What is the crown guard and lever for?

[jdub765]

A total newbie question, but when I did a search, there was a whole bunch of unrelated results since the query is a bit generic.

So, what's the intended purpose of the crown guard and lever?

I'm guessing that when on some hardcore expedition, the cg is to prevent the crown from ripping off/catching on some boulders or the such? What's the lever for though? Wouldn't just the cg suffice?

Edited August 20, 2007 by jdub765

[FxrAndy]

The lever presses on the crown and compresses the o rings underneath to ensure a water tight fit.

[Victoria]

So, what's the intended purpose of the crown guard and lever?

To know the history of Panerai, is to know the watch's purpose.

hxxp://www.paneristi.com/reference/vintage.html (alter xx to tt)

"At the request of the Italian Navy, progress through the following years resulted in the wired lugs being changed by creating a completely new case made of one massive block of steel to avoid damage and to make the watch more stable."

Basically, to keep the crown stable, and to provide an extra measure of protection from water seeping in, if I have understood other people's explanations correctly.

Another interesting read here: http://www.pmwf.com/cgi-bin/Forum/webbbs_c...es;read=1263726

[sssurfer]

Officine Panerai had to find a way to ensure waterproof for their crowns.

Screw-in crowns were already registered/patented by Rolex, so OP had to design something different.

They designed the unique 'tumor' crown guard (and lever), that ensured both waterproof and mechanical protection to the crown.

[TK471]

Plus, they give all of us something to argue about.

[jdub765]

Plus, they give all of us something to argue about.

LOL

That's a pretty creative solution!

It's cool when there's so much history behind these watches. It makes me want to get one even more!

[ravishingrick]

Panerai's where made for divers, under water time is critical. The crown guard was also designed to protect something from moving the crown and so altering the time while under water. The large luminous numerals where designed or ultimate readability for example while under water.