The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Oh, I'm sure they didn't misspell it. I was just having a bit of fun thinking about if they had. Still, it is curious they chose French for that one word, whereas they used English for everything else. Personally, I think it makes the watch that much more interesting and unusual.

Before virtually all manufacturers switched to using 'jewels' they were generally known as rubis - smae logic that movement kits are called ebauches or chablons I guess.

Incidentally, they are now referred to as jewels because they are artificial rather than natural - made of corundum, although ironically corundum's other major use is as crystals in watches where it is referred to as sapphire (it's the same composition as sapphire). I'm sure it makes sense to someone!

Enlightening as always, Roff. Thanks for the info.