WatchesAtlas / Watch knowledge
The Watch Encyclopedia
Understand the details that make a watch.
139 terms
Clear filtersClick bezel
A rotating bezel with an indexing mechanism producing discrete position changes.
Cases, dials & braceletsCountdown bezel
A bezel whose scale assists reading remaining time towards a selected end point.
Cases, dials & braceletsCrown
The external control used for winding, setting or operating selected watch functions.
Cases, dials & braceletsCrystal
The transparent cover over the dial, commonly made from sapphire, mineral glass or acrylic.
Cases, dials & braceletsCushion case
A case shape combining a broadly square outline with rounded sides and corners.
Cases, dials & braceletsDamascus steel
Patterned steel produced by combining and working different layers or compositions.
Cases, dials & braceletsDate magnifier
A lens enlarging the appearance of a date indication; Cyclops is a Rolex-associated name for such a feature.
Cases, dials & braceletsDauphine hands
Faceted, tapering hands with a geometric profile, often used on classical watch dials.
Cases, dials & braceletsDeployant clasp
A hinged clasp that unfolds to open a bracelet or strap while keeping its ends connected.
Cases, dials & braceletsDial
The face carrying time scales, markers and other displayed information.
Cases, dials & braceletsDiving extension
A bracelet-length extension intended to help a watch fit over suitable diving equipment.
Cases, dials & braceletsDLC
A carbon-based coating used for selected surface properties, including hardness and appearance.
Cases, dials & braceletsDomed crystal
A crystal with a curved outer surface, influencing appearance, reflections and overall watch height.
Cases, dials & braceletsDouble-domed crystal
A crystal with curved inner and outer surfaces, designed to control optical behaviour.
Cases, dials & braceletsEasylink
Rolex's name for a bracelet extension feature providing a limited comfort adjustment.
Cases, dials & braceletsEnd link
The bracelet component connecting the main bracelet to the watch case.
Cases, dials & braceletsEverose
Rolex's name for its proprietary rose-gold alloy.
Cases, dials & braceletsExhibition caseback
A transparent caseback allowing a view of the movement.
Cases, dials & braceletsFixed bezel
A bezel that does not rotate during normal operation.
Cases, dials & braceletsFlat crystal
A crystal with a principally flat visible outer surface.
Cases, dials & braceletsFolded-link bracelet
A bracelet constructed using folded metal link sections rather than fully solid link bodies.
Cases, dials & braceletsForged carbon
A material using carbon fibres or fragments consolidated into a composite, often producing an irregular surface pattern.
Cases, dials & braceletsFriction bezel
A rotating bezel retained or resisted by friction rather than a sequence of discrete clicks.
Cases, dials & braceletsFumรฉ dial
A dial with a changing colour or shading effect, often darker towards its outer edge.
Cases, dials & braceletsGasket
A sealing component at a joint, crown or pusher that helps limit entry of water and contaminants.
Cases, dials & braceletsGilt dial
A dial featuring gold-coloured details; the term can describe different construction techniques and finishes.
Cases, dials & braceletsGlidelock
Rolex's name for a clasp adjustment system providing controlled bracelet-length changes.
Cases, dials & braceletsGold-filled
A construction with a mechanically bonded gold layer over another material, distinct from ordinary electroplating.
Cases, dials & braceletsGold-plated
A surface layer of gold applied over a different base material.
Cases, dials & braceletsHardlex
Seiko's name for a hardened mineral-glass crystal material.