When choosing a watch we think about the brand, appearance, purpose and functionality. We sometimes forget, however, that the heart of every watch is the movement. Which one to choose? How do the movements differ from each other? How do they work? How long will they run? Keep reading to find the answers.

The quartz movement revolution

A quartz watch is one that utilizes a battery as its primary power source. To move the watch hands, the movement uses quartz crystal vibrations. When an electric current flows through a quartz crystal, it vibrates at a frequency of 32 768 times per second. The microprocessor counts the impulses and converts them into one impulse per second. The crystal oscillator is also an important element, which accounts for the correct time. Apart from the classic models available on the market, there are also quartz watches, which have radio-controlled movements. Thanks to these movements, they are controlled and set by an atomic clock, which always displays the exact time. There are also solar-powered watches, which are powered up from any light source.

Hand-wound movement means classic precision

Hand-wound movement means classic precision A mechanical watch is one that has a traditional movement, which is wound by the crown located on the right side of the case. They have been made in the same way for years. They work thanks to a complex movement whose heart is the escapement and the balance wheel. The energy needed for the watch's operation comes from a fully extended spring, which during the unwinding process releases the energy transmitted further by the escapement. The balance wheel is used to regulate the clockwork and it moves at a certain frequency. A balance's vibration rate is traditionally measured in beats (ticks) per hour. Time measurement deviations in mechanical watches can range from a few to several seconds. The most accurate mechanical watches are certified by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) and are granted an official chronometer certificate.

Automatic movement as a practical solution

An automatic watch is a mechanical watch that harnesses kinetic energy from the natural movement of the wearer's wrist. When the watch is worn, a weighted rotor that uses a system of gears winds the spring. Accordingly, a watch works. The automatic watch can be wound manually by means of a crown, but the best solution is to wind it by means of a rotor. Time measurement deviations in automatic watches can range from a few to several seconds. Thanks to that solution, the movement does not require any user intervention to work, so the owner can even forget about having a wristwatch.

Movements and their operating time

The battery life of a quartz watch lasts from 2 to even 5 years. They are the least problematic and all they require from the user is a cyclic battery replacement. An additional convenience is the EOL (End of Life) system, available in some movements, which indicates when the battery is about to run out of power. When the second hand starts jumping every 4 seconds, it is time to replace the battery. Standard mechanical watches with a fully extended spring can operate for about 40-50 hours. This time is referred to as a watch’s power reserve. More and more often, however, watches with the power reserve of up to 80 hours can be found on the market. A watch’s power reserve is operated by automatic winding is a little bit shorter than in watches operated by manual winding and is usually about 40 hours.

Which movement to choose?

Apart from the high accuracy of a quartz watch, there are not many significant differences between watch movements. Mechanical, automatic and quartz watches can be made of the same materials and provide the user with the same comfort. The only difference is the personal preference of the user. The enthusiasts of traditional mechanical watches often cannot stand the fact that quartz watches do not require human intervention to keep ticking. For such watch enthusiasts, winding the watch demonstrates prestige and passion for watches. The fact is that mechanical watches require more attention and some care from the owner. Hand-wound watches must be adjusted every second or third day on average. Many believe that mechanical, hand-wound watches have their soul, contrary to quartz watches. Currently, mechanical watches with glazed casebacks are very popular because they allow the owner to constantly admire the rhythmic and smooth operation of all the components of the movement and the balance oscillation. The main difference between mechanical watches and quartz watches is noticeable in their prices. Mechanical watches and those with automatic winding can cost even several hundred thousand. The most expensive and prestigious brands avoid quartz mechanisms, which, after all, are theoretically proof of modernity and innovation.