Watches Guide

The bezel is the ring of metal that surrounds the watch face. Some may refer to it as the rim of the watch. It can be plain, or it can show additional measurements. Either way, it’s an important protective component of a watch.

The shell that holds all of a watch’s contents, including its gears, springs, batteries, and other vital components that make the watch run. Watch cases are typically made from durable metals like stainless steel.

The small knob on the side of a watch which is turned to adjust the date, time, and other watch features.

The main display, which shows the date, time, and any other watch features. Also called the "watch face."

The bracelet or strap is the part of the watch that wraps around your wrist and secures it in place. If it’s made from metal, it’s called a watch bracelet. If it’s made from other materials, it’s called a watch strap.

The size of a watch dial can have a big impact on the overall feel and appearance of your timepiece. Traditional watch silhouettes feature smaller dials, while modern watches boast larger dials. Large dials are ideal for readability. They’re also great if you want your watch to make a bold style statement. Smaller watches, on the other hand, are streamlined and easy to wear as you go about your day to day activities.

Round dials are the most common and classic shape for watches. However, you can find watch dials in oval, square, and rectangular shapes, too. Oval dials have an elegant, vintage look and are more commonly found on women’s watches. Square and rectangular dials offer a contemporary vibe

While every watch’s primary function is to accurately tell time, some watches feature other helpful functions. Other watches epitomize style and class. A few popular watch styles include pilot’s watches, diver’s watches, racing watches, dress watches, and athletic watches.

Dress Watches: These watches are all about aesthetics. They provide a touch of sophistication to formal or business casual outfits. Matching your dress watch to the color of cufflinks, belts, or other accessories makes it even more stylish.

Diver’s Watches: These watches were created to be worn by divers. They are airtight, able to withstand high water pressure, and may have high-contrast dials to improve visibility underwater. Diver’s watches will be marked to indicate the lowest water depth (in meters) that they can withstand.

Pilot’s Watches: Just as diver’s watches were created specifically to benefit divers, pilot’s watches were created specifically to benefit pilots. They include special features like tachymeters (which measure speed based on time), world clocks, and increased durability.

Field Watches: Originally designed for soldiers, field watches are rugged timepieces that are appreciated by anyone who leads an active, adventurous lifestyle. They usually feature extra durable cases, and straps made from materials like nylon or high strength silicone.