The Top 5 Weirdest Looking Watch Crowns
The watch crown is a vital part of any watch design, and it performs important functions. It controls the movement, and allows a watch owner to interact with the heart of their watch.
Normally, it is a little winding knob that is often out of view when telling the time.
In this post, we will delve into the realm of watch crowns and discover the top 5 weirdest looking watch crowns out there. These are the type of crowns that you notice first before anything else on the watch!
What We Know About Watch Crowns
The watch crown is usually a small wheel-shaped knob on the right side of a watch case. Its main role is to set the time, wind the barrel, and perform other functions. The concept of the crown initially came after the 1800s when an English watchmaker, John Arnold, looked for another way to wind and set the time.
The crown revolutionizer.
But it was not until 1844 that Jean Adrien Philippe (from the illustrious Patek Philippe watchmaking dynasty) came to the scene with the introduction of a mechanism that allowed pocket watches to be wound and adjusted without the need for a separate key.
That keyless winding mechanism was the forerunner of contemporary watch winding, and why the crown works the way it does today. The invention was a turning point in watchmaking when technological restrictions were finally breached and a new standard was established.
Two can be better than one! Source: Monochrome Watches
A watch may have more than one crown depending on its function. The majority of them are serrated for easy operation. Some watchmakers place a coating over the crown to protect it. Watch crowns are also easily replaced with watch spare parts in case of loss or damage.
Crowns come in many different styles, and some are wild to see. Here at namokiMODS, we love watch design. Let’s go off the beaten path in search of some weird watch crowns!
Top 5 Weirdest Looking Watch Crowns
Some crowns are weirder than others – let's have a look at 5 of the most bizarre-looking crown designs that are out there today…
Panerai Luminor Marina
The Panerai Luminor Marina has a crown design that is instantly identifiable. Its timepieces are oversized, and the crown guards are always outstanding to see. The Panerai Luminor Marina uses a large case and a slightly curved crystal, which already creates a unique design.
The signature, however, is present in the crown guard, which protects the watch crown.
The Luminor Marina crown is about as divisive as the Seiko Tuna shroud. Source: Chrono24
This mechanism is built to be exceptionally strong so that the most exposed part, the crown, is not damaged by inadvertent impacts. The lever in the center of the crown guard tightly secures the crown, and definitely looks sturdy.
The Panerai Luminor Marina PAM01313 is a wonderful example of how the iconic Panerai crown and crown guard work to set the Luminor case apart from anything else on the market. It looks unique, and is totally functional too.
Graham Chronofighter Vintage
If you are unfamiliar with the Graham Chronofighter Vintage Bronze watches, they may appear overpowering at first glance. The 44mm case of the chronofighter features a trigger with a chrono pusher and a crown on the left side. It is oversized, and an iconic feature of the line.
Seems like you can pop a champagne bottle with that crown. Source: A Blog to Watch
The trigger acts as both a crown guard, and the activation mechanism for the chronograph. It is massive, and won’t be sliding under a shirt cuff any time soon. Some love this case and crown guard design, and there is nothing else in the world of watchmaking like it.
One can be forgiven for mistaking this as a grenade in a quick glance. That’s how wild it looks.
Khaki Navy Frogman
The Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman Automatic is equipped with a crown guard that sets it apart from anything else in Hamilton’s line. It is a full-featured diver’s watch that would be a great addition to any collection.
What makes it special?
Clear labels on the crown lock to avoid any confusion. Source: Wrist Watch Review
The crown guard on this diver is noticeable for its bridge-shaped crown protection, allowing the watch to withstand submersion of up to 300m. Its case is built tough, and is available in both steel, and PVD coated steel.
The Powermatic H-10 movement features a Nivachron balance spring, and delivers up to 80 hours of power to the watch. While it isn’t one of the top-tier watches, this Hamilton is interesting, and will definitely be inquired about in a conversation.
Invicta 17265
Invicta has a long history in the world of watchmaking. Although the brand has pursued different directions, Invicta offers a very aggressive model in the 17265.
We wonder if that chain feels annoying at all on the wrist.. Source: Invicta
It has a 51.5mm stainless steel case - a remarkable case diameter. In addition to the skeleton gold dial and the impressive case size, the watch crown guard is also a signature feature.
The crown is protected with a screw-down protective cap that is fitted with a small chain. This feature resembles old-fashioned pocket timepieces, which often came with an attached chain to hold them to a waistcoat, pocket, or belt loop.
The crown guard itself unscrews, and is held by the chain when the crown is being used, much like a Cartier Pasha. The design is different, to be sure, but also popular with anyone who wants a big watch that doesn't apologize for being different!
U-Boat U-51 Chimera
U-Boat watches feature designs that stand out in any situation. They have substantial cases that are bold, easy to notice, and huge on any wrist. The U-Boat U-51 Chimera (6495) has a thick crystal and exudes modernism at every level.
An intimidating crown and guard assembly. Source: Mike Shouts
The left-side adjustment knob with crown protection is a unique feature of the watch. It is also a chronograph, and with the simple dial layout, it is very legible.
Much like the Invicta mentioned above, the crown guard screws into the case, and is attached with a metal bar that holds the crown guard when the crown is used. It is a safe system, and ensures that your watch crown will never accidentally detach from the case.
Wrap Up
Here at namokiMODS, we stock loads of SKX007 parts for just about any Seiko mod you can imagine. We’re not on the level of craziness in design as the abovementioned watches yet, but as the modding scene evolves and craves more interesting parts, then we shall oblige.
If you like Seiko mods, and need Seiko spare parts, we have you covered. Seiko Mod Watches are a wonderful way to create your own unique designs, and you can find anything you need in our extensive catalog.
We hope you like looking at interesting watches as much as we do – and remember, you can create anything you want with namokiMODS!