Watch Anatomy: From Bezel to Movement
A watch has a case with a bezel and a crystal on top, a dial and hands beneath, a crown on the side, lugs for the strap and a case-back behind; inside sits the movement. Movements are manual, automatic or quartz. This guide names every part, with photographs from watches we have handled, so you can describe your own.
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Outside
- Case. The body that holds everything.
- Bezel. The ring round the crystal, fixed or rotating.
- Crystal. Acrylic, mineral glass or sapphire.
- Crown. Winds and sets the watch.
- Lugs. Hold the strap or bracelet.
- Case-back. Plain, engraved or see-through.
The dial and hands
The dial carries the markers and maker’s name. Hand shapes help date and identify a watch: - Sword. Long and pointed. - Baton. Plain straight bars. - Dauphine. Wide at the base, tapering, faceted. - Leaf, cathedral and Breguet. Older and dressier styles.
Movements
Complications add functions: date, chronograph, moon phase, alarm.
See also how we check a watch in our watch guides.
0 of 3 checked
1Manual
Wound by the crown; a mainspring drives the gears.
2Automatic
A rotor winds the mainspring as the wrist moves.
3Quartz
A battery and a vibrating quartz crystal keep time.
Not sure what movement your watch has? Send a photo of the dial and case-back for a free, honest check.
Free, no obligation, returned at our cost if you decline.
What is my watch worth?
A watch is valued on its maker and model, the movement, its condition and originality (dial, hands, crown, case), and any box and papers, judged against current demand and recent sales. Knowing the parts helps you describe it. We never publish figures.
Free, no obligation, and returned at our cost if you decline.
Read our Google reviews (opens Google)
- Maker and model
- Movement
- Condition
- Originality
- Box and papers
How selling works
- 1
Send photographs
of the dial, the case-back, the crown side and any box or papers.
- 2
Free value inspection
We reply within one working day with an estimate, subject to inspection. If our offer differs, you can decline and we return it at our cost.
- 3
Paid the same day after inspection
by bank transfer or in cash, in Mayfair, at our Braintree office, by post or by free collection.
Insured up to £10,000 per parcel when you send to us.
Questions people ask
What is the bezel on a watch?
The ring that surrounds the crystal on top of the case. It can be plain, decorated, set with stones, or rotating with a scale for timing, as on a diver’s or GMT watch. If you have one, send photographs and we will tell you more, free.
What is the difference between automatic and manual watches?
A manual watch is wound by turning the crown. An automatic has a rotor that swings as you move and winds the mainspring for you. Both are mechanical; a quartz watch runs on a battery. Ask us if you would like to know more about your own piece.
What are dauphine hands?
Hands that are wide at the base and taper to a point, usually faceted so they catch the light. They are common on mid-century dress watches, alongside baton and sword hands. Send a clear photograph and we will tell you honestly what we see.
What is a complication?
Any function beyond hours, minutes and seconds: a date, a chronograph, a moon phase, an alarm, a perpetual calendar or a minute repeater. Complications often matter to a watch’s value. We can look at yours from photographs, with no obligation at all.
How do I know what my watch is worth?
It depends on the maker and model, the movement, the condition and originality, and any box and papers, judged against current demand and recent sales. Send photographs for a free value inspection within one working day. A short message with two or three photographs is all it takes to start.
Where can I sell my watch?
To a buyer who checks the dial, case and movement in person. We buy watches directly: a free value inspection from photographs, then an appointment in Mayfair or at our Braintree office, post or free collection. You are paid the same day after inspection.
Related guides
Thinking of selling a watch?
Send a photograph of the dial and case-back for a free value inspection, with no obligation.
Free, no obligation, returned at our cost if you decline.
