The ring that surrounds the watch and supports the sapphire crystal that shields the dial and movement. Bezels can be functional (as used in diving watches) or decorative (usually with precious stones).

The display of a watch, showing the time and other functions. Watch dials are usually dictated by the movements that power the watch, and vary in size, shape and style accordingly. Recent trends in watchmaking have demanded larger watch faces, and some watchmakers have gone as large as over 50mm this year. Being the face of the watch, it is often embellished with artwork or skeletonised to allow visibility of the movement through the front.

The lugs attach the case to the wrist strap. Most watchmakers use metallic lugs, although in recent years, lugs and flanks have been made of avant-garde materials such as carbon fibre. Straps can vary in materials, from leather to rubber, or metallic bracelets.

The crown is used to wind up the spring which powers mechanical movements, and also to adjust the time. Some movements are automatic, using the kinetic energy generated by hand movements to wind the mainspring. Winding crowns are usually screwed in to prevent dust and water particles from damaging the movement. Other variations exist which seal the inner case and movement using other methods. In the 18^th century, keys were used to wind the mainspring; this was before the invention of the winding crown by Jean Adrien Philippe.

The sides of the watch where the crowns and push-buttons go. While most watches fit the winding crown on the right of the dial, golf watches and special timepieces such as Panerai’s Luminor Marina Left-Handed have winding crowns on the left.

The movement is seated on the support plate, providing greater security and an additional layer of protection from the external environment.

The caseback is usually covered with sapphire crystal allowing one to view the movement from the back in greater detail. Engravings and embellishments are also often seen on the caseback.

The inner case protects the movement from shock and damage. As such, inner cases are made of materials which are highly resistant to wear and corrosion. The movement is what powers the watch and keeps time. Prized movements are mechanical, although some watchmakers use quartz movements which tend to keep time more accurately, but require battery power.