EDUCATION

The bezel is a ring around the case that holds the crystal in place. Bezels are made from various materials including stainless steel, gold, titanium, bakelite, and aluminum. A bezel can serve additional functions, such as recording elapsed time or aiding in dual time zone measurement.

A bracelet connects to the watch case and is the means by which a watch is secured on the wrist. Bracelets come in a variety of metals including stainless steel, yellow and white gold, platinum, and other combinations of metals.

The case houses the movement of the watch. The case is composed of several parts and is connected to the bracelet or watch strap as well as the crystal and bezel. Cases come in various metals, shapes, and styles.

The case-back is the back of the watch case. A watch is often assembled and serviced by opening the case-back. The case-back is where you will find various identifiers (e.g., makers, marks, and stamps) as well as records of service (on the inner case-back). Case-backs either snap or screw into place.

A crown is external to the watch and is used to set the time, change the day and/or date, and wind the movement of the watch. The crown is attached to a winding stem which connects to the movement of the watch.

The crystal covers and protects the dial and hands of the watch. Crystals are often made of synthetic sapphire material on modern watches, while vintage watches feature acrylic or mineral crystals.

A dial is the visual face of the watch. The dial displays a variety of information which is produced by the movement. Dials typically show hours, minutes, and seconds, but can also display days, dates, phases of the moon, and dual time zones. Dials come in a variety of colors and shapes. Numerals or hour markers will also vary and can include roman, Arabic and stick markers.

Hands are used to indicate time. They are attached to the center of the movement in the middle of the dial. They come in a variety of colors and styles.

The movement is the engine of the watch. The movement is responsible for all functionality, from keeping time to more complicated operations. There are several types of watch movements:

Automatic or Self-Winding

This movement is found in a mechanical watch where the mainspring is wound automatically by the motion of the wearer. This motion provides the energy for the watch to run without being wound.

Manual or Hand-Winding

This movement is found in a mechanical watch where the wearer winds the watch daily by hand. A manual wind movement is the oldest type of watch movement and is found in classic and collectible watches.

Quartz or Battery-Operated

A battery is the power source for the watch. Battery-operated watches do not require winding.

Also known as NOS, this refers to watches which are no longer produced and are brand new, old stock. In some instances, these watches will retain original stickers, packaging and paperwork. The key is these watches are truly brand new and have not been worn.

A watch that has been previously owned and is no longer brand new from the manufacturer. A pre-owned watch is available in a variety of conditions and often will come either with or without the original box and papers.

A strap connects the watch to the wearer’s wrist. Straps come in a variety of colors, shapes, sizes, and materials.

A subdial is a subsidiary part of the dial which displays additional information. Subdials are often found on chronograph or diving watches.

A watch that is no longer produced or manufactured and is at least thirty years or older in age. Vintage watches are celebrated for their extreme quality, attention to detail, collectability, and, in some instances, rarity.