Overview
ISO 6426-2:2002 - "Horological vocabulary - Part 2: Technical and commercial definitions" is an ISO international standard that defines the principal technical and commercial terms used in the horological industry. It applies to time‑measuring instruments and related devices (watches, clocks and associated components) and provides simplified, consumer‑oriented definitions of terms used in manufacturing, sales and documentation. This is the second edition (2002) prepared by ISO/TC 114 (Horology), Subcommittee SC 9.
Key topics
ISO 6426-2 structures its vocabulary into concise clauses that cover:
- General terms (time, date, duration, period, frequency, oscillation, alternation)
- Time measurements (terms used for expressing time and periodic phenomena)
- Rate of a time‑measuring instrument (simplified treatment of rate; cross‑reference to ISO 6426‑1 for detailed scientific definitions)
- Essential devices and parts (nomenclature for key watch/clock mechanisms)
- Functions, indications and additional devices (display and functional terminology)
- Components and miscellaneous terms
- Normative references, bibliography and alphabetical index for lookup
The standard intentionally simplifies some definitions for general use, while advising readers to consult ISO 6426‑1 for more technical and scientific definitions-especially where the instrument rate and precision are concerned.
Applications
ISO 6426-2 is practical for:
- Manufacturers and suppliers establishing consistent product descriptions and commercial documentation
- Retailers and product managers preparing technical sheets, user manuals and marketing copy
- Technical writers and educators creating training materials or instructional booklets
- Test labs and quality teams needing consistent terminology when reporting results
- Regulators, import/export teams and procurement professionals specifying requirements or contracts
Benefits include improved clarity in product specs, reduced ambiguity in commercial communications, and easier interoperability of documentation across international markets.
Related standards
ISO 6426-2 references and complements other horology standards, including:
- ISO 6426‑1 (Part 1: technical and scientific definitions)
- ISO 764 (magnetic‑resistant watches)
- ISO 1413 (shock‑resistant watches)
- ISO 2281 (water‑resistant watches)
- ISO 3159 (wrist‑chronometers with spring balance oscillator)
- ISO 6425 (divers’ watches)
Practical note
Reproduction of the terms and definitions for educational or implementation purposes is permitted under the conditions in the standard; however, commercial reproduction (e.g., dictionaries for sale) is restricted and the source must be referenced. For precise metrological definitions and measurement methods, consult ISO 6426‑1 and the normative references listed above.
