If you’re new to the world of watch collecting, you may have seen the term “movement” come up again and again when referring to the workings of a watch. As you delve further into watch collecting and the different kinds of watches on the market today, you should learn more about watch movements and why they are so important to a fully-functioning timepiece.
So, What is a Watch Movement?
The movement of a watch refers to the internal mechanisms that power the watch’s hands and the other complications, or functionalities, of a watch.
Watch companies can buy movements or parts of a movement from another company, or they can design and produce their own movements in-house. Brands that make their movements in their own studio are called manufactures; their timepieces are usually more expensive and valued by collectors.
The Three Types of Watch Movements
Mechanical Watches
Watches that aren’t powered by an internal battery source are known as mechanical watches. They use the energy of a wound spring inside the case, or the body of a watch, to power its mechanisms. Mechanical watches are easily distinguished by the movement of the second hand, which moves across the dial in a smooth sweeping motion.
This type is more sought-after by collectors because of their masterful craftsmanship and the expertise that goes into making these watches. With proper care and maintenance, these watches can last several lifetimes.
Mechanical watches can be further divided into two more categories: manual and automatic.
Manual movements, as the name implies, need regular winding of their internal springs in order to keep time accurately. Therefore, those who wear this type of watch eventually get into the habit of winding it every day.
On the other hand, automatic or self-winding watches use kinetic energy to power their movements. Any movement of your watch-wearing arm will wind the mainspring. Daily winding of automatic watches isn’t necessary, but you can also wind them yourself if you prefer. Look to Rolex’s Oyster Perpetual Movement collection or Raymond Weil’s new Freelancer Calibre RW1212 for examples of an automatic watch.
In general, mechanical watches are great for people who like the aesthetics of the movement and who are willing to take additional time to care for and wind their watch on a daily basis. Keep in mind, though, that mechanical watches require regular upkeep to ensure that the internal mechanisms continue to run properly.
Quartz Watches
Quartz watches are a battery-powered movement developed by Seiko and launched in 1969. The “quartz” refers to the quartz crystal these watches use to generate vibrational energy that powers the movement. In comparison to mechanical watches, which can be identified by the second hand’s sweeping movement, the second hand in quartz watches move in a ticking motion.
The vibrations made by the quartz are measured by the watch’s internal circuit and are turned into pulses, which power the movement of the second hand. The consistency of these pulses give quartz watches their superior accuracy.
If you’re looking for a reliable, low maintenance timepiece that doesn’t require daily winding, quartz watches are a great option to turn to. Additionally, quartz movements are also known for being a cheaper and more durable alternative to mechanical watches, making them more practical for everyday wear.
Some luxury watchmakers carry quartz movements as well, if you want to stick to strictly higher-end brands; a great example of this would be Citizen and their Eco-Drive quartz technology, which uses light energy to power their Eco-Drive line of watches.
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At the end of the day, choosing a mechanical or quartz movement comes down to your personal preference. Which one do you prefer and why? Let us know by leaving a comment below!