Understanding Automatic Watches: A Beginner’s Guide to Automatic Movements
Automatic watches, cherished by enthusiasts, are mechanical timepieces that wind themselves through the wearer’s movements, removing the necessity for manual winding, unlike traditional mechanical watches.
Curious about how automatic watches keep time without needing a battery? This beginner’s guide will explain everything you need to know.
1. Step-by-Step Guide to How an Automatic Watch Works: Explained in 5 Easy Steps
With regular servicing, an automatic watch can maintain accurate time for decades without needing a battery. Due to this added functionality, automatic watches are typically heavier and thicker, necessitating a higher level of expertise for quality craftsmanship.Automatic watch movements are self-winding, powered by a rotor that engerates the energy from daily wear.
STEP 1: POWER THE WATCH
An automatic watch powers itself using a rotor, a weighted disc that swings back and forth with the wearer’s movements to wind the watch. It can also be manually charged by turning the crown approximately 30 times upwards.
STEP 2: Wind the Mainspring
Charging the watch winds the mainspring inside the movement. This tightly coiled metal spring stores energy, and the time it takes to fully uncoil determines the watch’s power reserve.
STEP 3: TURN THE ESCAPEMENT
As the mainspring uncoils, it turns the escapement, which converts the energy into vibrational impulses. The familiar tick-tock sound of a watch comes from the escapement teeth.
Step 4: KEEP IT BALANCED
The escapement then turns the balance wheel, a weighted disc that acts like a pendulum. It rotates back and forth in a constant rhythm to drive the gear train.
STEP 5: MOVE HANDS FORWARD
The gear train moves in precise increments, consistent with the speed of the seconds hand. As the seconds hand moves, the other hands advance in sync to display the correct time.
2. Automatic Watch Movement Parts
An automatic watch movement consists of over 150 microscopic components, all working in perfect harmony to tell time. There are various essential parts, including the mainspring, balance wheel, escapement mechanism, and gear train. Each component plays a crucial role in the overall functionality of the watch.
3. Is It Necessary to Wind an Automatic Watch?
Absolutely! Automatic watches need occasional winding to maintain precise time.
Wear your watch for at least few hours daily to keep it charged. If it hasn’t been worn for 1-2 days, you’ll need to wind it to recharge the power reserve.
4. How to Set Time & Wind Your Automatic Watch?
- To power your watch, you need to wind up your timepiece. Todo so, wind the crown (in normal crown position) clockwiseabout 15 times. If you notice a slight whirring sound, themovement starts working.
- Now you are ready to set the time . To do so, pull the crown to2st position and turn until the hands are in the correct position.
- To set the date , push the crown in by one position so that it isin 1st position. Turn the crown counterclockwise until thecorrect date is displayed. Now you can push the crown back tothe normal crown position.
This process helps maintain the watch’s power reserve and ensures accurate timekeeping.
5. How Long Does An Automatic Watch Run?
An automatic watch typically runs for about 35-50 hours, depending on the movement’s power reserve. For our V-Apostle with Miyota 8215 movement, it can last for 42 hours.
The power reserve is determined by how long it takes for the mainspring to fully uncoil. This means the watch will keep accurate time for that period before needing to be recharged. You can recharge it either by manually winding the crown or through daily wear.
6. Why Are Automatic Watches So Special?
Most importantly, automatic watches are beautiful to look at and stand out as complex timepieces, seamlessly incorporating intricate craftsmanship. Invented in the 18th century, they are a modern piece of history that you can be proud to wear on your wrist every day.
7. The Key Benefits of Automatic Watches Precision
- Precision: Automatic watches are celebrated for their accuracy, thanks to their self-winding mechanism.
- Durability: These timepieces are robust and require minimal maintenance when worn regularly.
- Convenience: They self-wind with the wearer’s movement, eliminating the need for manual winding or battery replacements.
- Tradition: Automatic watches boast a rich heritage in watchmaking, symbolizing craftsmanship and quality.
- Collectible Value: Highly sought after by collectors, they can appreciate in value over time, making them a worthwhile investment.
8. Disadvantages of Automatic Watches
- Accuracy: Compared to quartz watches, automatic watches can vary in accuracy, typically ranging from -20～＋40 seconds per day.
- Cost: Due to their intricate mechanical construction, automatic watches generally come at a higher price point.
Conclusion: The Ideal Choice for Watch Lovers
By understanding how automatic watches function, we can truly appreciate these powerful mechanisms designed to tell time without the need for a battery. While they may not match the precision of digital watches and quartz watches, their allure lies in their mechanical complexity and timeless charm for watch enthusiasts.
For those who admire the artistry and engineering craftmanships of automatic watches, explore our collection at VSTELLE to discover your perfect timepiece.
