For those who aren’t familiar with what a watch movement is –
The movement refers to the mechanism that makes a watch tick.
The movement, known as the heart of a timepiece drives the hour, minute and seconds hands on the dial. Moreover, it powers the exclusive complications like chronograph, calendar or dual time.
Luxury watch-manufacturers spend maximum time designing a watch’s internal mechanism meticulously. They are well aware of the fact that:
A precisely designed mechanism will define a masterpiece, separating it from others in the horological industry.
So, there are three primary types of watch movements – Quartz, Mechanical and, Automatic.
The Quartz Movement
Ideally, the simplest of the three movements is the quartz. Powered by a battery, the movement makes the seconds-hand move and tick at a specific rate.While the Japenese watchmakers Seiko launched the quartz movement in 1969, it challenged the traditional watchmakers who used mechanical movement for powering their watches.
How does it work?
The battery that powers a quartz watch sends an electric signal via the quartz crystal housed inside.
While the timepiece senses every vibration, it moves the seconds-hand at each 32,768th vibration.
However, the circuit measures the vibrations and converts them into a single pulse each second. This pulse is responsible for the watch’s consistent movement.
Mechanical Movement
Mechanical watches need manual winding to function. The movement causes the seconds-hand to glide smoothly in a sweeping motion.A spring-driven mechanism measures the passage of time on mechanical movements. Mechanical or manual watches require winding by hand periodically to keep them functioning.
However, some rotor mechanisms on mechanical timepieces are known to work in conjunction with the gravitational pull of the earth.
How does it work?
Unlike the quartz watches, a mechanical movement needs winding up nearly every day.
The movement utilises the energy from the wound mainspring instead of a battery.
The mainspring transfers the energy via many gears and springs, thereby powering the watch hands and complications.
Automatic Movement
An automatic movement is also referred to as the self-winding movement. The movement uses the kinetic energy produced naturally when the user moves.This means that the mainspring gets wound automatically with the natural motion of the wearer’s wrist. It doesn’t require winding manually.
What makes the movement a great choice is its classic style blended with the self-winding functionality.
How does it work?
A metal weight named as ‘rotor’ is fitted to the manual parts. However, this rotor is connected to the movement and can freely rotate.
While the rotor turns with every movement of the wrist, it transfers the energy to the spring (or, mainspring).
The mechanical timepieces are typically more delicate and slimmer in shape, whereas, automatic models tend to be comparatively thicker due to the extra rotors.
However, luxury watch collectors allegedly prefer timepieces with mechanical movements. On the other hand, some prefer quartz watches for regular use because of their higher durability and accuracy.
Want to sell your luxury watch in London?
Watch buyers at The Luxury Hut in London provide a simple, secure and straightforward way to sell watches online or via appointment. To begin the process:Fill up this online form and receive an initial free quote.
With trustworthy watch buyers at The Luxury Hut, you are likely to obtain a fair and competitive quote of your pre-owned luxury watch. Sell your watch to us and get paid within minutes.
