Watch Terminology Dictionary

A ring that holds a hole jewel in place. In the days when parts were not manufactured with the same precision, the size of the bridge and the hole jewel would not always be the same, so chatons were used as spacers to secure the hole jewel. Materials used include soft gold and brass. In the past, screws were used to secure the jewel in place, but in the late 19th century, when manufacturing precision improved, screws were only used on the second wheel, which is where the force is applied. A. Lange & Söhne actively uses screw-fastened chatons. They are more decorative than practical.