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Watch Glossary
- Alarm:
- A signaling device that can be set to sound off at a pre-determined time.
- Bezel:
- A ring that encircles the face of the watch, holding the crystal in place. Some bezels have gemstones or crystals for added detail or can rotate to show elapsed time and other functions.
- Bracelet:
- Also referred to as a watchband, this is the part of the watch that goes around the wrist to secure it and usually consists of metal links.
- Case:
- The outside shell that houses the moving parts of a watch, which includes the bezel, back, and crystal.
- Chronograph:
- A stopwatch function that is independent from time keeping. Most chronograph watches have two or three subdials. The term chronograph is often used to refer to a watch with any these features.
- Clasp:
- The part of the watch that connects the two ends of the bracelet or strap together.
- Crown:
- A small knob typically located at the 3 o'clock position, which is used to set the time and in some cases the date on a watch.
- Crystal:
- The protective layer covering the face of the watch. The crystal is held in place by the bezel and is typically made of plastic, glass, mineral or a synthetic sapphire crystal.
- Dial:
- The plate or watch face that is typically marked with numerals to indicate time. The dial is covered by the crystal and enclosed within the case of the watch.
- Diver's Watch:
- A water resistant watch that may be immersed in water to extreme depths; specifically manufactured for divers who depend on the reliability of their watch.
- Gasket:
- A seal generally made from rubber or plastic, which helps to protect the internal mechanism of the watch from dust, water, and other types of moisture.
- Hands:
- The apparatus anchored in the center of the watch face that indicates the time.
- Movement:
- Refers to the inner workings of a watch.
- Perpetual Calendar:
- A watch calendar that automatically adjusts for the different lengths of the months and leap year.
- Subdial:
- The small dials on a watch face that display functions other than the time. For example, the date, elapsed time, different time zones.
- Strap:
- Also referred to as a watchband, this is the part of the watch that goes around the wrist to secure it and is usually made of leather or plastic.
- Water Resistant:
- The ability of a watch to resist penetration by water up to certain water pressure depths. Most watches are "water resistant" but not necessarily "water proof."
