Luxury Watch Basics
As a basic guide to watch terms and concepts, we'll move from the outside of your watch to the inside:
The Case
The watch case is the housing for the watch and all its various parts. It can be made of stainless steel or other materials, some cheaper (including plastic) and some far more expensive (including gold and platinum).
The Case Back
The case back, protecting the watch's inner materials, needs to be removed to replace batteries, make repairs, etc. It can sometimes be a clear crystal on certain luxury models.
The Crystal
This is the "glass" through which you view your watch. This can be made of plastic, glass or more expensive materials.
The Bezel
This is the outer ring of the watch face, holding the crystal in place.
The Crown
The small knob you use to set time or wind your watch. It's also called a stem or pin.
The Display
This is the mode of indication of time, either by hands or numerals. Some newer watches also display other information.
The Dial
This indicates the "face," the plate of metal you look at when viewing your watch. It can have various kinds of displays.
The Band
A bracelet usually indicates metal (including precious metals) while a strap usually indicates leather, animal hide, rubber or plastic.
The Clasp
The metal device that holds the band in place.
The Movement
This term indicates the inner workings of a watch - that is, how it functions.
Water Resistance
This indicates the degree and depth to which a watch can resist water pressure.
For more information, see our Watch Glossary, Watches FAQ and Watch Movements pages.