Meat Plow wrote:

So it's not a tuning fork but rather a crystal.


That cut is referred to as a 'Tuning fork crystal', because of the
long, thin shape.

http://www.google.com/search?q=tuning+fork+watch+crystal&rls=com.microso ft:en-us&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1

A 32768 hz crystal is used by some MPU ICs with a built in PLL
multiplier. The MC68340, of the MC68020 family is one example.

Improper loading can cause it to run at the wrong frequency, and a
10:1 scope probe will detune it. I had to use a special Tektronics FET
input scope probe to troubleshoot a design problem on a custom embedded
controller.

These crystals are fragile, and need to be mounted so that they can't
vibrate. Most, if not all datasheets recommend laying them flat to the
PC board and soldering the top end of the cap to a pad on the PC board,
but a lot of designers fail to do this.


--
You can't have a sense of humor, if you have no sense!