Alkiro1 initiates a fascinating discussion on watch crowns, moving beyond typical components to highlight their diverse shapes, positions, and innovative functionalities. His curated selection showcases crowns that are not only essential for a watch's operation but also integral to its design and user experience. This article invites collectors to share their favorite crown designs, emphasizing originality and thoughtful engineering.
Hi all,
We already talked about lugs, rotors and hands. So now, it's time to talk about crowns (only! Nothing about pushers) π
We all know that a crown is an essential component of a watch. Small or not, with very different shapes and positioning but essential to make our beloved tick-tock alive.
Below is a small selection of all the crowns that I love and which have an originality.
Among them or coming from your own collection/selection, please share your thought about them π€ Our comments are most welcome π
The Romain Gauthier Prestige HMS and its back winder (I tried it few years ago and it is really efficient and easy to manipulate)
Credit: Monochrome-watches
Romain Gauthier Logical One with, for the first time in history (at least to my knowledge) a crown which is not a "crown" but a pusher you have to press several times in order to wind this incredible watch.
Credit: Timetransformed
Jaeger LeCoultre Futurematic. Again a back winder but this one only helps to set the time and not wind the watch as this one always keep several hours of power reserve (around 5 hours). Yes! You never need to wind this so well thought watch.
Credit: Hodinkee
Panerai Luminor and its so distinctive and emblematic crown guard.
Credit: Time and Watches
Cartier and its lovely "cabochon bleu".
Credit: Wrist Flatter
A. Lange & SΓΆhne Zeitwerk. A Crown which is unusually positionned at 2 o'clock.
Credit: Escapement Magazine
Ulysse Nardin Freak Diavolo. No crown because the crown is... the bezel π³ You have to turn it to wind this timepiece. My favourite watch in the UN collection. So incredible!
Credit: Hautetime
The amazing Audemars Piguet 25643 which is the smallest automatic Tourbillon watch ever made. Here, the back winder is directly fixed on the main plate (look at the jewels) because you have no case back in order to obtain a thinner timepiece.
Credit: Hodinkee
The Chanel J12 Retrograde MystΓ©rieuse. Here the crown is on the dial and can go down and be at the same level than the glass when you don't need to wind this timepiece.
Credit: Timing watches
Another similar example with the David Candaux 1740 First 8 and its moving crown located at 6.
Credit: DonCorson
The incredible Longines Avigation Oversize Crown which really has an appropriate name.
Credit: Luxurious Magazine
Chronoswiss Timemaster onion crown (everything is explained in its name π).
Credit: Timescapeusa
Omega Seamaster Bullhead and its crown at twelve.
Credit: Nilo
Edox Hydro Sub. Can you find a better protection for a crown?
Credit: Times and Watches
To conclude the Azimuth Roulette Watch and its "die" crown.
Credit: Timetapestry.blogspot.ch
Best wishes
Alkiro
