Crown
The crown is the grooved knob on the side of the case. You use it to set the time and date and to wind a mechanical watch. Pushed in it runs and winds a mechanical calibre, pulled out it sets the time and date. A screw-down crown threads shut against a gasket for water resistance.
At a glance
- Function
- Sets time and date, winds
- Position
- Pushed in runs, pulled out sets
- Water resistance
- Screw-down threads against a gasket
From the outside the crown looks like a small detail, yet it is the main bridge between your fingers and the movement inside. Its grooved surface is there so you can grip it firmly, even with wet or gloved hands.
What it does
The crown handles two main jobs, and its position tells you which one is active:
- Pushed in: the watch runs normally, and on a mechanical calibre you wind the mainspring in this position
- Pulled out: you set the time or date
The crown and water resistance
The crown is one of the most critical sealing points on a case, because it passes through an opening into the movement. A screw-down crown threads shut against a gasket and closes that opening tight. That is why a dive watch owner screws the crown closed before going underwater. Closing the crown properly is what lets the watch reach its full stated water resistance, measured to a depth in metres. As the most frequently handled part on the case, it is also where wear and misuse usually begin.
To see how crowns behave in practice on real divers, read our guide to the best dive watches under £500.
Examples
On a dive watch, screwing the crown closed before you go underwater is what lets it reach its full rated water resistance.
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Comparison
A screw-down crown and a simple push-pull crown behave differently against water.
| Option A | Option B | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Screw-down crown | Push-pull crown | A screw-down crown threads shut against a gasket and secures water resistance; a push-pull crown only pushes in, with less pressure on the seal. |
Related terms
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Frequently asked questions
What does a watch crown do?
The crown is the grooved knob on the side of the case, used to set the time and date and to wind a mechanical watch. Pushed in, the watch runs normally and you wind a mechanical calibre in this position; pulled out, you set either the time or the date.
What is a screw-down crown and why is it screwed shut?
A screw-down crown is a crown that threads shut against a gasket for water resistance. Because the crown is a key sealing point on the case, divers screw it closed before going underwater, which seals that opening tight and lets the watch reach its full rated depth.