center wheel

American  

noun

Horology.

1. the wheel driving the minute and hour hands of a timepiece.

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Etymology

Origin of center wheel

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

The chief business of the third wheel is to make the fourth turn in the same direction as the center wheel.

From Makers of Many Things by Tappan, Eva March

The first or main wheel is connected with the winding arrangements, and sets in motion the second, or center wheel, so called because it is usually in the center of the watch.

From Makers of Many Things by Tappan, Eva March

I made my way to the center wheel and stood at the rear of the crowd surrounding it.

From Under the Andes by Stout, Rex

This center wheel revolves once an hour and turns the minute hand.

From Makers of Many Things by Tappan, Eva March

When the center wheel is placed above or below the barrel, the upper or lower pivot of the third pinion receives such great stress that the oil is forced out in many cases.

From Friction, Lubrication and the Lubricants in Horology by Lewis, William T.