Category: News

When does wearing a watch stop being just part of a man’s wardrobe and become more a part of his being? This burning question has many layers, starting with the type of watch one chooses. Diver or field watch? Leather strap or NATO? Perhaps the first essential question any budding watch enthusiast asks is, “Which hand is the correct one to wear my watch on?” While the question is valid, the answer is very much subjective. 

One must consider practicality and comfort when wearing a watch, so choosing the wrist to wear your timepiece is not only an aesthetic decision but also one of functionality. So fret not! There are no complex rules in this wide world of watches—the person wearing the piece decides which hand it goes on. Left wrist, right wrist, even double wrist—the choice comes down to what’s comfortable and stylish for you.

What Wrist Does a Man Wear a Watch On?

History shows that, due to the majority of the population being right-hand dominant, watches “should” be worn on the left wrist. Whether it be 18th-century aristocrats or fountain pen connoisseurs of the 20th century, the notion has been passed down that wearing a watch on your dominant hand will get in the way of daily activities and risk potentially damaging the watch.

Considering the fact that 90% of the world is right-handed, it’s no surprise that the “norm” is to wear the watch on the left wrist. But “norms” aren’t rules, and when it comes to watches, one must wear them in a way that best suits them. I’m right-handed and wear my watches on my left wrist since I’m typing, writing, or using a mouse during my workday. 

On the other hand, my dad, who works on plane engines, wears his watch on his dominant right hand. He’s always found it more comfortable for reasons I’ll never fully understand.

Things to Consider When Choosing Which Wrist to Wear a Watch

Most watches are made with right-handers in mind, meaning that the crown and other controls are on the right side of the watch, making it easier to wear on the left wrist. Setting the time with your watch on your right hand could force you into an uncomfortable position while trying to use the crown. It’s important to remember that a watch is also a tool. 

If you wear a watch daily, you should wear it efficiently and according to your surroundings. Wearing a watch on your dominant hand increases the risk of it bumping into something or getting scratched, whereas the non-dominant hand is typically used less, reducing that risk.

Best “Destro” Watches for Lefties

The watch market has traditionally catered more to its right-handed audience. That was until companies started thinking of the 10% of left-handed watch lovers who dreamt of a more comfortable watch-wearing experience. Left-handed watches, or “destro,” which is Italian for “right,” were designed for those who prefer wearing their pieces on the right wrist by placing the crown and functions on the left. Here are the best “destro” watches for lefties.

Rolex GMT-Master II (ref. 126720VTNR)

Rolex’s contribution to the “destro” community debuted in 2022, leaving audiences in awe. Quickly nicknamed the “Sprite,” this left-hand-drive watch comes with a green and black bezel and everything else you’d expect from a Rolex GMT II: an automatic 3285 movement with a 72-hour power reserve. The main difference is that the crown and date display are placed at 9 o’clock for better access when wearing them on the right hand. It’s an absolute gem of a watch, especially when paired with a jubilee bracelet, with prices starting at around $18,000 after retail.

Tudor Pelagos LHD (ref. M25610TNL-0001) 

An essential dive watch for lefties, the Tudor Pelagos LHD features a 42-mm titanium case, a unidirectional rotating matte black ceramic bezel with 60-minute markers, a black dial, and Tudor’s signature snowflake hands. Starting at $5,000, this watch includes a special clasp that adjusts on the wrist depending on the depth, a helium escape valve, and 500 meters of water resistance.

TAG Heuer Monaco Lefty (ref. CAW211P.FC6356)

We can never be as cool as Steve McQueen, but you can come close by getting the limited-edition TAG Heuer Monaco Lefty worn by McQueen himself in the 1971 movie Le Mans. This 39mm square-cased chronograph is a unique marvel in racing watches. It has a beautiful blue dial with silver and red accents, held together by a black leather strap. It’s available on the TAG Heuer website for $8,100.

Zenith El Primero Pilot Lefty Chronograph (ref. 03.2117.4002/23.C704): 

Like lefties themselves, Zenith El Primero Pilot Lefty Chronograph watches are rare. In fact, finding a price online for this limited-edition piece is nearly impossible. It’s a 42mm Pilot edition of the El Primero series with a large black dial and a date marker at the 6 o’clock position. The El Primero Pilot Lefty was the first of its kind for Zenith, released in 2011, and hasn’t been re-released since. But it’s still a sought-after watch that has critics and fans yearning for Zenith to revive it.

Oris Aquis Red Limited Edition (ref. 01 733 7653 4183-Set RS): 

Oris has a philosophy that reads, “Swiss watchmaking for everyone,” and they doubled down on that statement by releasing the Aquis Red Limited Edition. This special edition watch was made for left-handed dive watch lovers at a modest price of $2,000. The Aquis Red Limited Edition comes in a 43mm stainless steel case with a unidirectional rotating black ceramic bezel with red accents, a black dial with white and red markers, and a bright lume that solidifies its status as a dive watch. With 300-meter water resistance, Oris has had collectors clawing at the chance to add this now-discontinued piece to their collections.

In Short

The watch itself is a personal preference, and the hand on which you choose to wear it is also up to you. The unwritten rules are just that—unwritten. There’s no point in following a guide on wearing a watch if it doesn’t feel comfortable on your wrist. Let your personality shine through the watch. Perhaps you’re the classic man who wears it on his left hand. Maybe you want to break the mold and rock the watch on your right wrist. There will be no gasps or nasty looks, I promise. For the lefty community, there are some fantastic watch options. But remember this: no watch is exclusive to a specific hand; wear your watch as you please.

There are few documents that can titillate the senses quite like a glossary. Hard not to have your heart pound out of your chest as you excitedly turn the page, waiting to move onto another technical description, full of words you now need to look up just to grasp the full understanding of what you are reading. 

THIS is not that glossary! For one, I am not nearly smart enough to write THAT type of glossary, and more importantly, I only have 1500 words to catch your attention, define 14 fundamental aspects of a watch, and wrap a pretty bow on all of it. 

Someone once told me that it takes a very smart person to describe a complex subject matter in a simple way that anyone can understand, and I am writing this post with the full intention of proving them wrong!

Why There Are So Many Watch Parts

Why is the world of watchmaking so complex? To put it simply, because it can be. One of the aspects of a watch that pulls on our heart strings (and purse strings) the most is complexity. 

Does a watch need a chronograph? Nope, but it’s cool! Dive bezel? Nope, but we sure do love them! At the end of the day, these tiny mechanical marvels on our wrist earn our hard-earned watch enthusiast dollars because of their complexity, whether it is how the dial plays with the hands or how the minute repeater helps us flex to our watch nerd friends.

All Watch Parts Explained

Let’s take a look at 14 of the basic components of a timepiece as I try my very best to keep it brief.

Case

The case of a watch is the component that houses the dial and movement of the timepiece. It can be made of an almost limitless variety of materials, although stainless steel is by far the most common. The case provides the structural rigidity of the watch and helps to aid in the robustness of the timepiece. 

Caseback

Working in conjunction with the case, the caseback seals up the back of the watch and protects the movement. The caseback is generally made of the same material as the case, but a sapphire crystal has become a popular style, allowing the user to enjoy the view of their new mechanical marvel in action. 

There are different ways for a caseback to attach to the case, with more basic watches utilizing a pressure fit, or snap-on, mechanism, while more robust watches utilize a screw-on method to help aid the water resistance.

Bezel

Almost every watch has a bezel, but there are 2 different types. The first is a plain bezel. This style of bezel almost appears to be a continuation of the case but is removed while replacing the crystal. The second type of bezel is a functional bezel. 

These bezels vary in function, with the divers style being the most popular, followed by the 12-hour GMT and Tachymeter scale for a chronograph. These bezels, whether fixed or rotating, serve a function for the timepiece.

Bezel Insert

If you have a functional bezel on your watch, it is very likely that you have a bezel insert. This insert is a replaceable component that provides the information that gives the bezel its functionality. 

This could be the 60-minute countdown scale on a dive bezel or the 12-hour markers for a GMT. These come in several different materials, with aluminum bezel inserts prevalent on watches prior to the 2010s and more durable ceramic bezels becoming a staple of both luxury and spec monsters alike.

Lugs

The lugs of the watch are what connect the case of the watch to the strap or bracelet. Although some watches have a lugless design, such as the ever-popular Apple Watch, most watches utilize lugs in their design. 

Although many consider lugs to simply be an aspect of the watch case, they deserve some attention as their own element. Watch lugs can strongly influence the wearing experience of your timepiece. A small diameter watch with long lugs will wear much larger than the case dimension suggests, think Nomos, while the opposite is also true, think Seiko.

Crown

The crown of the watch is often the part that we interact with the most on our timepiece. Often composed of the same material as the case, the crown is our direct connection to the watch movement via a watch stem. 

The crown presents itself as a small bump, often shaped like a crown with ridges, that will hang over the edge of the case. By pulling the crown, you will be able to set the time and, depending on the movement powering your watch, provide power to the movement of your watch.

Crystal

The crystal of a watch is our window to the dial, allowing us to tell the time. These are made of several transparent materials such as mineral glass on less expensive watches, sapphire on modern higher-end watches, or plexiglass on vintage or vintage-inspired watches. 

All of these materials have their different benefits, but they all serve the same purpose of allowing us to actually see the time while simultaneously protecting the dial from dust, debris, and impact (damn doorknobs!).

Dial

The dial of the watch is the plate that displays the information of the timepiece. These vary from very simple, such as the Tudor Ranger,  to breathtakingly beautiful, such as the Grand Seiko Snowflake. The watch dial is the backdrop to all of the information displayed on the watch, regardless of how simple or complex it is.

Hands

The simplest way to think of watch hands is that they are what tell the time. In reality, it’s not quite that simple. The hands are responsible for giving us information. That information is determined by the regulation of the movement but can come in many forms. 

By way of a pinion through the dial to the gears in the movement, the watch hands allow us to see what our watch is actually doing. Hands can vary from basic to beautifully finished and are often a calling card of a given brand or model.

Hour Indices

The hour indices are what give meaning to the hour and minute hands on a dial. These help to mark certain increments of time around the dial and give context to what these hands are actually pointing to. Hour indices can be printed, applied, or even cut out depending on the style of the watch. While applied indices are often sought after, when done right, any style can help elevate a timepiece.

Minute Track

While not present on every watch, a minute track can help to aid in the precision of a timepiece. A minute track follows the circumference of the dial and marks off 1-minute increments. This allows all of us watch nerds to properly set our timepieces to the exact minute as opposed to a guess. While not necessary for a timepiece, these, like the indices, help give further context to what the hands are presenting.

Subdials

More complex watches will feature information beyond just the time. Subdials are a simple way to present additional information to the user. These are generally cut out of the dial, or at least marked with a color change, and will feature their own hands, indices, and markings to help define the information being presented. These can vary from sub seconds counters all the way to chronographs or GMT indicators. 

Date Window

Love em or hate em, many watches have a date function on them. This date function allows their user to not only tell the time but the date as well. The date window is a cut out on the dial that allows the date wheel, which is attached to the backside of the movement under the dial, to display itself to the user. 

There are few triggers that will set off a watch nerd, I mean enthusiast, like the placement of a date, and is best to avoid bringing up while at watch meetups or in forums.

Strap

The strap is responsible for securing the case of the watch to your wrist. The strap can be integrated, such as the AP Royal Oak, or secured through the lugs. Many sports watches will come fitted with a bracelet composed of the same material as the case, while dress watches often come paired with a custom-crafted piece of leather. 

While many people will keep a watch on the original strap, the watch came on for its entire life, one of watch enthusiasm’s great joys comes in the form of swapping from one to another. While I love my watches on their original bracelet, I can’t help but throw them on a NATO strap occasionally.

Conclusion

So there it is; 14 definitions of common watch components. Are watches complex? Absolutely, but you don’t need to know everything about them to have fun. If you are just getting into the hobby, this list here is enough to make you dangerous. Happy watch hunting!

Have you ever wondered what the term “watch crystal” means? Me too. When I see the word crystal, I instantly think of some fancy gemstone. But it has nothing to do with any diamonds or gemstones set on your watch’s case or dial. Instead, watch crystal refers to the type of glass placed above the display, keeping you from accidentally scratching the face of your favorite timepiece.

It’s that transparent cover that protects the dial of the watch. It is usually made from a material like acrylic, mineral glass, or sapphire crystal. It’s a crucial component of your timepiece, even though, in many cases, it’s barely noticeable. Not only does it shield the inner workings from dust, moisture, and the occasional bump, but it also affects the overall look of your watch.

There’s more to watch crystals than you might think. There are a variety of watch crystal types, each with its own pros and cons, plus a myriad of reasons why your watch crystal is vital in the durability of your timepiece. Let us explain…

The Importance of Watch Crystals

I like to think of my watch’s crystal as a shield. It’s a clear cover that sits over the dial, and it’s got a relatively important job to do. Sure, the case material is also super important in determining the look and durability of my watch, but the glass has an equal amount of responsibility. 

It keeps those delicate inner workings of the watch safe from everyday wear and debris. I wear my watches all the time: out walking, traveling, and on formal occasions, so I need my watch crystal to protect it against everything. I’m talking scratches, dust, and even the occasional splash of water.

Watch crystal does exactly that; it keeps my watch looking good and ticking smoothly. Without a quality piece of crystal over the dial, my timepiece would be at risk of getting damaged, which is a pricey expense I want to avoid. 

The glass also plays a huge role in how your watch looks. You can find domed crystals, flat crystals, and cambered crystals, all giving your watch a sleek and modern finish or more of a classic vintage vibe. There are a number of different watch crystals to choose from, all coming in at different price points too – so your budget will also slightly determine which watch crystal you can get.

Watch Crystal History

Understandably, the materials we have used in the creation of pocket watches and wristwatches have evolved dramatically over the years. That applies to watch crystals, too. Some of the first watches used glass to protect watch dials, often cut from mineral quartz. These early crystals were simple but functional, offering a basic level of protection against dust and damage.

It wasn’t until the early 20th century that acrylic glass emerged as an alternative. The material was a game-changer, as it was lighter and more impact-resistant, making it perfect for those who wanted to wear their watches every day without worry. 

Acrylic glass was also a more affordable alternative than crystals made from mineral quartz, so wristwatches became not only more durable but also more accessible to the general public.

During the 1960’s, mineral glass became a common sight on watches. Made by adding various minerals to standard glass, this type of watch crystal offered the crisp look of glass but with improved scratch resistance and clarity. 

However, the real breakthrough came just twenty years later, with the introduction of synthetic sapphire crystals in the 1980s. Boasting extreme levels of hardness and scratch resistance, sapphire crystal provided better protection than before, with a crystal-clear view of the dial. This material has allowed watchmakers to create even more refined and durable watches, setting new standards in the creation of modern timepieces.

Most Common Watch Crystal Materials

As history attests, there are a number of different watch crystals suited to protecting our timepieces. Some are favored more than others, but each has its own set of benefits and disadvantages.

Before you go out and choose your next timepiece, it’s good to know the differences between the most common watch crystals so you have a complete understanding of the levels of durability, scratch resistance, and readability of the design.

Sapphire Crystal

Personally, I consider sapphire crystal glass to be the crème de la crème of watch crystals. It’s one of the newest materials used for watch glass and as such is considered the most durable and scratch resistant. As its name suggests, it’s made from synthetic sapphire and boasts a hardness second only to diamonds – the strongest material in the world. 

As someone who tends to bump my watch against things, sapphire crystal glass is the perfect choice for me. It keeps the lens clear, durable, and my watches look new for years.

However, with these high levels of durability comes a higher price tag. Sapphire crystal watches are more expensive to produce, which does mean they typically retail for more than those equipped with the two materials mentioned below. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that while sapphire is highly resistant to scratching, it is not immune to shattering. A hard knock in the wrong place could cause the sapphire crystal to crack. It’s difficult to do, but not impossible, so keep that in mind.

The other thing I love about sapphire crystal is how it looks. There’s something about the crispness of the crystal that gives the watches it adorns a luxurious feel. It also boasts a beautiful level of clarity, so reading the time, date, and any other complications is effortless – especially when the sapphire crystal is treated with an anti-reflective coating.

Mineral Crystal

Mineral crystal strikes a nice balance between durability and cost, making it a popular choice for many watch collectors. This type of crystal is made from standard glass that’s been chemically treated to enhance its hardness and scratch resistance. While it’s not as tough as sapphire, mineral crystal does do a pretty good job at resisting scratches from everyday use.

One of the main advantages of mineral crystal is that it’s more affordable than sapphire, which means watches with mineral crystals are generally more accessible to a wider audience. It’s also less likely to shatter compared to sapphire, making it a great option if you’re a bit clumsy. However, annoyingly, if you do manage to scratch your mineral crystal watch, those marks are there to stay, as they can’t be buffed out.

Acrylic Crystal

Finally, acrylic crystal, also known as plexiglass, is another popular watch crystal. It’s easily the most lightweight and affordable option out of the three, making it perfect for those restricted to a particular budget. 

It’s made from a type of plastic rather than glass, so consequently, you can expect it to be resistant to shattering. For this reason, you’ll often find acrylic crystal on sports watches or even vintage pieces.

One of the coolest things about acrylic crystal is that any scratches it picks up can often be polished out with a specialized cleaner and a bit of effort. This makes it a great choice if you want a watch that can handle a few bumps and bruises without looking worse for wear. 

However, it’s worth noting that acrylic is more prone to scratching than both sapphire and mineral crystals, so it will require more maintenance to keep it looking crisp and clear.

How to Distinguish Between Crystal Materials

When you know what to look for, identifying the type of crystal on your watch can be pretty straightforward. Each material has its own set of characteristics, both in its feel and appearance.

I’ve always found acrylic crystal to be the easiest to spot since, at the end of the day, this is basically a form of plastic rather than glass. It is most commonly found on vintage watches since it was the only watch crystal material until the 1960s, as well as sports watches since these designs need to be highly shatterproof.

Acrylic crystal typically has a slight domed appearance, adding to its vintage charm, and when you tap on it, it often feels and sounds like plastic – which makes sense since that’s basically what it is. This material would suit someone who enjoys a more laid-back style or even the nostalgic look of vintage timepieces. It’s also a good choice for anyone needing something affordable and shatterproof.

Mineral crystal is a step up in terms of scratch resistance, so it is commonly used in mid-priced watches. It’s usually flat, although it can sometimes be found in slightly domed designs. 

Unlike acrylic, it has a glass-like feel and appearance and is often thicker than your average watch glass. They tend to have a clear, clean look. It’s perfect for someone who wants a nice middle ground between durability and affordability.

Finally, there’s sapphire crystal. This watch crystal is the go-to for luxury and high-end watches. All the biggest luxury watch brands use this material since it has high levels of scratch resistance and clarity. It does look and feel luxurious. It’s hard to explain exactly why; it just does. Its exceptional clarity certainly helps, and it feels like a solid material when you tap it.

Because of its premium feel, sapphire crystal watches are coveted by those who value both style and substance. As I mentioned, sapphire crystal is my go-to since I tend to knock my watches regularly. It’s a material that holds up under pressure extremely well, and truthfully, it just looks incredible.

When Does a Watch Crystal Need Replacement?

It’s not uncommon for watch crystals to get damaged. At the end of the day, it’s there to protect your watch from accidental knocks and damage. And thankfully, it’s much easier and cheaper to replace the glass than it is to replace an entire dial or movement. 

It’s not uncommon to scratch, crack, or chip your watch crystal, especially if it’s one of the more affordable alternatives like acrylic or mineral glass. If the damage is severe enough, it will likely compromise your ability to read the dial and may even allow dust, moisture, and other debris from entering the dial. This can potentially harm the inner workings of your timepiece, so it’s important you get it fixed as soon as you can.

It’s certainly possible to change a watch crystal on your own, but please know it’s not an easy task – at least for us non-certified watchmakers! It requires precision and the right set of tools and can be a delicate process, especially if you’re using higher-end materials like sapphire crystal. You’ll need to carefully remove the old crystal without damaging the watch case and install the new one. The glass must sit perfectly flush inside the case above the dial, ensuring a tight seal to maintain water resistance.

If it were me, I’d leave a job like this to a professional. It’s not worth the risk, as an improperly installed watch crystal could seriously damage the dial, case, and movement. Exquisite Timepieces offers a fantastic watch repair service, so you feel reassured the job is done properly. They use only the best watchmakers, sending your watch to authorized service facilities where experts work on your timepiece with precision and expertise.

Conclusion

Hopefully you’re now feeling confident in all things watch crystal related. This protective component ultimately acts like a shield for your timepiece, protecting its face from scratches, dust, water, and all the little bumps we throw at it. 

You’ll most commonly find acrylic, mineral or sapphire crystal on the market, with each type boasting its own perks, allowing you to prioritize durability, style and cost the way you need. While the aesthetics of your watch crystal is important, be sure to choose one that best suits your lifestyle and budget.

Have you recently read the term “watch crown” as part of a timepiece’s specifications or review and wondered what this means? Or have you just found yourself staring at your watch, speculating what that little knob on the side is? 

Trust me, you’re not alone. We’ve all wondered what this component is called at some point. This charming feature is called a watch crown, and it’s not just for show.

A watch crown is the often small, rounded button-like feature on your watch case’s side. Its primary job is to help wind the watch – if your watch has a mechanical movement – and to set the time on the dial. 

This information might be nothing new to you, but did you know that crowns offer more than just winding and setting? In today’s blog, we will be exploring all the intricacies of a watch crown, including the different types of watch crowns out there and why they are so important in the construction of your timepiece.

Why are Crowns so Important?

The humble watch crown might seem like a small, insignificant detail at first, but it actually provides a long list of benefits to your timepiece. Usually found on the right-hand side of the case but also sometimes positioned on the left (we’re looking at you U-Boat), the watch crown is predominantly used for setting the time and date on your watch. 

By popping it out to its correct position, you can turn the crown to adjust the hands and calendar. And, if your watch has additional complications—like a moon phase or GMT—the crown handles those settings too.

If you have a mechanical watch, the crown is also essential in winding the movement. Unlike quartz watches that are powered by an electronic battery, mechanical movements rely on a mainspring to store energy. When you turn the crown, it tightens this mainspring, gradually releasing energy that powers the watch.

Moreover, the watch crown plays a protective role in the functionality of your timepiece. Some crowns have a screw-down feature, creating a tight seal between the crown and case. This helps to protect the watch, and the movement inside, from things like water, dust, and dirt. It’s a particularly vital feature for those wanting a watch to use for diving or outdoor adventures.

History of Watch Crowns

In the early days of watchmaking history, people had yet to experience the joy of wearing a wristwatch. Instead, they typically kept a pocket watch in their pocket and held it onto their clothing with a chain. 

With their manual winding movements, these devices required winding once or twice a day to keep their time. But they didn’t have a crown that could do that. Instead, the owner would have to carry around a small winding key, which was placed into a small hole in the side of the case. They would then have to turn the key to wind their pocket watch.

This was the case until the early 19th century when a clever chap named Adolphe Nicole introduced the first watch crown. His invention replaced those fiddly keys with a much simpler, integrated knob on the side of the watch case. It was a revolutionary innovation, allowing watch owners to wind their timepieces up on the go – with no more risk of losing those small winding keys!

Ever since, watch crowns have evolved to become more than just a winding tool. In the 20th century, watchmakers started adding features like screw-down crowns for better water resistance, and the integration of more complex complications like GMT and perpetual calendar allowed crowns to manipulate these features, too.

The look of watch crowns has also changed over the years. They were once large and onion-shaped but have now adapted to become smaller and sleeker. Their style is tailored to different types of watches, ensuring the crown not only serves its practical purpose but also complements the overall aesthetic of the watch.

Types of Watch Crowns

When it comes to watch crowns, there’s more variety than you might think! Each type of crown has its own unique set of features and serves specific functions, adding both style and practicality to your timepiece. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular types of watch crowns you might find…

Push-Pull Crown

Possibly the most common and straightforward type of watch crown you’ll encounter is the push-pull crown. As its name suggests, it uses a simple pull and push mechanism. To set the date or wind the movement, you simply pull the crown outward – often to different positions for each function. 

Then once the movement is fully wound and the time and date are set correctly, you push the crown back in to secure the settings. Push-pull crowns are found in most everyday watches, especially dress watches that don’t require high levels of water resistance.

Screw-Down Crown

Most often found on diving watches and adventure watches, the screw-down crown arrives with a clever threaded mechanism that literally allows the crown to be screwed into the watch case. This creates a tight seal against the two components so you can feel assured of enhanced water resistance and protection against dust and debris. 

To adjust the crown or manually wind the movement, you would unscrew the crown before screwing it back in. Screw-down crowns are essential for watches designed for extreme conditions, especially diver’s watches that need complete protection against water pressure.

Onion-Shaped Crowns

While the two types of watch crowns above reflect the functionality of the watch, the next few crowns are named as such for their looks. The onion-shaped crown is exactly what its name suggests: a crown that looks a lot like an onion. 

It has an almost bulbous appearance reminiscent of the shape of some of the first watch crowns. As such, they are a popular sight on vintage-inspired watches. They add a real nostalgic charm to watches, plus their large size and knurled detailing make them easy to grip and adjust.

Crowns with Cabochon

Cabochon crowns are a popular choice for those that want their watch to look elegant and stylish. It’s a style that sees the tip of the crown set with a cabochon gemstone, a gemstone that is smooth and rounded for a sophisticated look. 

The Cartier Tank is one of the world’s most famous watches known for boasting a cabochon crown on the right hand side of its rectangular case. The cabochon is usually made from materials like sapphire, ruby, or onyx and not only enhances the watch’s aesthetics but also provides a tactile, satisfying feel.

Recessed Crowns

The recessed crown is a type of crown that is fairly new to the watch world, spotted on modern watches. Unlike traditional crowns that protrude from the watch case, these knobs are embedded or set into a small cavity within the case. They are designed to enhance protection, so you are less likely to damage the crown should you knock it against a hard surface. 

Plus, it also helps to maintain a watch’s water resistance and gives the case a more streamlined appearance. You’ll most likely see recessed crowns in sports watches where durability and sleek design are key.

When Does a Watch Crown Need Replacement?

Hopefully, your watch crown will never need replacing, but if it becomes damaged, hard to operate, or the water resistance is compromised, it may require a replacement. Common signs of a broken watch crown include difficulty winding the watch, problems setting the time, or noticeable wear and tear on the exterior of the crown.

Replacing a watch crown yourself isn’t an easy task, as it’s an intricate process that requires a steady hand and plenty of precision. The method involves removing the old crown, selecting the correct replacement, and then carefully ensuring it fits perfectly against the case and attaches to the movement to ensure all functions operate correctly. It often requires specialized tools and expertise to avoid damaging the watch and the movement inside.

For the best results, we advise you to leave crown replacement to professional watchmakers. At Exquisite Timepieces, we offer a specialized watch repair service where we make sure only the top watchmakers handle and repair your timepiece. We securely package each watch and send it directly to authorized service facilities to ensure it’s treated with the utmost care.

Conclusion

If you couldn’t tell, we think the crown is a bit of a hidden gem. It may seem like a small, barely noticeable part of a watch, but it plays a critical role in its functionality. From winding the movement to setting the time to shielding the watch against water, dust, and debris, the crown is essential for your watch’s performance and longevity. 

And given its importance, it’s equally important to make sure you take care of your watch crown. If you suspect any damage or issues, we highly recommend having it inspected immediately to prevent any further harm coming to your precious timepiece.