Are you looking for a new watch? Because we all have varying reasons and motivations when deciding on a watch to buy. If so, you may have already come across the term “automatic watch” and wondered what it meant. Automatic watches are popular and available in a variety of styles and functions. They are a mainstay in the horology industry since the 1920s.
To help make sense of this type of watch, let’s take a look at the different types of automatic watches that are available.
Anatomy of an Automatic Watch
There are 4 main components of an automatic watch: the case, the movement, the winding system, and the power reserve. The case houses all of these components and also protects it from external damage. The movement is what powers the watch and makes it tick; it is made up of several tiny parts that work together to create a precise mechanism. The winding system keeps the watch wound up and running smoothly; when you wind your watch manually or wear it on your wrist, you are using this system. Finally, the power reserve stores energy from winding or wearing your watch so that it can keep ticking even when not in use.
Types of Automatic Watches
There are 3 main types of automatic watches: mechanical watches, quartz watches, and hybrid automatic watches.
Mechanical watches utilize a complex set of gears to power them; because of this complexity, these watches must be serviced regularly to stay accurate.
Quartz watches use a battery as their source of power; they tend to be more accurate than mechanical watches but need their battery changed periodically.
Hybrid watches combine elements from both quartz and mechanical movements; they provide accuracy as well as style points due to their intricate design features.
Mechanical Automatic Watches
Mechanical automatic watches are powered by an oscillating weight that moves in response to your arm’s movement. This type of movement requires winding every one or two days to keep the watch running. Mechanical automatic watches typically require more maintenance than other types of automatic watches, but they also offer greater accuracy and craftsmanship than quartz-based or solar-powered watches. Plus, mechanical automatic watches tend to have longer power reserves than quartz-based ones, allowing them to run for longer periods without being wound.
Quartz Automatic Watches
Quartz watches are powered by quartz crystals that vibrate at regular intervals when electricity passes through them. This vibration helps power the hands of the watch and keeps time very accurate (more accurately than mechanical or automatic watches). Quartz watches usually require battery replacements every few years to remain accurate, but they don’t require any manual winding or maintenance otherwise—making them highly convenient for those who don’t want to worry about winding their watches every morning.
Hybrid (Solar Powered) Automatic Watches
Solar-powered or hybrid automatic watches are powered by energy from light sources such as sunlight or indoor lighting rather than batteries or springs like other types of automatic watches. This makes them more environmentally friendly than quartz-based or mechanical models since no new parts need to be replaced over time (although solar cells may need replacing eventually). Solar-powered automatic watches also tend to have a longer lifespan since the power source never runs out as it does with battery-operated models.
The Quality of Automatic Movement Depends On…
Automatic watches are one of the exemplary man-made inventions that have stood the test of time! Before purchasing an automatic watch, you have to consider many important metrics; metrics that are essentially used to measure the quality of the timepiece’s movements.
Accuracy of Movement
When it comes to automatic watches, some people demand their automatic watches to be extremely accurate. For example, professional sea divers, military personnel, and Formula 1 drivers – these types of wearers require the most accurate watches. That’s why you’ll see that their automatic watches come with a chronometer. For those who care more about aesthetics and convenience, a standard automatic watch will be (+/-25 seconds per day) ideal.
Note: The general rule of thumb regarding automatic watch accuracy is that an automatic watch should only gain or lose up to 25 seconds between 2 days. If a watch is gaining or losing more than that in 2 days, then something is wrong with that particular automatic watch. Most likely it needs professional servicing as well.
Beats Per Hour (BPH)
Sometimes, watchmakers will use the term, beats per second or Hz as well. Most watches have a rate of 6, 8, or 10 beats (per second). That’s why you see the numbers as 21600, 28800, or 36000 BPH (respectively). The higher the beat, the faster the ticking of its movement. High BPH watches are more accurate since they read out smaller fractions of a second. The second’s dial movements on a high-beat automatic watch will also appear smoother for this reason.
Power Reserve Capacity
A fully wound automatic watch should have 42 hours of energy reserve before they need to be powered/wound again. Some incredibly powerful automatic watches can store up to 10 days’ worth of power reserves!
Advanced Complications
Complications refer to additional functions on a watch. They do something other than telling time. On many automatic watches, you can see complications such as calendars (with day features), moon phases, chronographs, power reserve indicators, luminous dials, and alarm functions.
Reliability Factor
Automatic watches are reliable by design and are manufactured to be precise, accurate, and long-servers. Certain features can amplify an automatic watch’s reliability and accuracy, such as movement infrastructure, materials, and BPH.
Build Material(s)
Automatic watches typically use glass in the case back so that anyone can see the movement. High-quality movements and watches are made with superior materials and minerals that can last for lifetimes. Watches from Swiss, Japanese, and German movement makers are famous for using the highest-quality materials to not only ensure aesthetical aspects but also ensure accuracy, precision, and reliability.
Conclusion
No matter what type you choose, an automatic watch is sure to add style and sophistication to any outfit while providing reliable timekeeping capabilities for years to come! Whether you’re looking for something classic or modern, there’s an option out there for everyone—all you have to do is find it! With their timeless designs, quality craftsmanship, and functional features, owning an automated watch is truly an investment worth making! From mechanical movements that require winding every day or two up to solar-powered models that use energy from light sources around us each day – these different types provide something unique for everyone’s needs!
