The watch crown: the small button with big functions

Have you ever noticed that little button on the side of your watch? This part, called the crown, is one of the most important parts of your watch. It plays a major role in how your watch works. But what exactly does a watch crown do?

What is the crown of a watch?

The crown is that small button usually located at 3 o'clock on the watch case. It gets its name from its shape, reminiscent of a monarch's crown. This part is the main interface between the user and the watch's internal mechanism.

The main functions of the crown

1. Wind up the movement

For mechanical watches , the crown is used to wind the mainspring. This process, called winding, is essential to provide the energy needed to keep the watch running.

• Hand-wound watches : The crown must be turned regularly to wind the mechanism.
• Automatic watches : Although they are wound with the movements of the wrist, the crown allows manual winding if necessary.

2. Set the time and date

The crown is used to adjust the time and, on some models, the date. Here's how it typically works:

1. Position 0: Screwed or pushed crown (normal position)
2. Position 1: Unscrewed or slightly pulled (manual winding)
3. Position 2: Partially pulled out (date setting)
4. Position 3: Fully pulled out (time setting)

For more details on adjusting your watch, check out our complete guide to winding watches .

3. Activate special functions

On some more complex watches, the crown can be used to activate or adjust additional functions:

• Chronograph: Start, stop or reset the chronograph
• GMT: Set a second time zone
• Internal Rotating Bezel: Rotate the bezel for dive or elapsed time calculations

The importance of waterproofing

The crown is a critical point for the water resistance of a watch. This is why many models, especially diving watches, are equipped with screw-down crowns. These offer better protection against water and dust.

To learn more about watch water resistance, check out our article on waterproof watches .

Crown maintenance

To ensure the proper functioning of your watch, it is essential to take care of the crown:

1. Avoid handling the crown underwater, even for water-resistant watches.
2. Ensure the crown is screwed down or pushed in securely before any water activity.
3. If you feel unusual resistance, do not force it. Consult a watchmaker.

The different styles of crowns

Crowns may vary in size, shape and position depending on the watch model:

• Classic crown : The most common, located at 3 o'clock
• Crown at 4 o'clock : Often seen on diving watches for greater comfort
• Onion crown : Wider, making it easier to handle (common on pilot's watches)
• Protected Crown : Surrounded by guards to prevent accidental shocks

The crown in the history of watchmaking

The crown as we know it today was invented by Adrien Philippe, co-founder of Patek Philippe, in 1844. Before that, watches were wound using a separate key, which was less convenient and riskier for water resistance.

Conclusion

The watch crown, although small, plays a crucial role in the operation and use of your watch. It is the direct link between you and the mechanical heart of your timepiece. Understanding how it works will not only allow you to better use your watch, but also to further appreciate the watchmaking expertise that lies behind each timepiece.

To protect your precious watch and its crown when you are not wearing it, discover our selection of elegant and functional watch boxes .

FAQ

Q: My watch crown is hard to turn. What should I do? A: Do not force it. This could indicate an internal problem. Consult a professional watchmaker for diagnosis.

Q: Can I use the crown of my watch underwater? A: It is strongly recommended not to use the crown underwater, even for water-resistant watches. This could compromise the water resistance of your watch.

Q: How often should I wind my mechanical watch? A: For a hand-wound watch, ideally once a day, at approximately the same time. Automatic watches are wound with the movement of the wrist, but may require manual winding if not worn regularly.

For owners of automatic watches, an automatic watch winder can be a great investment to keep your watch moving and protect the crown from premature wear.

Q: My watch crown has come off. Is this serious? A: Yes, this is a serious problem. The crown is essential for the water resistance and operation of your watch. Consult a watchmaker immediately to have it repaired.

Q: Are there watches without a crown? A: Yes, some modern watches, especially smartwatches, do not have a visible crown. However, the vast majority of traditional analog watches do.