Digital Crown - multifunctional button on smartwatches

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The digital crown (Digital Crown) is a knob that is located on the top right side of the Apple Watch and supports the user in navigating through the menus. Other smartwatch manufacturers are also working on the introduction of the Digital Crown. However, so far there are only a few models (apart from all Apple Watch Models) that have the rotary knob with which the smartwatch can be operated.

In analog wristwatches, the crown is a knob on the side that is immediately next to the Bezel sits and with which you can make various settings. You can set the time, change the date or edit similar functions. In diving watches, for example, this crown is screwed down and specially protected so that it cannot be operated accidentally. The bottom line is that the watch crown could be described as a multi-function button, which is the forerunner of further innovations in the operation of watches.

With modern smartwatches - especially with the Apple Watch - the watch crown has been further developed. A digital crown is a small, pressure-sensitive dial that can be used to make various settings on a smartwatch. The digital crown was first made by the electronics manufacturer Apple developed and is particularly active as a Digital Crown at the Apple Watch known. This cog has been around since Apple Watch the first generation and on the subsequent models up to Apple Watch Series 8 on the top right of the watch.

Video – Digital Crown explained

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Video – Digital Crown explained

Functions of the digital crown on the Apple Watch

The most important feature of the watch crown is that it has extensive multifunctionality as a single button and is used in many ways. By simply pressing the digital crown, the display changes from Watch Face (dial) to the smartwatch app screen. The training app is opened by quickly pressing the Digital Crown twice. If you press and hold the digital crown, the voice assistant Siri is started. If you are in a menu, you can return to the home screen or the currently used watch face by pressing the Digital Crown.

The digital crown at the Apple Watch Ultra is additionally protected. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer
The digital crown at the Apple Watch Ultra is additionally protected. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer

By turning the crown when in a selection menu, you can toggle between the options. When using the one-lead ECG on the Apple Watch Series 4 or newer, a finger must be placed on the Digital Crown for at least 30 seconds to activate the EKG (electrocardiogram) to record. In the future, a fingerprint sensor for using TouchID – for example to unlock the watch – will also be installed in the digital crown.

Smartwatch without a digital crown - instead it relies on a digital bezel that you have to swipe over. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer
Smartwatch without a digital crown - instead it relies on a digital bezel that you have to swipe over. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer

Digital Crown - Benefits

The digital crown is a central feature of some modern smartwatches. It offers users an easy way to operate their device without having to rely on touch screens. This rotary knob allows for smooth scrolling, quick selection and precise control over all watch functions and menus. It also offers additional protection against accidental selection, since the crown must be turned deliberately to select a function.

This feature also makes navigating menus easier, as you just have to rotate the watch face to scroll and press it to select. Also, digital crowns provide an intuitive way to control settings like volume and screen brightness, as well as access context menus.

The digital crown is also a great benefit for those with limited dexterity or vision, as it can be operated without having to look at the watch. And unlike analog wristwatches, smartwatch manufacturers are constantly improving this type of technology to make it even more user-friendly and intuitive. This makes the digital crown one of the most important features of a modern smartwatch.

In summary, the digital crown is a great feature that offers many benefits and helps make smartwatches even more user-friendly. With its intuitive design and useful functions, it is an indispensable part of every modern smartwatch. That makes it a must have feature for anyone looking to buy such a device.

Alternatives to the Digital Crown

Smartwatches with a digital crown are very pleasant to use. However, the use of the multifunction button has not yet become widely accepted even after years. Many smartwatch manufacturers use between two and five push buttons instead of the digital crown to operate the smartwatch. Often the smartwatch is also equipped with a Touchscreen or operated a digital bezel.

This is where each smartwatch manufacturer has its own system for navigating through menus and selecting options. The digital crown (Digital Crown) has proven to be a particularly convenient system for navigating on the smartwatch.

Smartwatch Wiki - the most important smartwatch terms at a glance

LetterTerm
ASmart watch strap
EEKG (electrocardiogram)
DDigital crown (multifunction button)
GGPS tracking (location)
HHeart sensor
KComplications (clock)
LBezel (rotating ring)
PPositioning (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou)
pulse
Pulse oximeter
SMeasure oxygen saturation
Smartwatch sensors
TTouchscreen (touch sensitive screen)
WWatch Faces (Smartwatch Dial)
UWatch glass (smartwatch cover glass)
My Sports watch wiki contains the most important smartwatch terms. Of course there is no claim to completeness. It is constantly being expanded and supplemented.

My sports watch ranking

RankingSmart watch modelDescription
1. Apple Watch Incredibly Outstanding outdoor smartwatch with many sports functions
2. Apple Watch Series 8Best all-round smartwatch
3.Apple Watch Series 7Sport Smartwatch with precise readings
4.Apple Watch Series 6The Apple Watch Series 7 very similar but smaller display
5.Samsung Galaxy Watch 4Best all-round smartwatch for Android fans
6.Garmin Epix 2Garmin's top outdoor smartwatch with AMOLED and touchscreen
7.Garmin Fenix ​​7Similar to the Garmin Epix 2 but without the AMOLED display
8.Suunto 9 Peak The Suunto high-end model with an award-winning design
9.Apple Watch SE 2Entry-level smartwatch from Apple with fewer features than Apple Watch Series models
10.Suunto 7Suunto Smartwatch with AMOLED display
11.Samsung Galaxy Watch ActiveSlimmed down Galaxy Watch for athletes
12.Garmin Quatix 6Interesting special watch for sailors and water sports fans
13.Garmin Fenix ​​6 ProGarmin's popular outdoor smartwatch in the cheaper previous version
14.Suunto 9 BaroPredecessor of the Suunto 9 Peak
15.Suunto 5 PeakRecommended entry-level model from Suunto
16.Polar GritHigh-end model from the traditional sports watch manufacturer
17.Garmin VenuMid-range Smartwatch model from Garmin with many current functions
18.Apple Watch Series 4older Apple Watch Model that can definitely keep up
19.Garmin Vivoactive 4Entry-level sports smartwatch for the price-conscious
20.Suunto 3 Gen2Inexpensive entry-level model from Suunto
21.Polar UnitEntry-level model from Polar
My personal sports watch ranking with sports smartwatches that I have tested.
Hello, I'm Sascha Tobias Tegtmeyer from Hamburg - and a real beach child with heart and soul! Sea fan, travel lover and always up for an adventure. On my travel blog Just-Wanderlust.com and the social media channels of Strandkind Travels, I combine my love of traveling and nature with a passion for water sports such as stand-up paddling, diving and surfing. I am a journalist, author and blogger - and I am naturally curious when I get to know new travel destinations and then write about them in detail. As a technology fan, when I'm traveling with my family or alone, I'm always happy to bring a few travel gadgets with me for testing purposes. My favorite travel countries, which I also prefer to write about in my travel blog: USA, Thailand and Maldives.
About the author

I'm just a curious beach kid in the world

Hello, I am Sascha Tobias Tegtmeyer from Hamburg – and a real beach child with heart and soul! Sea fan, travel lover and always up for an adventure. On my travel blog Just-Wanderlust.com and the social media channels of Strandkind Travels, I combine my love of traveling and nature with a passion for water sports such as stand-up paddling, diving and surfing. I am a journalist, author and blogger - and I am naturally curious when I get to know new travel destinations and then write about them in detail. As a technology fan, when I'm traveling with my family or alone, I'm always happy to bring a few travel gadgets with me for testing purposes. My favorite travel countries, which I also prefer to write about in my travel blog: USA, Thailand and Maldives.

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FAQs Digital Crown of Apple Watch - The most important questions and answers

Where is the Digital Crown of Apple Watch?

The digital crown of the Apple Watch is located at the top right of the Apple Watch. This is the small, round knob. In the Apple Watch 3 the Digital Crown has a small red dot. In the Apple Watch 4 and 5, the digital crown has a red circle. Only the models with LTE have the red marking.

What is the Digital Crown of the Apple Watch?

The digital crown of the Apple Watch is a multi-function button on the smartwatch. The most important feature of the digital crown is the multifunctionality of the button. The button can be pushed and turned. A single press takes you from the home screen to the app screen. Pressing twice opens the training app. Press and hold to start the Siri voice assistant. By turning the wheel, you can quickly navigate within the menus or enlarge or reduce the apps on the app screen.

What is a haptic cue?

A haptic indication - especially with a smartwatch - is tactile feedback that the watch gives as an indication. At current Apple Watch Models feel the haptic cue as if someone were tapping lightly on the wrist. Another haptic indication is the vibration, which occurs when the Apple Watch Display ("Force Touch") follows.

How do I care for my Apple Watch Bracelet?

Taking care of one Apple Watch Bracelets is very easy. If possible, the sports armbands and sports loops should be wiped with a non-abrasive, non-linting cloth. If the bracelets are very dirty, you can also rinse them with lukewarm, clear water. Mind you, this only applies to the robust sports armbands. Leather bracelets require more maintenance. For very expensive leather bracelets, I would even recommend taking them to a shoemaker or saddler for maintenance.

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Buy a smartwatch with a digital crown?

My conclusion

In summary, one of the most important features to look for when buying a smartwatch is the digital crown. This type of rotary knob can make operating your device much more intuitive and user-friendly. It also offers additional protection against accidental selections and makes navigating the menus easy. So if you're considering buying a smartwatch, make sure it has a digital crown. It is a must-have feature that will make your smartwatch experience even better.

Which sports watch or smartwatch are you currently using? Which functions do you attach great importance to? Share your experiences in the comments.

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