Hello all, this is nothing new to watch lovers but I see mechanical and automatic used interchangeably as if they were the same and sorry, I just had to scratch an itch.
Taken straight from Google AI:
A watch movement, also known as a
calibre, is the internal mechanism that powers a watch and enables it to tell time. It's the "engine" of the watch, responsible for moving the hands and powering any additional features like chronographs or calendars.
There are three main types of watch movements: mechanical, automatic, and quartz.
- Mechanical Movements:
These rely on a mainspring, which is wound either manually (by the user) or automatically (by the movement of the wearer's wrist). They use a series of gears and springs to regulate the release of energy, driving the hands and other complications.
A
type of mechanical movement that utilizes a
rotor (a weighted wheel) to wind the mainspring when the watch is worn. The motion of the wrist causes the rotor to rotate, which then winds the mainspring.
- Quartz Movements:
These use a battery to power the watch, and a quartz crystal to regulate the movement. The battery sends an electrical current through the crystal, causing it to vibrate at a precise frequency, which then drives the hands and other functions.
Key Differences:
Power Source: Mechanical and automatic movements use a mainspring, while quartz movements use a battery.
Maintenance: Mechanical movements require winding, either manually or automatically, and may require occasional servicing. Quartz movements are typically more low-maintenance, as they only require battery replacements.
Accuracy: Quartz movements are generally more accurate than mechanical movements, as they rely on the precise frequency of a quartz crystal.
Price: Mechanical and automatic movements are generally more expensive than quartz movements, due to their complexity and the craftsmanship involved in their construction.
Feel free to add on anything else you find informative/helpful. Or if there's something wrong, please give an update. Thank you.