• Crown
• Gear train
• Balance wheel
• Ratchet wheel 1 / 3

Rationale: The balance wheel oscillates back and forth, regulating

timekeeping.

3. A jewel in a watch movement is primarily used to:

• Add aesthetic value
• Reduce friction
• Increase movement size
• Strengthen the gears

Rationale: Synthetic jewels act as low-friction pivot bearings for

moving parts.

• What is the purpose of the pallet fork?
• To store power
• To transfer impulse from escape wheel to balance wheel
• To wind the watch
• To secure the dial

Rationale: The pallet fork receives impulses from the escape wheel

and sends them to the balance wheel.

• What is a hairspring also known as?
• Crown spring
• Balance spring
• Train spring
• Escapement spring

Rationale: The hairspring works with the balance wheel, forming the

balance spring assembly. 2 / 3

6. The escapement controls:

• Winding power
• Release of stored energy in measured steps
• Case pressure
• Lubricant flow

Rationale: The escapement meters energy from the mainspring to

the timekeeping elements.

7. The average beat rate of a modern mechanical watch is:

• 12,000 bph
• 14,400 bph
• 21,600–28,800 bph
• 50,000 bph

Rationale: Most modern watches operate within that range.

• What is the function of the gear train?
• Provide winding torque
• Transmit power from mainspring to escapement
• Shape the movement plates
• Fasten the crystal

Rationale: It transfers energy through progressively smaller gears.

• Which part allows manual winding of the mainspring?
• Balance wheel
• Crown
• Rotor
• / 3