A watch crown is the metal tab that is found on usually the right side of a watch face. This small nub is used to set the date and time on a watch. Modern watches that offer functions other than timekeeping may have more than one crown. Depending on the type of watch, the crown may also be used to wind the watch.

A watch crown is the small tab on the side of a watch's face.

Crown Stem

This is the long, thin piece of the crown that attaches to the watch movement. It is removed by turning a set lever screw or in some cases a button. A watch smith will hold the button down and then pull the crown stem out. The type of release mechanism is revealed when the back of the watch case is removed.

Male and Female Stems

One-piece watches cannot be opened. In this case, a two-piece stem is used. The pieces are similar to how plumbers use a male and female pipe to make a connection. They are pulled apart and snapped together using tweezers.

Crown Tube

The crown tube, or case tube, is the circular structure that the crown stem fits into. It leads from the outside of the watch into the movement. Think of it as a very tiny tunnel.

Crown Wheel

The crown stem attaches to the crown wheel inside the watch mechanism. The gears intermesh with a ratchet wheel, and both turn when the crown is used to set the watch's time or wind it. The crown wheel sits on its own core and is secured by crown wheel screws.