Understanding the anatomy of a watch why every part is important.

Not everyone knows how a watch really works: what makes up a watch and its parts of a watch, and how the team of highly skilled watchmakers put those components to create a fine timepiece. Understanding the anatomy of watches will help you in selecting what is best for you.

WHAT MAKES UP A WATCH AND WHAT ARE THE COMMON TERMS USED?

CASE. It is the body and the protective cover of the watch. It secures the movement, bezel and back. It is made out of different metals.
EXHIBITION CASE BACK. It reveals the mechanical workings of a watch and the craftsmanship.
STRAP. It is used to fasten the watch to the wrist. Materials used can vary from rubber, leather and metals like stainless steel and gold.
LUGS. It connects the strap to the case.
BUCKLE. The different types include the Ardillon or Tang Buckle, which is the traditional one. The end of the strap is slipped into a buckle with a pin to secure the watch and the Deployment buckle, also known as fold-over clasp. It interlocks metal pieces thus eliminating strap holes.
CRYSTAL. It is the glass the covers the front of the watch. It protects the watch against foreign objects and water to ensure proper function. There are three types of crystals namely, synthetic, mineral and acrylic crystal.
DIAL. It is the face of the watch and it houses the hour markers. It can vary in design and material.
SUB DIAL. It is set within the main dial. It is used for added features in a watch, example of which is chronograph readouts, seconds or date.
HOUR MAKER. It can either be applied or painted in the dial.
HANDS. It indicates the hour, minute or second. The hands add to the visual appeal of the watch.
CROWN. It connects to the internal movement through the case. It enables you to adjust the hand set, wind the springs of a mechanical watch and use special functions.
SCREW DOWN CROWN. It secures a seal against the case, which makes it water resistant.
BEZEL. It secures the crystal to the case. It is either snapped or screwed into the case. Luxury watches contain bezels that are set with diamonds.
PUSHER. Known as the push piece or push button. It controls the sub-dial function in a chronograph and other special functions.
MOVEMENT. It is the mechanical or quartz engine the is responsible in driving the watch.
SKELETON MOVEMENT. Has no visible dial. Reveals the movement, etchings and engravings of the watch.
ROTOR. It works to power a watch’s spiral mainspring. Afterwards, activates the internal gears, which then moves the hands of the watch.
CHRONOMETER. Has a high level of precision. It is only considered a chronometer if it passed specific tests and measurements.