Common Watch Terms Every Buyer Should Know9/22

Buying a watch—especially a quality or luxury timepiece—can feel overwhelming if you’re unfamiliar with watch terminology. Understanding the basic terms not only helps you compare models more confidently but also protects you from confusion when browsing specifications or speaking with sellers.

This guide breaks down the most important watch terms in clear, simple language so you can make informed decisions and better appreciate what goes into a well-made timepiece.

1. Movement

The movement is the internal mechanism that powers the watch and keeps time. It’s often described as the “engine” of the watch.

Main types of movements:

▸ Automatic

An automatic watch winds itself through the natural movement of your wrist. Inside, a rotor spins as you move, storing energy in the mainspring.

• No battery required

• Smooth sweeping seconds hand

• Appreciated for craftsmanship

• Requires occasional servicing

▸ Manual (Hand-Wound)

A manual movement must be wound by turning the crown.

• Traditional and mechanical

• Often found in vintage or enthusiast watches

• Offers a more hands-on experience

▸ Quartz

Quartz watches are powered by a battery and regulated by a quartz crystal.

• Extremely accurate

• Low maintenance

• Lightweight and reliable

• Ideal for everyday wear

2. Case

The case houses and protects the movement and internal components.

Common materials include stainless steel, titanium, ceramic, and precious metals.

Key case measurements:

• Case diameter – Width of the watch (usually 36–44 mm)

• Case thickness – Height of the watch

• Case back – The rear cover, which can be solid or transparent

An exhibition case back allows you to view the movement inside.

3. Dial

The dial is the visible face of the watch and plays a major role in readability and design.

Dial elements typically include:

• Hour markers or numerals

• Hands (hour, minute, seconds)

• Brand logo

• Date window

• Sub-dials for complications

High-quality dials feature precise printing, symmetry, and strong contrast for legibility.

4. Crystal

The crystal protects the dial from dust and damage.

Common crystal types:

• Sapphire crystal

  Highly scratch-resistant and used in most modern luxury watches.

• Mineral glass

  More affordable, decent durability, but scratches more easily.

• Acrylic

  Lightweight and flexible, often found in vintage-style watches.

5. Bezel

The bezel is the ring surrounding the crystal. It may be decorative or functional.

Common bezel types:

• Fixed bezel – purely aesthetic

• Rotating bezel – used for timing (especially on dive watches)

• Tachymeter bezel – measures speed based on time traveled

Some bezels rotate in one direction only for safety purposes.

6. Water Resistance

Water resistance indicates how well a watch withstands exposure to moisture.

Common ratings:

• 30m / 3 ATM – Splash resistant only

• 50m / 5 ATM – Suitable for light water exposure

• 100m / 10 ATM – Safe for swimming

• 200m+ – Designed for diving

Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, as water resistance can decrease over time.

7. Complication

A complication refers to any function beyond showing hours, minutes, and seconds.

Popular complications include:

• Date and day displays

• Chronograph

• GMT (second time zone)

• Moonphase

• Power reserve indicator

More complications typically mean increased mechanical complexity and craftsmanship.

8. Chronograph

A chronograph is a watch with a built-in stopwatch.

Features include:

• Pushers on the case

• Sub-dials measuring elapsed seconds, minutes, or hours

• Central chronograph seconds hand

Chronographs are functional tools and popular design elements.

9. Power Reserve

The power reserve shows how long a mechanical watch will continue running once fully wound.

Typical ranges:

• 38–48 hours (standard)

• 60–80+ hours in modern extended-reserve movements

Some watches display this information directly on the dial.

10. Lug Width

Lug width is the distance between the two lugs where the strap or bracelet attaches.

• Measured in millimeters

• Common sizes: 18mm, 20mm, 22mm

• Important when replacing straps

Correct lug width ensures a secure and balanced fit.

11. Crown

The crown is the small knob used to adjust time, date, and sometimes wind the watch.

Types include:

• Push-pull crown – common on dress watches

• Screw-down crown – improves water resistance

Many crowns feature engraved or embossed brand logos.

12. Accuracy: Automatic vs Quartz

• Quartz watches are extremely accurate, typically varying only ±15 seconds per month

• Automatic watches may vary by several seconds per day

Accuracy does not define quality — it reflects different philosophies:

• Quartz prioritizes precision and convenience

• Mechanical watches emphasize craftsmanship and tradition

13. Case Materials

The material affects durability, weight, and appearance.

Common options include:

• Stainless steel – durable and versatile

• Titanium – lightweight and corrosion-resistant

• Ceramic – scratch-resistant and modern

• Gold – luxurious and traditional

Each material serves a different purpose and aesthetic.

14. Strap vs Bracelet

Strap:

• Leather

• Rubber

• Fabric / NATO

More flexible and lightweight.

Bracelet:

• Usually stainless steel

• More durable and heavier

• Often gives a more formal or premium feel

15. Reference Number

The reference number identifies the exact model, configuration, and variation of a watch.

It helps with:

• Authenticity verification

• Finding specifications

• Matching parts or straps

• Researching market value

Final Thoughts

Understanding basic watch terminology helps you shop with confidence and appreciation. Whether you’re buying your first watch or building a collection, knowing these terms allows you to compare models properly and understand what you’re paying for.

At Watchstreet, every timepiece is carefully curated and verified so you can focus on choosing the watch that fits your style and lifestyle — with clarity and confidence.