Case

Case

Latin capsa, “box” or “bookcase”, via Old French

The case is the outer shell that covers a watch. Its main job is to shield the parts inside. It matters for both looks and function. A case can take almost any shape, design, material or colour.

What are the parts of a watch case?

A watch case is built from several parts. The case middle is the core structural part. The bezel is also part of the case. It holds the watch glass and frames the visible edge of the dial. The lugs are where the strap or bracelet attaches. The case back closes the watch from behind. In a monobloc case, the back and the case middle are made as one single part.

How does a watch case back open?

Case backs are fitted in more than one way. A snap-off back is pulled off to open the watch. It is then pressed back into place to close it. A screw-down back works differently. You turn the whole back, and it unscrews from the case. A monobloc case is another matter. Its back and case middle are made as one single part, not as separate pieces.

How is a watch case made water resistant?

Gaskets do this work. They are placed between the parts of the case, and they make the case water resistant. This supports the main job of the case, which is to shield the inner parts of the watch. Sealed wristwatch cases are not new. In 1926, an outside casemaker built a waterproof and dustproof wristwatch case for Rolex.

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