QUICK ANSWER
Horology is the science and art of measuring time and the creation of timepieces such as watches and clocks.
Horology is the science and art of measuring time, encompassing the design, construction, and study of timekeeping instruments. It is a field that combines precision engineering, craftsmanship, and innovation to create devices that accurately track the passage of time. In watchmaking, horology involves the intricate process of designing and assembling watches, from the simplest quartz models to the most complex mechanical timepieces.
A key aspect of horology is the development of movements, which are the mechanisms that drive the hands of a watch. These movements can be mechanical, relying on a series of gears and springs, or electronic, utilizing quartz crystals and batteries. Master watchmakers, or horologists, meticulously craft these movements, ensuring each component functions harmoniously to maintain accurate timekeeping.
Horology also involves the aesthetic design of watches, balancing functionality with style. This includes the selection of materials, the design of the watch face, and the integration of additional features such as chronographs, calendars, and moon phase indicators.
Overall, horology is a discipline that celebrates the precision and beauty of timekeeping, reflecting both technological advancements and artistic expression in the creation of watches.

Horology is the science and art of measuring time and the study of timekeeping devices—clocks, watches, sundials, hourglasses, and other instruments. The word comes from Greek 'hora' (hour) and 'logos' (study). Horology encompasses both the technical craft of designing and making timepieces and the academic study of their history, theory, and mechanisms.
A horologist is a broader term for anyone who studies or works with timekeeping—covering the full range from clocks to sundials to watches. A watchmaker specifically designs, builds, repairs, or services watches. All watchmakers are horologists, but horologists may specialize in clocks, marine chronometers, or academic study without practicing watchmaking. The distinction matters in professional qualifications and guild memberships.
The Swiss watch industry centered in the Vallée de Joux, Jura, and Geneva regions remains the global hub. The Glashütte region in Germany has a significant independent tradition. The British Horological Institute (BHI) and Comité International de la Mésemtrologie Légale (CIML) govern standards internationally. The COSC in Switzerland certifies chronometers. Japan's Seiko and Citizen represent major Eastern horological traditions. Museums like the Musée International d'Horlogerie in La Chaux-de-Fonds preserve the craft's history.

.avif)