I suspect you're missing something, either an actual part, or more likely not recognizing one that's there.

Looking at the lower photo, it appears that there's a movable race, which is probably part of a pressed in, or integrated headset bearing. Stick a finger in and see if it turns, and feels like there may be balls behind it. If so, that's the bearing.

In any case, with these and similar designs, the conical parts on the crowns are only centering cones, which engage and licate the integrated baring race.