Screw-down Crown
A screw-down crown threads down onto a gasket to seal the case for water resistance. You unscrew it to set the time, then screw it shut again before any water. It is standard on dive watches, and forgetting to screw it down lets water into the case.
At a glance
- Job
- Threads down to seal the case against water
- Most common on
- Dive watches
- Key rule
- Fully screwed down before any water
Where an ordinary crown only pushes and pulls, a screw-down crown threads into the case and compresses a gasket inside. That threaded action closes off the spot where water most easily gets in, and it also locks the crown against being pulled out by accident.
How it works
You turn it counterclockwise to unscrew it, then pull it out to set the time or adjust the date. When you are done, you push it back in and screw it clockwise until it stops.
- Unscrewed crown: you can set the watch, but the case is open and not sealed
- Screwed-down crown: the gasket compresses, the case closes, water resistance is active
The one rule that matters: make sure the crown is fully screwed down before any water touches the watch.
Where to expect it
A screw-down crown is close to standard on watches that claim serious water resistance, and especially on any dive watch. To see how the crown sits among the other case parts, browse the Parts category.
To see how it works in practice, read our guide to the best dive watches under $500.
Examples
On a dive watch like the Orient Mako 3, the crown threads into the case, and checking that it is not left unscrewed before water becomes a habit.
View this watchAfter setting the time, pushing the crown in and screwing it down until it stops is the single action that restores water resistance.
Comparison
A screw-down crown and a simple push-pull crown behave differently around water.
| Option A | Option B | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Screw-down crown | Push-pull crown | The screw-down crown compresses the gasket and seals the case; a push-pull crown only seats in place and does not rely on threading for water resistance. |
Related terms
Watches that show this
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I forget to screw down the crown?
If the crown is left unscrewed, the case is open and water resistance is not active. Going into water like that can let water seep in through the crown. So make sure the crown is fully screwed down before the watch touches any water.
How do I open a screw-down crown to set the time?
You turn the crown counterclockwise until it comes free, then pull it out to set the time. When you are done, push the crown back in and screw it clockwise until it stops. That restores the water resistance.
Does every watch need a screw-down crown?
No. A screw-down crown is expected on watches that need serious water resistance, especially dive watches. An everyday watch kept away from water can do fine with a simple push-pull crown, but for use in water a screw-down crown gives clear reassurance.