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Screw Down Crown Watch: What It Is and How It Works
A screw down crown watch is a necessary item for a diving enthusiast. Find out all you need to know and how it works here!
May 22, 2024
For watch enthusiasts, a wristwatch is an essential item to be worn on every occasion. Whether it’s a party or an adventure, the timepiece must follow its wearer wherever it goes. But what about the time one must go underwater? Is there a durable watch capable of following you down the blue ocean? Yes. A screw down crown watch is the answer.
A screw down crown was originally patented in 1926 by Paul Perregaux and Georges Perret in Switzerland. They found a system in which a crown could be screwed down onto the case, hence creating a waterproof seal. Later in 1927, Mercedes Gleitze tested it by wearing it while swimming in the English Channel.
In general, a screw down crown can be found in any type of watch. But its feature makes it most common in dive watches. So, what is a screw down crown? How exactly does it work in regard to protecting the watch from water? Find out all the information you need to know below!
What is A Screw Down Crown?
A crown may not be an eye-catching feature of a watch, but it is undeniably an important one. Without a crown, the mechanical features like setting up the time and date as well as winding the movement will not work. A screw down crown watch is no exception to this.
Other than setting up time and date, a crown is instrumental in protecting the inside of a watch from dust and water. Unlike the regular crown, the screw down crown is equipped with a seal feature. It helps prevent liquid or any powdery substances from getting into the case.
The key point of a screw down crown watch is its water-resistance qualities. Once the seal shuts, the inside of the watch will be protected against anything from the outside world. In short, a screw down crown watch is a reliable timepiece to accompany you during your time in the water.
How Does A Screw Down Crown Watch Work?
As the name indicates, a screw down crown watch operates using a system in which a crown could be screwed down onto the case to create a seal. Therefore, no water will enter the watch and ruin the inside.
How does a screw down crown watch work then? It uses a simple principle of a screw thread attached to the crown. Winding a screw down crown watch in a counterclockwise direction will allow you to set the date, time, and day. Usually, you just need to pull it once to set the date. Then to set the time, you must pull it one more time.
Then, how does a screw down crown watch work to seal the water? First, you must make sure the stem goes all the way into the case. Afterward, pushing and winding the crown in a clockwise direction should screw it back down. That way, no liquid or dust can go into the inside of the watch.
Read more: 5 Best Survival Watch for a Reliable Survivalist Buddy
Most Recommended Screw Down Crown Watches
Diving with a screw down crown watch must be done in style. Therefore, we are here to give you a list of the most recommended screw down crown watches. Ranging from a sporty to a classic look, each type of these watches will no doubt complement the overall fashion you decide to go for the day.
Without further ado, here are the best screw down crown watches we have selected for you:
Seiko Prospex 200M Diver Scuba Solar Blue
Let’s start with a classic diver watch like the Seiko Prospex 200M Diver Scuba Solar Blue. It is heralded as one of the toughest watches in the dryland and the ocean. This diving watch is powered by Seiko’s solar caliber V147. When it is fully charged, it can reserve power lasting for 10 months with an accuracy of ±15 seconds per month.
As indicated by the name, this classic diving blue watch is equipped with a 200 m water-resistant stainless steel case. Most importantly, it also has a 200 m water-resistant screw down case back. As far as the size goes, you do not have to worry. It comes in a vintage size, so it will be a great fit for your vintage diving look.
Ball Watch Co. Engineer Master II Skindiver Heritage
Ball Watch Co. Engineer Master II Skindiver Heritage is a fine result of the crossover between vintage and modern. The black dial watch is renowned for its precision and accuracy, making it easier for you to access all the accurate information you need during a dive.
Ball Watch Co. Engineer Master II Skindiver Heritage is especially made to expertly handle water pressure. The watch has 300 m water resistance, thanks to its dapper yet durable screw down crown and case.
Steinhart Ocean One Vintage Two-tone
A vintage screw down crown watch will never go out of style. With Steinhart Ocean One Vintage Two-tone, you get both the exquisite design and the high quality. The watch is made of 316L stainless steel with a two-tone design on its bezel and screw down crown.
The vintage black and gold watch has 300 m water resistance. It is also equipped with the automatic élaboré movement and a power reserve of 40 hours. As for the size, the manual wind movement will allow the case to adjust nicely with most wrist sizes.
Steinhart Traveler GMT Black
Tired of a vintage style? Let’s go back to casual with Steinhart Traveler GMT Black. As a sporty watch for a traveler, Steinhart Traveler GMT Black comes in a black strap and case. It is equipped with a stainless steel 316 L, unidirectional bezel as well as a black leather strap.
Steinhart Traveler GMT Black has 300 m water resistance. Its large screw down crown and massive stainless steel bezel can withstand the water pressure from the diving activity fairly well.
Oris Aquis GMT Date Blue
A stainless steel diving watch is a classic way to go. With Oris Aquis GMT Date Blue, you can go both for style and functionality. The stainless steel case and strap will strongly protect the watch from underwater pressure.
Oris Aquis GMT Date Blue has 300 m water resistance. It is also equipped with a bidirectional rotating bezel, allowing it to show the time in three separate time zones all at the same time.
Glycine Combat SUB 42 Golden Eye
The two-tone military watch of the Glycine Combat SUB 42 Golden Eye will be a perfect fit for your diving activity. It is equipped with a bezel made of 316L stainless steel with PVD treatment. Its size makes it comfortable to wear around the wrist.
The captivating and timeless design aside, Glycine Combat SUB 42 Golden Eye prides itself in its performance for its 200 m water resistance. Additionally, its screw down crown is large and the screw thread is easy to push in and out.
Squale 20 ATMOS MILITAIRE Ceramic
Squale 20 ATMOS MILITAIRE Ceramic is equipped with a polished 316L stainless steel case. Along with the strong case, the screw down crown makes it more durable with its 200 m water resistance. Additionally, it has a power reserve of 42 hours and a 20mm Squale signed steel strap that can fit comfortably around your wrist.
In the end, a screw down crown watch does not only pride itself in its function but also in its style. The simple, and yet, an indispensable crown can play a big role in protecting a watch against the harsh nature. With that being said, you can find the best screw down crown watch by visiting Gnomon and get the one that fits your wrist nicely.
