Case lines
Also called case edges
Case lines are the sharp edges, bevels, and contrast between brushed and polished surfaces that a maker designs into a watch case and its lugs.
They're one of the first things experienced buyers check on a pre-owned watch, because heavy polishing rounds them off. Crisp, well-defined lines suggest a case that has been left alone or refinished carefully; soft, blurred lines suggest repeated polishing.
Photograph the lugs and case sides in good light when you list a watch. It answers the question buyers will ask anyway.
Related terms
Where this comes up
Pages on this site that use the term.
Learn the trade, not just the word
Plain-English guides to buying, pricing and selling watches as a business. Free, and written to be used at the counter.