What is "independent seconds watch"

Independent \In`de*pend"ent\, a. [Pref. in- not + dependent: cf. F. ind['e]pendant.]

1. Not dependent; free; not subject to control by others; not relying on others; not subordinate; as, few men are wholly independent.

   A dry, but independent crust.
   --Cowper.

2. Affording a comfortable livelihood; as, an independent property.

3. Not subject to bias or influence; not obsequious; self-directing; as, a man of an independent mind.

4. Expressing or indicating the feeling of independence; free; easy; bold; unconstrained; as, an independent air or manner.

5. Separate from; exclusive; irrespective.

   That obligation in general, under which we conceive ourselves bound to obey a law, independent of those resources which the law provides for its own enforcement.
   --R. P. Ward.

6. (Eccl.) Belonging or pertaining to, or holding to the doctrines or methods of, the Independents.

7. (Math.) Not dependent upon another quantity in respect to value or rate of variation; -- said of quantities or functions.

8. (U. S. Politics) Not bound by party; exercising a free choice in voting with either or any party.

   Independent company (Mil.), one not incorporated in any regiment.

   Independent seconds watch, a stop watch having a second hand driven by a separate set of wheels, springs, etc., for timing to a fraction of a second.

   Independent variable. (Math.) See Dependent variable, under Dependent.

   Syn: Free; uncontrolled; separate; uncoerced; self-reliant; bold; unconstrained; unrestricted.