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Home โ€บ Learn โ€บ The parts, named
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Anatomy of a Watch: Case, Dial, Crown, Bezel & More

The parts, named

A few simple terms unlock most watch descriptions. Here is the anatomy of a typical wristwatch.

โ—† The outside

The case is the body that holds everything. The crystal is the clear cover over the dial (the face). The crown is the small knob used to set the time and wind the watch. The bezel is the ring around the crystal โ€” sometimes rotating, as on dive watches. The lugs are the horns that connect the case to the strap or bracelet.

โ—† The face

The dial carries the hour markers and any sub-dials (small dials for seconds, a chronograph or a date). 'Lume' is the glowing material on the hands and markers that lets you read the time in the dark.

โ—† The inside & back

The movement is the engine โ€” quartz or mechanical โ€” that drives the hands. The caseback closes the watch from behind; some are clear ('exhibition' backs) so you can admire a mechanical movement at work.