An external digital crown for a smartwatch can be implemented using a computer. A smartwatch having a display can receive an electronic cue from a digital crown. The electronic cue can related to a tactile event on the digital crown from a user. The digital crown can be positioned contiguously with the watch. The electronic cue can be analyzed to relate the tactile event to a movement of an indicator on the display for a selection on the display, and a selection can be initiated on the display based on the analysis of the electronic cue.