What is the crown of your watch?

The crown of your watch allows you to set the time on an analog watch, change the date, and sometimes wind the watch.

When choosing a new watch, most people look mainly at the strap, the dial, the case and less at the watch crown. Wrongly, because although the watch crown is only a small part, the crown plays a crucial role in both the appearance and the functions of a watch. In this article we will give you all the information about the different types of watch crowns, shapes and functions

Types of watch crowns

The three most common types of watch crowns are the push-pull crown, the screw-down crown, and the pusher.

Pull-push crown

The pull-push crown is standard on most analog quartz and automatic watches. As the name suggests, you pull the crown out of the case and then adjust the day, date and time by turning the crown. Then you push the crown back in to lock it in place.

Screw crown

Unlike a push-pull crown, a screw-down crown must first be unscrewed manually in order to operate the crown. This type of crown is mainly used on watches that must be waterproof, such as diving watches. After adjusting the time/date, you push and screw the crown back into the case.

Push crown or pusher

The push crown, also called a ‘push button’, is usually used to operate specific functions of the watch, such as the chronograph (stopwatch). Usually, an analog watch has a ‘normal’ crown in addition to the pusher(s). Digital watches generally only have pushers.

What is the crown of your watch?
â–´ push-pull crown
Watch with push-pull crown
â–´ Watch with push-pull crown

Infographic watch screw crown
â–´ Screw crown
Watch with open screw crown
â–´ Watch with open screw crown

The most common watch crown shapes

Over time, different crown shapes have emerged, which often provide information about which watch type the model belongs to. The most common crown shapes are the following:

Straight crown

The most common crown shape is simple and straight. This type of crown is mainly found on modern designed watches. The straight crown is usually round in shape and ribbed for a good grip, but sometimes also has another shape such as a hexagon. This is usually done so that the crown can be operated more comfortably.

Onion-shaped crown and conical crown

The onion crown is so called because of its bulbous appearance and the grooves that are reminiscent of the layers of an onion. This crown is often used for classic pilot watches and on pocket watches.

The conical crown is also a relic from the early days of aviation and is therefore mainly found on pilot watches. Pilots appreciated the feel of the conical crown because it was easy to operate even with gloves.

Infographic watch crown shapes
â–´ Crown shapes, from left to right: straight, onion-shaped, conical and cabochon crown

Cabochon crown

Cabochon means “nail head” in French, and refers to a gemstone that is flattened on the bottom and domed on the top. A cabochon crown is therefore decorated with a small gemstone or glass and is often found on classic luxury watches.

Sunken crown

The most subtle crown shape is probably the sunken crown. This is concealed in the case and therefore less visible. This type of crown is mainly found in high-end women’s watches and minimalist and design watches.

Straight watch crown
â–´ Straight crown

Onion shaped watch crown
â–´ Onion-shaped watch crown

Conical watch crown
â–´ Conical crown

Cabochon watch crown
â–´ Cabochon Crown

Protection of the crown; the most vulnerable point of your watch

The crown is – because it is directly connected to the movement with a thin pin – the weakest point of a watch. Because the crown is pulled or screwed open, dirt and water can easily penetrate the inside of the watch. For this reason, watch manufacturers have taken various measures to protect their watches. The best-known example of this is the screw-down crown; The crown is screwed into the case, which hermetically seals it. In addition, the case and crown contain various seals and sealing rings that further increase the water and dust resistance. For example, the DS system from Certina.

Because the crown protrudes from the case, you can easily bump into it, which can bend the crown(s). Especially with “work watches” such as outdoor watches or military watches, elevations are made on the case where the crown is protected between. For example with Victorinox INOX

A third way to protect the crown is with a special lever or locking cap, such as on the iconic TW Steel Canteen.

Certina DS-Action
â–´ Certina DS-Action

Victorinox INOX
â–´ Victorinox INOX

TW Steel Canteen
â–´ TW Steel Canteen

Position of the watch crown

On most watches, the crown is located on the right side of the case at the 3 o’clock mark.

Why do different watches have the crown at 4 o’clock?

If you are right-handed and move a lot, the crown can irritate your hand, especially with larger watches. By moving the crown to 4 o’clock, it is more comfortable to wear.

Watch crown left

The vast majority of people are right-handed, and watches are traditionally worn on the wrist of the non-dominant hand. This means that most people wear their watch on their left wrist.

Because the watch crown protrudes on the right side, it can damage the back of your hand during sports or DIY. That’s why some right-handed people wear their watch on their right wrist, or buy a watch with the crown on the left.

In addition, a watch with the crown on the left is easier to operate for left-handed people. You can find left-handed crowns on Citizen Promaster watches, for example.

Watch crown on the left at 8 o'clock
â–´ Watch crown on the left at 8 o’clock

Watch crown at 4 o'clock
â–´ Watch crown at 4 o’clock

Watches with two or more crowns

In addition to watches with one crown, there are also watches with two or even three crowns. These ‘extra’ crowns are usually intended to operate a separate function. For example, an internal (diving) bezel or second time zone.

Watch with internal bezel
â–´ Watch with internal bezel

Dual time watch
â–´ Dual time watch

Watch crown broken off

If the crown of your watch is stuck, do not try to force it but visit the watchmaker immediately. He or she can provide the mechanism with a drop of oil and replace any worn gaskets.

When the watch crown is broken or bent, it must be replaced. Our watchmaker can also do this for you. But even better is to have your watch serviced regularly. The employees in our stores can tell you all about it.

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