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 usually directly attached to it. The case middle is also the mounting 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 pressed onto it (clipped). 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
It 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) into it, or even welded. In some cases, the Case does not have a Bezel. The Bezel holds the Crystal (watch glass) and delimits the visible outline 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 to it, or even screwed.
THE CRYSTALS (WATCH GLASSES)
The Crystal (watch glass) is a transparent element of mineral (Glass (crystal)) or synthetic (plastic, synthetic Sapphire) origin, with various shapes, that protects the Dial of the watch and ensures its readability. Crystals (watch glasses) can also be found on the case back of the watch to reveal the Movement or, in rarer cases, on the Case middle.
LA COURONNE
La couronne permet d’actionner la tige de remontoir à l’extrémité de laquelle elle est vissée. En tirant la couronne (plusieurs positions possibles) et en la tournant, on peut remonter la montre, la mettre à l’heure, voire en corriger certaines fonctions (date, quantième perpétuel, 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 adjusting an indication (calendar, time zones, etc.), is also a button to be 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 placed 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 in different shapes (toric, flat, “I” Gaskets / Seals, etc.).
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