The world of watches has its own glossary of jargon and unfamiliar terms that you learn as you become an avid collector. One of the best things to learn about watches is the difference between an automatic watch and a manual watch. Automatic watches are self-winding and generally easier for the average user to keep accurate. But what is an automatic watch movement, and how does it work?
We’re here to provide you with answers in the BQ Glossary. Read on to learn more!
An automatic watch is a watch with a movement that is self-winding. These watches use the wrist and arm motion of the wearer to wind the mainspring and give the watch energy to stay powered throughout the day.
Click here to read our guide on Automatic Watches.
Other watch movements include quartz movement and manual movement. A manual watch needs to be wound by hand on a regular basis. A quartz watch is powered by a battery which must be replaced several times a year.
Click here to read our article on Quartz Watches.
We know that the automatic movement is powered by the natural movement of the wearer, but how does this work? An automatic watch contains a special mechanism that winds the mainspring as you move about during the day. These movements trigger a rotor in the watch to pivot. This rotor is attached to a winding mechanism that rotates in a circular fashion to wind the mainspring.
Generally, there are two automatic movement designs. The simpler design only winds the watch when there is motion in one direction. The more complicated automatic movement will wind the watch when the wearer’s movement swings in either direction. This is achieved through two ratchet mechanisms.
In a mechanical watch, the watch’s gears are turned by a spiral spring called a mainspring. In a manual watch, energy is stored in the mainspring by turning a knob — the crown on the side of the watch. Then the energy from the mainspring powers the watch movement until it runs down, requiring the spring to be wound again.
Through regular wear, a mainspring in an automatic watch will store up enough energy to power the watch for two days. This keeps the watch running and accurate throughout the night when the user isn’t providing power by wearing it.
While an automatic watch can wind itself through regular wear, there are still times when you’ll need to wind your watch. An automatic movement is only charged when you wear it, so if you don’t wear it enough, you may not fully charge the battery reserve. At some point, the mainspring may unwind, and you’ll need to use the crown on the watch to wind it manually.
Another option is to use a watch winder to keep your watch wound and fully charged. This is a good idea for people who own multiple automatic watches but don’t wear each of them enough to keep them fully charged. Of course, if you just have one or two automatic watches, you could switch them on a daily basis to keep them charged.
Now that you know how an automatic watch works, you may be considering buying one of your own. A good place to start is the most popular luxury watch brand in the world: Rolex.
As one of the best watch brands in the world, Rolex has a diverse array of automatic options. If you’re looking for a quintessential automatic Rolex watch, you have plenty of choices. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular.
If you’re going to get an automatic watch, why not go with the world’s first self-winding watch with a perpetual rotor? Rolex made history with the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, making it the first company to offer automatic movements. It’s hard to beat the brand that invented this complication in the first place.
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual also has numerous variations. You can find different materials, dial colours, sizes, and more. There are also plenty of vintage options if you want something more classic. You can’t go wrong with an Oyster Perpetual. They can often be found for a great price, making them a perfect introductory luxury watch.
If you’re looking for an automatic Rolex built for adventure, why not try the Rolex Sky-Dweller? With its ability to display dual time zones and an annual calendar, this timepiece is made for travellers. Additionally, you don’t have to worry as much about keeping this watch charged when you’re not wearing it.
The Rolex Sky-Dweller boasts an incredible power reserve of 72 hours, the longest reserve that Rolex offers. If you’re looking for a sporty watch that can go the distance, the Sky-Dweller is a great option.
Looking for a Rolex that is luxurious, refined and equipped with an automatic movement? Look no further than the Rolex Day-Date.
This watch is one of Rolex’s flagship designs, adding a date display window along with a full-day display. The Day-Date can be purchased in luxury materials like yellow gold, making it the perfect dress watch. But even with its luxurious looks, the design is timeless and versatile enough to be your daily watch.
Rolex has been producing Day-Dates since 1956, so they’ve perfected the design. This means there are plenty of Day-Date models to choose from as well. You can get vintage options and modern options and find a watch that perfectly fits your style.
Here at BQ Watches, you can find a full inventory of the best luxury automatic watches on the market. Along with Rolex, we carry all major luxury brands that produce automatic watches. If you have something particular in mind, we’re happy to offer you our sourcing services. If you have questions about our sourcing services or if you would like to ask about watches in our inventory, simply fill out our contact form, and a member of our team will be in touch shortly.
