Watch Parts Guide — Zach of Diamonds
Watches
WatchesMaybe you don't need to know that the gemstone set in the crown of your watch is a cabochon, but perhaps you should know what the crown is. Even if it's just so you can say, "The crown of my watch is stuck," instead of, "The little knob on the side of my watch won't turn," next time you go to your jeweler for a repair.
The 10 Most Basic Parts of a Watch
Bezel
The ring surrounding the watch face. Sometimes plain, sometimes decorative, sometimes functional – like a rotating bezel on a diving watch. The bezel is to the watch like the outer metal ring is to a mason jar. It holds the crystal in place just like the metal ring of a mason jar lid holds the center disc.
Case
The housing of the watch. The case can be plastic, ceramic or metal; fine watches often use gold, silver, platinum or rhodium. The case of a watch performs the same function as the skin of our body – holding all the contents in place.
Crown
The "little knob on the side of the watch" used to set time. May also serve additional functions depending on the watch. Example: Used to wind the mainspring on mechanical watches. The crown is the command center of your watch.
Crystal
The clear portion of the watch face that protects the dial, hands, etc. Can be made of plastic, glass or synthetic sapphire. The crystal of a watch is like the window of a house – protects the interior from the elements while still allowing you to see in.
Dial
The part that actually displays the time. On a digital watch, this is the numeric digital display; the dial consists of the hour markers and hands on a traditional watch.
Hand
The hands move over the dial itself, pointing at the hour markers to indicate the time. Kind of like traffic signs showing you which way to go.
Hour Marker
The actual numeric labels on the watch face, usually 1 to 12. Hour markers label the time just like measurement lines label volume on a measuring cup.
Lugs
Small metal pieces that attach the watch case to the straps. Just like the actual lug nuts that hold your tire to your car's axle.
Pusher
Similar to the crown. A button on the side of the watch that controls other functions, like the date. Used for more advanced functions.
Subdial
A small dial inset into the main watch dial. Used for secondary functions, like displaying seconds or a chronograph.
Bonus: Movement
The interior of a watch as a whole is called the movement. It's like the engine of the watch. Pretty important.
Hopefully next time you visit your jeweler to purchase a new watch, you'll feel confident letting them know that you want a sapphire crystal with a platinum case and a subdial with a chronograph. We carry watch batteries and watch bands in-store — stop by and see us!