There are many reasons people love buying a watch. Whether you want to display your personality or track the time, it can satisfy many needs.
Knowing the different types of watch movements can help you gain a better appreciation for how your watch works and why. From quartz to automatic, there are several watch types to learn about.
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Keep reading to learn more about each movement works and what it means for your timepiece today. Let’s get into it!
In this article
Quartz Watches
Quartz watches are powered by small batteries and have quartz crystals. Analog quartz movements are driven by an oscillator regulated by a quartz crystal which is the most common in quartz watches.
On the other hand, digital quartz watches with LED or LCD are also powered by a quartz movement. Other movements under this classification include:
- ultrasonic quartz
- Thermo-Quartz
- Eco-Drive quartz
All of these types of watch movements are beneficial for quartz watches as they provide accuracy, durability, and ease of use.
Mechanical Watches
Mechanical watches are powered by a mainspring which drives a series of gears and a pendulum. Manual-winding watches require the wearer to manually wind it daily, as this is the only way to fuel it.
This type of watch movement is usually seen in luxury watches and is the oldest type of movement used. Furthermore, it has a complex gear system powered by a mainspring.
This spiral spring in the watchcase stores and releases energy to power the internal gears and resultant timekeeping. However, some mechanical watches are equipped with complications such as:
- moon phase
- data displays
- power reserves
Finally, they are usually more precise due to their intricate nature, but they also require more upkeep and service to maintain their accuracy.
Automatic Watches
Automatic watches are powered by a mechanical self-winding movement. This means that the movement of the wearer’s arm and wrist is used to provide energy that powers the watch.
As such, there is no need to manually wind the timepiece. In addition, the movement is sealed in a water-resistant case and contains many different parts, which include:
- a main spring
- a rotor
- gears
- other components
Also, its main purpose is to keep track of time and create an accurate and reliable display. In short, these watches are reliable timepieces that require little maintenance and are known for their accuracy and reliability.
Hybrid Watches
Hybrid watches are popular among watch aficionados because of their hybrid of quartz and mechanical movements. This utilizes a quartz crystal and a mechanical spring-driven wheel that combined to produce a longer power reserve.
Not only that! They also have the added benefit of up to 70 days of power reserve and a thin profile so that it does not take up too much wrist space. This technology is especially great for those who need a reliable, accurate, and stylish watch that may be worn for a long time.
Basic Guide to Different Types of Watch Movements
The different types of watch movements are fascinating and intricate subjects to explore. Quartz, mechanical, and automatic movements are all distinctly different means of powering a watch face with its unique benefits and style.
For those looking for something special, exploring your options is highly recommended. Check out your favorite watch store today to see which best fits your wrist!
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