What is a Screw-Down Crown on a Watch?

What is a Screw-Down Crown on a Watch?

Summer is here, and for many of us, that means heading to lakes, rivers, and oceans to soak up the sun and enjoy the water. Whether you're surfing in the ocean, floating down the river, or going for a dip in the pool, ensuring your watch is ready for the water is critical.

At Vaer, all our watches are ocean-ready, with at least 100m of water resistance. A key component of making a durable water-resistant watch is the screw-down crown – a feature that sets our watches apart from most others at our price point.

What is a Screw-Down Crown?

A screw-down crown is designed with threads that allow it to be securely screwed into the case of the watch. This feature, coupled with a sealing gasket, creates a watertight barrier, protecting the inner workings of your watch from water, dust, and debris. All Vaer watches feature this high-performance crown type.

The Benefits of a Screw-Down Crown

  1. Superior Water Resistance: With a screw-down crown, your watch is equipped to handle more than just a splash. This design ensures a tight seal, making your watch ideal for swimming, diving, and other water activities.
  2. Enhanced Durability: The secure fit of a screw-down crown reduces the risk of accidental damage. It is less likely to be knocked out of position, which can be a common issue with standard push-pull crowns.
  3. Protection from Debris: The tight seal keeps out dust and dirt, safeguarding the watch’s movement and maintaining its precise functionality over time.
  4. Longevity: By preventing water and debris from entering the watch, a screw-down crown helps maintain the integrity of your timepiece’s internal components, extending its overall lifespan.

This summer, as you dive into lakes, rivers, and oceans, remember to secure your Vaer watch with a properly screwed-down crown. Enjoy your adventures with the confidence that your watch is ready for anything.

Note: If you own another watch that is not a Vaer, please ensure it has at least 100m water resistance before entering the water. Please also ensure that if it has a screw-down crown, it is fully tightened. If you have a watch with a more standard push/pull crown, ensure the crown is fully pushed in. However, we still do not recommend entering the water with this type of crown, as even with solid water resistance, the crown may be accidentally pulled out (negating the stated water resistance).


How to Properly Operate a Screw-Down Crown

Operating a screw-down crown on your Vaer watch is a straightforward process, yet it requires a bit of care to ensure the longevity and functionality of your timepiece. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this essential feature:

1. Unscrewing the Crown

Before you can set the time or date, you need to unscrew the crown:

  1. Locate the Crown: The Vaer crown is positioned at the 3 o'clock mark on the right side of the watch case.
  2. Turn Counterclockwise: Using your thumb and forefinger, gently turn the crown counterclockwise (to the left). You will feel the threads disengage as the crown begins to loosen.
  3. Pull Out the Crown: Once the crown is fully unscrewed, you can pull it out to the desired position. Vaer watches have two to four positions for the crown (depending on if the watch has a date or GMT function), with the primary position used to change the time.

 

2. Screwing Down the Crown

Once you've set the date and time, it's crucial to secure the crown back in place to maintain the watch's water resistance.

  1. Push In the Crown: Gently push the crown back to Position 1 (the neutral position).
  2. Turn Clockwise: While pressing the crown against the case, turn it clockwise (to the right) to engage the threads. Continue turning until the crown is snug against the watch case. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can strip the threads or damage the gasket.


Maintenance Tips

  • Regular Checks: Periodically check the crown to ensure it is properly screwed down, especially before water exposure.
  • Gentle Handling: Avoid excessive force when screwing or unscrewing the crown to prevent damage to the threads and gaskets.
  • Professional Service: Have your watch serviced by a professional every few years to ensure all seals and gaskets are in good condition, maintaining the watch's water resistance.

Troubleshooting

If you experience any difficulty with the screw-down crown, such as resistance when turning or difficulty in setting the time or date, consult your Vaer warranty guide or contact customer service for assistance. It's important to address any issues promptly to avoid potential damage.

By following these steps and handling your Vaer watch with care, you can ensure that the screw-down crown functions effectively, preserving the integrity and longevity of your timepiece.

What to Do if Water Enters Your Watch

If in the unfortunate circumstance that you notice condensation or fogginess on the inside of your watch, immediately reach out for service. Once water enters your watch, the only option is to get it serviced. The longer you wait, the higher the likelihood the movement will not be repairable and will require a complete replacement.

If you have any questions, our customer service team is available to help. Simply use our chatbot, or send a message to team@vaerdesign.com

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