THE WATCH CASE
The purpose of the case is to protect the internal parts of a watch (movement, dial, hands) from dust, moisture, shocks and, sometimes, magnetism.
Both an aesthetic and functional element, the watch case has few limits in terms of shape, design, materials and colors.
Sometimes, the watch’s function will influence the shape or design of its case (e.g., the rotating bezel of a diving watch).
Depending on the chosen material, the desired quality and the complexity of the work required, different techniques can be used to manufacture cases (stamping, machining, etc.). More artisanal methods are still very present for the manufacturing of small series, but also for prototyping.
Industrial manufacturing of a watch case
THE CASE MIDDLE
The case middle is the basic structural element of the case. It surrounds the movement which is generally directly attached to it. The case middle is also the fixing support for most of the components of a case (case back, bezel, correctors, pushers, etc.)
THE CASE BACK
The case back is the element that closes the case at the back (opposite the dial). It can be screwed onto the case middle or snapped (clipped) onto it. In some cases, the case has no case back. The case back and the case middle are merged and form a single component (monobloc cases).
THE BEZEL
This is a ring that closes the upper part of the Case (dial side). Like the case back, it can be screwed onto the case middle, pressed (clipped) onto it, or even welded. In some cases, the case does not have a bezel. The bezel holds the Crystal (watch glass) and outlines the visible edge of the dial.
THE LUGS
The lugs are attachment elements that connect the Bracelet / Strap to the Case. They can be cut from the same block of material as the Case middle when it is stamped. In other cases (generally when the case middle is machined), the lugs will be welded there, or even screwed.
THE CRYSTALS (WATCH GLASS)
The Crystal (watch glass) is a transparent element of mineral origin (Glass (crystal)) or synthetic origin (plastic, synthetic Sapphire), with various shapes, that protects the Dial of the watch and ensures its legibility. Crystals (watch glass) can also be found on the Case back of the watch to reveal the Movement, or, in rarer cases, on the Case middle.
THE CROWN
The Crown allows the winding stem to be operated, at the end of which it is screwed. By pulling the Crown (several positions possible) and turning it, one can wind the watch, set the time, or even correct certain functions (date, perpetual Date / Calendar, etc.).
THE PUSHERS & THE CORRECTORS
The Pusher is a button that is pressed with the finger to trigger a function (chronograph, alarm, etc.). The Corrector, generally dedicated to setting an indication (calendar, time zones, etc.), is also a button that is pressed, but requires the use of a dedicated tool. Choosing a Corrector rather than a Pusher prevents accidental and unintentional corrections.
GASKETS / SEALS
The Gasket / Seal is a fitting that is inserted between two components to ensure their water resistance (e.g. the Case back Gasket / Seal ensures water resistance between the Case back of the Case and the case middle). Depending on its use and the constraints it will be subjected to, the gasket / seal can be made from different materials (elastomers, plastics, metals) and different shapes (toroidal, flat, “I” gaskets / seals, etc.).
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