The Anatomy
Explore the watch below to learn more about the features.
Key Terms
ATM:
Short for “atmospheres,” ATM is the water resistance level of the watch.
Band:
Used to describe the part of the watch that holds it on a wrist.
Case:
Holds the inner workings of the watch.
Face:
The part of a watch that displays the time, also known as the dial.
Hands:
Hour, minute or second indicators that move over a graduated dial.
Markers:
Time indicators on the dial, also known as indexes or indices.
Movement:
The inner workings of a watch that make it function.
Pin:
Used to secure the watch band to the case, and to connect links.
Subeyes:
Small dials providing specific indicators (i.e. a second hand), also known as subdials.
Topring:
The ring surrounding the watch face. It is also known as the bezel.
Movements
Have you ever wondered what makes your watch tick? Well, that’s the watch movement—the magic behind our watches' precise and reliable timekeeping.
Quartz
It is powered by a battery that works with a quartz crystal, allowing the watch to keep time without being wound.
Benefits: affordable, accurate, no winding
Considerations: battery needs to be changed periodically
Automatic
It harness energy from the wearer to rotate a rotor in a circular fashion and wind the spring.
Benefits: detailed construction, durability, no battery needed, ease of use
Considerations: may gain or lose a few minutes over time, requires periodic maintenance
Mechanical
Unlike automatics, mechanical movements do not have a rotor and must be hand-wound to keep time.
Benefits: intricate design, tend to be used in luxury watches
Considerations: daily winding, overwinding may cause damage, requires maintenance
Complications
Complications describe the functions of a watch that go beyond telling the time.
Chronograph
A stopwatch feature that measures intervals of time. Most have two or three subdials, and can measure partial seconds, minutes and/or hours.
Functions: In health care settings to measure patient heartbeat, and for athletes to calculate distance.
Multifunction
Provides more than just time. Most commonly offers day of the week, date and 24-hour time.
Functions: Fashion-forward, featuring a sporty look of the subdials. Or for organization—it works as a master calendar.
Day/Date/Lunar
The day of the week, date or moon phase is displayed in a window.
Functions: Fashion-forward, featuring a simple look. Or for organization, since it provides more than just the time.
Style + Durability
When exploring our collection of watches, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the components.
Crystals
A watch crystal is a piece of glass or acrylic that protects the watch dial from shock, dust, and moisture damage and can come in various materials and durability.
Acrylic
Not as durable
Composed of plastic composite
Mineral
More scratch resistant
Heat-treated glass
Sapphire
Three times harder than mineral
Twenty times harder than acrylic
Platings
Plating is a process that enhances our watches’ durability, strength and style. The coating material is ionized into electrically charged particles forcefully applied onto the metal watch material at high speeds.
Gold-tone
Rose Gold-Tone
Gunmetal
Finishing
Purely style, the finish of a watch refers to the final touches put on a watch during manufacturing.
Polished
Matte
Brushed
Cases
The case of a watch is not only important because it holds together the inner workings and protects it from the elements but also because it shapes the overall appearance.
Stainless Steel
Versatile appearance, has a longer lifespan, minimal upkeep
Ceramic
Smooth appearance, good for people with metal allergies
Acetate
Distinctive appearance, resilient, good for a more casual look
Dive Deeper
Did you know that the case of a watch can actually impact its water resistance levels? The backing and crown are key players in determining how water-resistant a watch is.
It is super easy to check the ATMs (atmospheres) indicated on the caseback or dial to determine how much water pressure each watch can handle.
30 METERS
3 ATM
50 METERS
5 ATM
100 METERS
10 ATM
200+ METERS
20+ ATM
Watch Parts That Blend Functionality and Style
Understanding watch parts is essential to fully appreciate the craftsmanship and functionality behind every timepiece. At Fossil, we believe that the parts of a watch are more than just tools to tell time; they're a statement of style and precision engineering. From the sturdy watch case that houses the intricate inner workings to the watch crystal that protects the watch dial and hands, every element serves a purpose. The watch bezel, also known as the topring, can be decorative or functional, such as the rotating bezel on our dive watches. The watch crown allows you to set the time, day, or date, while the watch lug connects the band to the watch cases, determining the band size. Whether you're exploring automatic watches or quartz watch movements, learn more about the craftsmanship with our watch parts diagram. Then, discover how this watch anatomy seamlessly creates a watch collection that's both functional and stylish.
Types of Watches & How To Choose Yours Types of Watches & How To Choose Yours
With so many different types of watches, our collection includes a variety of analog watch styles, and functionalities. With so many options, you can choose the watch movements that best suit your needs, whether it's the precision of a wrist watch quartz crystal or the self-sustaining energy of an automatic. If you've been wondering, “what is a quartz watch,” you’ve come to the right place. A quartz watch works by being powered by a battery and quartz crystal, providing accurate timekeeping with minimal maintenance. Next, what is an automatic watch? These timepieces rely on the movement of your wrist to wind an interior spring that powers the mechanism of a watch. Both quartz and automatic options offer unique benefits, and no matter your choice, you'll receive a watch that has a unique, utilitarian design. Another commonly asked question is “what is a chronograph watch?” Chronograph watches are more than just timepieces—they’re tools that combine the features of a traditional watch with a stopwatch to measure intervals of time with precision. These watches typically include two or three sub watch dials to measure seconds, minutes, and hours that make them as practical as they are stylish. Whether you’re exploring the benefits of a mechanical vs automatic watch or determining exactly what is a chronograph on a watch, we’re here to be your source of watch knowledge.
Analog Watch Designs With Durability
When it comes to the durability of analog watches, water proof watch features are key considerations when shopping for a timepiece. But how do we determine water resistant watch meaning? At Fossil, we define water resistant watch capabilities with ATM ratings that indicate how much water pressure the watch can withstand. For instance, 3 ATM on a watch means the timepiece can handle splashes or brief immersion. Both the case of a watch and the crown of a watch are key pieces when constructing watches for water. Depending on how they’re built, the watch will be given a corresponding ATM rating. Maybe you’re asking, “what does 5 ATM mean on a watch?” These watches are rated up to 50 meters; ideal for swimming in shallow water. What does 10 ATM mean on a wrist watch? These watches can go deeper, functioning for snorkeling and other water activities.
Pair your water resistant watch with a subtle yet functional watch strap, opt for an oversized crown of a watch, or find your own style for each watch element. With our selection, you're not just buying a watch; you're investing in a thoughtfully designed technical accessory. Explore our carefully crafted collection to find the perfect blend of style and functionality.