Parts of a Watch and Their Functions You Should Know

The following information will explain the parts of the watch and their respective functions. By understanding this section, you will also know the functions of these parts. Besides being able to increase your knowledge, these two things will make you understand more about the watch itself.

In the market, watches are divided into analog watches, digital watches, and mixed (analog-digital) watches. All three have the same basic parts but are packed with different features. The striking thing that makes the three different is the constituent component, namely the dial.

Don’t say you’re unfamiliar with the term dial. Then you need to read this article thoroughly. Then the talk about your favorite watch will be more fun. Imagine if someone asked you about this and you couldn’t answer. Even though you always use a watch every day.

In general, a watch consists of three main parts, namely the head, the watch strap or bracelet, and the engine. All three have various subsections with their respective functions. The following will review the parts of the watch and their functions.

1. Watch Part: Head

Broadly speaking, the watch that you use consists of a watch head, a watch strap (strap), and a machine. The term watch head actually refers to the main part of the watch without involving other parts. The head of the watch consists of a dial, glass, bezel, crown, pusher, and case.

a. Dial

You surely know the main function of a watch is to tell time. The part of the watch responsible for this function is called the dial. On its surface are numbers, clock hands, calendars, brands, and other important components. The dial of an analog watch will be different from a digital watch and a mixed (analog-digital) watch.

The dial is designed with a variety of colors, motifs, and certain material finishes. Men’s watches tend to have a larger dial than women’s watches. This relates to the impression of masculine and feminine. Meanwhile, in digital and mixed (analog-digital) watches, the dial is made of LCD.

The subdials include the hands, calendar, power reserve indicator, and subdials. Dial subdivisions appear based on the features offered by the manufacturer. The features of an analog watch tend to differ from the features of a digital watch and mixed (analog-digital) watches.

1) Clockwork (Hand)

The hour hand (hand) is found in analog watches and mixed (analog-digital) watches. Usually, the clock hands will show the time, hours, minutes, and seconds. This section is also coated with a luminescent material so you can still see the time on your watch in the dark.

Specifically, mechanical watches are equipped with additional hands that do not stop every second. In addition, the hands of this clock also always move smoothly. The hour hand is known as the sweeping second hand. Very interesting, right?

2) Calendar

A calendar is usually a feature for digital watches and mixed (analog-digital) watches. The calendar on the dial shows the date, month, and year. Usually in the form of a special window that shows text numbers, combinations of numbers and letters, or special hands that display the date.

3) Power Reserve Indicator

The power reserve indicator displays the energy remaining to keep the watch running. Through the power reserve indicator, users can predict how long their watch can be used before recharging. That way, you don’t have to worry about your watch turning off suddenly.

4) Subdials

The subdials appear as mini-dials within the main dial. Subdials take on the mission of displaying a specific feature, for example, a stopwatch, chronograph, or date. Not just one, watches are usually made with several subdials. So how many subdials do you want?

b. Glass (Crystal)

Glass (crystal) functions to cover the top of the watch dial. The glass is transparent and strong so that the user can see the time displayed on the dial and protect the dial itself. Watch glass can be made of various materials according to the features that will be offered.

1) Artificial Sapphire

Artificial sapphire is a type of glass that will make your watch difficult to scratch and break. This material is usually used in luxury watches because it has an expensive price. In addition, artificial sapphire also has a high aesthetic value, making your watch look more attractive.

2) Acrylic

If sapphire is the most expensive watch glass material, then acrylic is the cheapest material. In accordance with the price, watch glass made of acrylic will be easily scratched and broken. For those of you who have a low budget, watches made of this material will be very helpful.

3) Mineral Glass

Meru mineral glass material is commonly used for watches on the market. The scratch-resistant and shatter-resistant strength of mineral glass are somewhere between sapphire and acrylic materials. That way watches that use this material deserve your careful consideration.

In the world of watches, mineral glass material is not only known. For example, Seiko watches use special mineral glass and are referred to as hardened minerals. Its advantages are stronger than ordinary mineral glass and more resistant to shattering than sapphire.

c. Bezel

The bezel is the ring-shaped part that surrounds the glass. This section can be moved in one direction, two directions, or even can not move at all. One-way bezels, for example, are Diver watches, while two-way bezels are Pilot watches.

The bezel has various functions, for example, tachymeter and aesthetics. Usually equipped with certain writing to perform existing functions. This section is also made with certain accessories to make the watch stylish and elegant. In general, the bezel is made of metal and ceramic.

d. Crowns

The crown is located on the edge of the watch head. The crown can be twisted to perform certain functions such as setting the time and date. On watches that are equipped with a water resistance feature, the crown is made to thread inward and looks like a screw.

e. Pushers

There are usually two pushers on the edge of the watch head. Between these pushers, there is a larger crown. Almost the same as the crown, the pusher is a button to control certain functions. So, don’t make the mistake of distinguishing between a crown and a pusher.

f. Case

The case is the part of the watch head that functions to protect the mechanical or engine components. The case is made of various materials that will make the user feel comfortable. The shape is also designed to vary and is often equipped with certain graphics to add aesthetic value.

The world is also popular for transparent cases that let your watch show off the mechanical components. This case is made see-through through the dial, so it looks unique and classy. This case is called an exhibition case-back and is made of translucent glass material. Usually found in mechanical watches.

The case has two constituent subsections, namely the back case and the lug. The back case covers the back of the watch head. This is the part that will stick to your skin. The back case usually provides certain information such as the brand, features, and where this watch comes from.

While the Lug is part of the case that has a pinhole for attaching the spring bar. Watches always have a pair of lugs, namely the right and left lugs. Thus the watch strap or bracelet can be connected to the watch head

2. Watch Part: Strap

The watch band consists of a strap that has a buckle at the end and a strap that has an eyelet for adjusting the size of your wrist. These two straps are connected to the watch head using the right and left spring bars. Then the buckle fastens another watch band with the help of the existing holes.

Thus, the watch strap functions to wrap the watch around the user’s wrist. In addition to these main functions, the watch strap is also useful for enhancing aesthetics. Imagine that without a strap, it’s impossible for a watch head to just stick to your wrist.

Parts of the watch strap are also made of certain materials. For example, rubber, cloth, leather, resin, stainless steel, mixtures, and others. Often this part is also designed with various colors and decorated with motifs, or pictures. Of course, the material from which it is made will still make you feel comfortable.

a. Spring Bars

A spring bar is a tubular iron rod with a spring in it. The spring bar is attached to the lugs via the pin holes. Its function is to connect the strap to the head of the watch. Even though it looks trivial, without a spring bar, you won’t be able to wear a watch.

b. Buckle

Do you know how the principle of the belt can be wrapped around your waist? Then lock your loose pants so they don’t sag. Watches also use the same principle. The buckle locks the watch strap to fit your wrist size.

3. Watch Section: Bracelet

The bracelet has a function like a watch strap (strap). What makes a bracelet different from a watch strap is the material it is made of. Bracelets are made of metals such as platinum, iron, gold, and others. A watch equipped with a bracelet will make it feel like wearing a bracelet.

a. Spring Bars

Much like how the strap can connect to the watch head, the bracelet also takes advantage of the role of spring bars, pinholes, and lugs. These three parts are always connected by ropes and bracelets. Therefore, don’t forget their function.

b. Bracelet Lock

On a watch that has a bracelet, the buckle is no longer used but instead is replaced with a bracelet lock. The bracelet, which is designed to resemble this bracelet, will be locked by a bracelet lock so that it can wrap around your wrist. Now you look even more attractive.

4. Watch Part: Machine

Have you ever thought about how a watch can perform its function as an accurate timepiece? If so, you may suspect that this is done by the machine. Watch movement is called a mechanical part composed of various components.

The movement of the clockwork is indeed driven by a machine or mechanical part, more precisely the tooth hairspring and the balancing wheel on the machine. In simple terms, the mechanical part has a place to store energy called the mainspring. Then energy flows from the mainspring to the hairspring so that the clock hands can move.

Actually, the mechanical components and working principles of watches are too complicated to discuss if you are new to machines. Therefore, this article will not discuss matters related to the mechanical part any further. At least you know the watch has a mechanical part that plays a very important role.

After reading reviews regarding watch parts and their functions, you have got some useful knowledge. Now you just need more confidence to go through your activities. Meanwhile, for those of you who don’t have a watch, immediately ask for a watch that you like.