Watch mechanisms, explained in 3D
See what happens inside a watch.
Short reels that take a watch apart and build it back up, one gear at a time. Every part meshes the way it would in a real movement: no faked connections, no hand-waving.
- Views
- 135,803+
- Best reel
- 104,729
- New reels
- 4 a week
Latest reels
One question, answered in under a minute.
The reels
Three kinds of reel, four a week.
Every reel is short, in 3D and answers one thing. Here's what each kind does and when it comes out.
Wednesdays
Build
We take our base movement and add one complication to it, part by part: first why it's useful, then the two or three parts that make it work, built and running in front of you.
For example: the GMT, which keeps two time zones at once.
Mondays and Sundays
Explainer
One question about a watch you might own, answered in under a minute: what a part is for, or how to read and use it. Often with a challenge to test yourself.
For example: how to use a tachymeter, or why some dive watches have a helium valve.
Fridays
Watch Story
The true story behind a famous watch moment: who wore it, what happened, and what the watch actually did.
For example: the watch that helped bring Apollo 13 home.
- Mon Explainer
- Tue –
- Wed Build
- Thu –
- Fri Watch Story
- Sat –
- Sun Explainer
New reels go out at 08:30 New York time on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube Shorts.
For brands and makers
Want your mechanism explained?
We're building an audience of people who want to know how watches work. If you make or sell watches, or work with them in any way, and you'd like to talk, get in touch.