From using the sun to tell the time to keep an eye on our wrists, watches have become more accessible and accurate over time. And for centuries, automatic watch movements made the concept of time easier for us.
Most of the luxury watches in today’s date operate with automatic watch movements. The watch on our wrists tells us the time and helps us to stay on schedule. But do you ever sit back and ask yourself, how do automatic watches work?
If you are a fan of automatic watches, you are probably curious about the history and details of the system. And to help you understand the phenomenon of automatic watches, we have pieced this guide together. So, stay with us till the end to learn everything you need to know about automatic watches.
What Is An Automatic Watch Movement?
Watches are usually divided into quartz and mechanical (aka automatic watches). Here automatic watches are the ones that work based on mechanical movement where a rotor gives power to the watches without requiring a battery like their Quartz counterpart.
In quartz watches, the hand determining seconds moves once per second. On the other hand, the hand determining seconds in the mechanical or automatic watches moves at a constant speed based on the wearer’s natural movements. This movement speed indicates the passing seconds.
So in automatic watch movements, the watch is powered by determining the movement of the wrist. As the wrist moves, the calibers detect the movement to power the watch. And the time does not require regular adjustments if it is worn regularly. However, if the watch is not worn regularly, then the user will have to adjust the time.
How Does An Automatic Watch Movement Work?
The automatic watch comes with an array of gears, springs, and other essential parts. All of these parts are perfectly arranged in the watch to make sure that it operates properly and shows the accurate time. Every automatic watch comes with a rotor inside, which vibrates inside the watch freely.
When the user moves their wrist, the rotor inside spins and transfers that energy to the mainspring part of the watch. The energy is stored in the mainspring, which powers the watch to show time accurately.
Automatic Watch Movements: A Brief History
In the 1770s, Abraham-Louis Perrelet invented automatic watch movements that could power watches up to 8 hours a day. He was a Swiss watchmaker who transferred movement into energy in a watch.
However, these watches became popular with the public when Hubert Sarton, a French inventor, designed the first automatic watch in 1778. The watches were released to the public in Paris, in 1780, in the form of pocket watches.
However, these pocket watches were designed and manufactured by Abraham-Louis Breguet. This person purchased designs made by Perrelet and adjusted them to improve accuracy. But these automatic watches were no longer being sold after 1800 as people suspected the accuracy.
Automatic Watch Movements: The Modern Era
Wristwatches became popular during World War I. A watch repairer from England, John Harwood, came up with the automatic wristwatch movements. He took the timepiece and energy concept from the pocket watches and placed them in a wristwatch. The energy was transferred as the wearer moved their wrist and powered the watch accurately.
After John Harwood patented automatic wristwatches in 1923, he began mass production. The watches were made available to the public, and the power lasted up to 12 hours.
As Harwood tasted success with mass production, other watchmakers worldwide revised the original designs. The revised designs were then manufactured, and wristwatches were introduced worldwide.
Rolex, one of the most popular watchmakers, added weight to the timepiece and improved the power to last up to 35 hours. Eterna Watch changed the original designs to put ball bearings inside the watch. This change ensured the wristwatches showed the wearer a more accurate time.
What Are The Key Components Of Automatic Watch Movements?
Let’s check out the key components of an automatic watch.
Rotor
The rotor is a metal weight attached to the movement mechanism of the automatic watch. When the wrist moves, the rotor spins and transfers energy to the mainspring. The mainspring spins and stores the energy. Once the mainspring is fully loaded, the clutch connected to the rotor becomes engaged to stop additional energy transfer.
Jewels
These are tiny synthetic rubies. They are placed in the center of the gear. This allows the gear to perform without trouble and prevents damage or wear and tear.
Mainspring
It is where the energy from the rotor is stored. The mainspring turns when energy is transferred to it and stores it for powering the watch.
Crown
All watches have a small wheel attached to the side of the body, known as the crown. When the crown is turned, it winds the time of the watch and allows it to run.
Gear Train
A gear train is a series of small gears inside the watch. As the mainspring passes energy through the gear train, it moves the hands of the watch and operates other internal parts.
Escapement
There is an internal braking system for the wristwatch. When energy passes through the gear train from the mainspring, an equal amount is forced out. This driven-out energy is known as escapement.
Balance Wheel
It is an internal part of the watch which moves in a circular motion. In one second, the balance wheel beats about 5 to 10 times.
Dial Train
Energy from the balance wheel of the watch passes through the dial train. It is a series of small gears inside the watch where the energy moves to the hands. This transfer of energy allows the watch hands to move accurately.
Pros and Cons of Automatic Watches
Automatic watches are popular among watch enthusiasts. So although they are worthwhile considering many aspects, there are also a few disadvantages that come with these watches. So, take a look at the pros and cons of automatic watches before investing.
| Pros | Cons |
| Operates without a battery | Expensive |
| Shows accurate time | Requires winding if not used regularly |
| Outstanding quality and looks | Accuracy decreases with time |
| Convenient for regular use | Sensitive mechanism |
| Stores power for a long time | Consumes more power |
Important Metrics Used To Measure The Quality Of Automatic Movement
As discussed above, automatic watches are an expensive investment. Several metrics are used to measure the quality of these high-quality watches. Take a look at these metrics and what they represent.
BHP (Beats Per Hour)
BHP of an automatic watch refers to the beats per hour. Automatic watches typically come with beats ranging from 6 to 10 in one second. Most watches usually have a BPH between 20,000 to 36,000. A higher BPH ensures better accuracy of the watch. With a high BPH, the hands of the watch move more accurately and smoothly.
Power Reserve
The power reserve of an automatic watch refers to the amount of time the watch operates on stored energy. Once the power reserve is empty, the watch needs to be powered again to operate. However, most watches nowadays have a power reserve of up to 42 hours or more.
Complications
By complications, we usually understand troubles or risks. However, watch complications are the extra function of the watch. Many automatic watches feature functions, such as a calendar, alarm, and so on. Thus to know more about it, check out our separate article where we take a deeper dive into it!
Reliability
Automatic watches are highly reliable based on their accuracy and precision. The power reserve, BPH, and several other factors play a major role in improving the reliability of the automatic watch.
Materials
The quality and accuracy of automatic watches rely significantly on the materials used to manufacture them. Using high-quality materials in the watch will make it last for a long time without losing accuracy easily.
However, watches from renowned watchmakers around the world provide top-quality materials to keep the precision intact for years.
Quartz Vs. Automatic Watch
Both quartz and automatic watches are highly popular in the watch market. However, there are quite a few differences between the two. So, let us see the differences between quartz vs. automatic watches.
| Quartz | Automatic |
| Quartz watches are more cost-efficient compared to automatic watches. | Outstanding craftsmanship and manufacturing quality |
| More accurate and precise | Highly attractive appearance |
| Little to no maintenance | Occasional maintenance may be required |
While Quartz watches are made for the masses, automatic watches are more of a premier segment used by the affluent class of people.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Taking care of an automatic watch is a must to ensure long-lasting performance for years. However, maintenance of automatic watches is quite easy and does not require much money.
- Regular Use
The best way to take care of an automatic watch is to use it regularly. This ensures that the watch is properly powered and shows an accurate time.
- Keep The Watch Away From Heat and Water
Make sure that the automatic watch is away from water and heat at all times. Even if the watch is waterproof, excess water can often harm the mechanism of the watch. Similarly, excess heat on the watch will harm its components and reduce the longevity of the system.
- Proper Servicing
In order to ensure the longevity and durability of the automatic watch, proper servicing is a must. Make sure to service the watch once every 3 to 5 years professionally.
FAQs
We’re not done just yet. It’s not possible to answer every query within just one article, thus let us share some of the most frequent ones!
How Long Does An Automatic Watch Last?
The longevity of an automatic watch depends on the quality, material, and maintenance of the system. However, if you properly maintain an automatic watch, then it can provide a decent service for a lifetime.
What Are The Reasons Behind A Malfunctioning Automatic Watch?
Improper and irregular maintenance is one of the top reasons why an automatic watch malfunctions. Not only that, but damage due to wear and tear or falling down also causes the watch to malfunction.
Summing Up
Automatic watches are an amazing addition to your collection. With brands such as Rolex, Fossil, Seiko, and many more, the choices for automatic watches are endless. At the end of the guide, you now know the answer to “How do automatic watches work?” along with several relevant pieces of information.
Before purchasing an automatic watch, pay attention to the important metrics and ensure that the accuracy is on point. However, do not forget to wear your watch regularly and maintain it properly throughout its lifespan.