Considered an indispensable accessory as well as facilitating time tracking, watches have different working principles. Contrary to what is known, wrist watches, which were seen as an accessory used only by women until the 19th century, began to be used by men fondly over time. No matter how the dial and case are designed, it is possible to say that the movement is the heart of a watch. Wristwatches are categorised as mechanical or quartz based on the type of movement they have. The movement, which is considered as the heart of the watch, enables the hour-hand, minute-hand and other indicators on the watch to work.
Mechanical watches run with a movement that has a wheel and gear system. The first known portable watches are the mechanical ones. They are the most known and most used types of timepiece from the past to our day. We can say that mechanical watches consist of 5 basic parts. These are the mainspring, gear wheel, balance wheel, escapement and dial. Mechanical watches are also known as hand-wound watches. It is possible for them to run without batteries or any other energy source. You can see these traditional watch types among luxury timepiece models. Among the mechanical watches that come to life with stylish designs, you can also find automatic ones.
Features of Mechanical Watches
Gear sets are the most characteristic parts of mechanical watches.
- They are very valuable products especially for timepiece collectors.
- There are two different options of mechanical watches as hand-wound and automatic.
- There are numerous small parts inside mechanical watches.
- The movement capability of these watches is provided by a system called rotor.
- On the other hand, power is produced by a tensioned spring named the “main spring”.
- Inside the mechanism, there is a pendulum that rotates back and forth (this movement is valid for the watches with a pendulum). The pendulum is a spiral connected to the balance wheel and carries out the timekeeping.
- Mainspring is the part that stores the energy that runs the watch.
- The main part that keeps time is the balance wheel.
- Gear set transmits the required power to the balance wheel.
- Time can be followed by means of the dial.
Automatic Watches Bringing the Past and the Future Together
Mechanical watches can be categorised into two as hand-wound and automatic. Hand-wound watches run by stretching the spring by means of the button on the right side of the watch, called the crown. On the other hand, automatic watches run by means of the kinetic energy released by wrist movements. It needs no regular winding process. Among the classic watch models, you can see both automatic and hand-wound watches. The movement of hand-wound watches is produced with meticulous workmanship and is very valuable. Since they need to be wound up daily, they are mostly preferred to be worn on special occasions. On the other hand, since there is no need for winding, automatic watches are preferred more on a daily basis. You can store your automatic watches in special winding boxes so that they can continue to run when they are not on your wrist.
It can be said that the first mechanical pocket watch was released in 1770, and the first automatic pocket watch in 1923. At the time of their release, automatic watches could run for up to 12 hours without any need for extra support. Today's modern automatic watch models can run for days on their own.
Quartz Watches for Punctual People
Quartz watch models, which are preferred more than manual and automatic watches, get the energy they need to run from a battery or a different energy source instead of the mainspring. The battery inside the quartz watches directs its energy to the small quartz crystal. The vibrations produced by the crystal are followed by an electronic counter and the second-hand is moved when the number corresponding to 1 second is reached. The “tick-tock” sounds you hear are caused by this movement.
The deviation in mechanical watches is a natural situation due to the operation of the mechanical process. However, watchmakers adjust their movements according to certain deviations, and each movement has a deviation range determined by its maker. On the other hand, mechanical watches with a chronometer precision certificate have movements whose precision is approved by independent organisations. Quartz watch models are more punctual and durable products. Sports watch models mostly have a quartz movement. There are many different model options in terms of colour, design and size. Since quartz watches get their power from the battery, they are very light. This is one of the reasons why they are so popular.
Kinetic and Solar Powered Quartz Watch Models
Quartz watch models can be categorised into 3 different groups as battery powered, kinetic powered and solar powered. The most commonly used type of quartz clocks are the battery powered ones. Quartz crystal takes its energy from the battery and creates regular pulses 1 time per second with its vibrations. The batteries of quartz watches are highly durable and long-lasting. It may need to be replaced every few years. If your watch has extra features such as chronograph and calendar, the battery may run out in a shorter time. If you want your watch to have a long service life, you must replace the dead battery immediately. Otherwise, the battery might leak the acidic substance inside, and this might damage the movement.
There is a solar panel under the dial in solar powered watches. Sunrays produce energy by hitting at this panel. Energy is transmitted to the battery, enabling the watch to run. You can also find models rechargeable with artificial light. On the other hand, Kinetic quartz watches are the products of more advanced technology compared to the other two models. The kinetic energy produced by means of the wrist movements of the person wearing the watch is transmitted to the sensitive rotor in the watch. They have a system similar to the operating principle of automatic watches. It is possible to say that kinetic powered watches run with a self-charged battery. These watches must be used frequently. You can choose the watch you wish from the models of quartz men's watches and women's watches and use them with pleasure and ease.
What are the Advantages of the Quartz Movement?
- The time deviation margin in quartz watch movements is quite low. If there is no problem, it always shows the right time.
- Since it has a movement including a battery and few moving parts, the maintenance cost is low.
- You do not have to wear the battery powered quartz watches all the time for winding them up. Therefore, it can be said that they are very easy to use.
- There are no small parts that can easily break down due to any impact. They are one of the durable and useful types of watches.
- Significant workmanship and time are required for the manufacturing of mechanical watches. Quartz watches are easier to manufacture, making them a more affordable option
Differences between Mechanical and Quartz Watches
- Mechanical watches run with winding method or energy of movement. On the other hand, quartz watches gain movement capability with batteries.
- The average battery life of quartz watches is three years. When it is taken off, problems such as losing time do not occur. On the other hand, mechanical watches must either be wound manually or stay on the wrist.
- Mechanical watches need regular maintenance. Especially oil change of the movement must be done every 2-3 years. On the other hand, battery replacement is sufficient for quartz models.
- As long as the batteries of quartz watches do not run out, time deviations do not happen. For mechanical watches, the deviation times specified by the manufacturer according to the movement are considered normal.
When choosing a watch, you can take into consideration what kind of movement you prefer. If you need a nostalgic product and if you are a timepiece collector, it would be appropriate for you to choose mechanical models. The hand-wound models have a special place with their fine workmanship and magnificent designs. You can take a look over the automatic watch models for classical use. Automatic models that successfully blend the past and present with elegant clothes can look good on your wrist in special occasions. You can also prefer quartz watches, which are easy to use and very light, while doing sports and in daily life. Watches with quartz movement also have highly classy designs. You can choose the one that best suits your style from luxury, sports or classic watch models that are most suitable with every style.