Watch Introduction Basic Course

The first step in any study is to understand the correct terminology. Let’s get it right from the very beginning when you start learning about watches!

The Front of the Watch

A. Dial: The face of the watch. This is the background where the numerals are placed to indicate the time. Both the material and color are very diverse.

B. Case: The main body of the watch that contains the dial, Movement, And internal components.

C. Glass: The external part that protects the dial. Depending on the material, It can be sapphire crystal, Mineral glass, Or acrylic.

D. Bezel: The rim that secures the glass and case. In diver or chronograph watches, It may also rotate.

E. Hands: The watch hands. This includes the hour and minute hands.

F. Crown: Also called ‘yongdu’. This is a component installed in mechanical watches that is used to wind the watch and set the time or change the date. For automatic watches, Winding the crown is referred to as ‘feeding the watch’ in Korean.

G. Index: The indicators for time. Sometimes Arabic numerals 1 to 12 are used, Sometimes Roman numerals, Or bar-shaped markers, Or round points.

H. Lug: The joint that connects the watch case and the bracelet.

The Back of the Watch

I. Case back: The back part that closes the movement inside the watch case. Usually, Various information about the watch is written on the back, But Rolex is known for its clean case back with nothing on it.

J. Clasp: A type of buckle that locks the band. Clasps are mainly used for metal bracelets, While leather straps often use a belt-type buckle.

K. Band: The part that wraps around the wrist and connects to the case. Leather bands are called straps, Metal ones are called bracelets. The metal parts that make up a bracelet are called links. You can add or remove links to adjust the fit to your wrist.

With just these terms, You can start your watch journey. We will continue to share watch stories with you here at VIVER!