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How Do Automatic Watches Work? The Complete Guide
Looking to understand how automatic watches tell time without a battery? This easy to read guide will answer all your questions.
February 2024
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
1. How Do Automatic Watches Work
2. Automatic Watch Movement Parts
3. Do You Need To Wind An Automatic Watch
4. How To Wind An Automatic Watch
5. How To Set Time On Automatic Watches
6. How Long Does An Automatic Watch Last
7. How To Store Automatic Watches
8. What Is A Watch Winder
9. Why Are Automatic Watches So Special
2. Automatic Watch Movement Parts
3. Do You Need To Wind An Automatic Watch
4. How To Wind An Automatic Watch
5. How To Set Time On Automatic Watches
6. How Long Does An Automatic Watch Last
7. How To Store Automatic Watches
8. What Is A Watch Winder
9. Why Are Automatic Watches So Special
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
1. How Do Automatic Watches Work
2. Automatic Watch Movement Parts
3. Do You Need To Wind An Automatic Watch
4. How To Wind An Automatic Watch
5. How To Set Time On Automatic Watches
6. How Long Does An Automatic Watch Last
7. How To Store Automatic Watches
8. What Is A Watch Winder
9. Why Are Automatic Watches So Special
2. Automatic Watch Movement Parts
3. Do You Need To Wind An Automatic Watch
4. How To Wind An Automatic Watch
5. How To Set Time On Automatic Watches
6. How Long Does An Automatic Watch Last
7. How To Store Automatic Watches
8. What Is A Watch Winder
9. Why Are Automatic Watches So Special
1. How Does An Automatic Watch Work? In 5 Easy Steps
1. How Does An Automatic Watch Work? In 5 Easy Steps
Automatic watch movements are self-winding and powered by the rotor with daily wear.
Automatic watch movements are self-winding and powered by the rotor with daily wear.
With regular servicing, an automatic watch can tell time accurately for decades without a battery. Because of this added functionality, automatic watches tend to be heavier and thicker. Thus, requiring a higher level of expertise for quality craftsmanship.
With regular servicing, an automatic watch can tell time accurately for decades without a battery. Because of this added functionality, automatic watches tend to be heavier and thicker. Thus, requiring a higher level of expertise for quality craftsmanship.
STEP 1: POWER THE WATCH
An automatic watch movement can power itself using the rotor. The rotor is a weighted disc that swings back and worth when worn to wind the watch. It can also be charged by manually turning the crown ~30x upwards.
STEP 2: WIND THE MAINSPRING
Charging the watch winds the mainspring inside the movement. The mainspring is a tightly coiled metal spring that stores the energy. The time it takes to fully uncoil dictates the watch’s power reserve.
STEP 3: TURN THE ESCAPEMENT
As the mainspring uncoils, it will turn the escapement. The escapement transforms the energy into vibrational impulses. The tick-tock sound from a watch comes from the escapement teeth.
STEP 4: KEEP IT BALANCED
The escapement then turns the balance wheel. The balance wheel is a weighted disc that acts like a pendulum. It rotates back and forth in a constant rhythm to turn the gear train.
STEP 5: MOVE HANDS FORWARD
The gear train moves at metrics of time consistent with the speed of the seconds hand. As the seconds hand moves around, the other hands advance in sync to tell time.
STEP 1: POWER THE WATCH
An automatic watch movement can power itself using the rotor. The rotor is a weighted disc that swings back and worth when worn to wind the watch. It can also be charged by manually turning the crown ~30x upwards.
STEP 2: WIND THE MAINSPRING
Charging the watch winds the mainspring inside the movement. The mainspring is a tightly coiled metal spring that stores the energy. The time it takes to fully uncoil dictates the watch’s power reserve.
STEP 3: TURN THE ESCAPEMENT
As the mainspring uncoils, it will turn the escapement. The escapement transforms the energy into vibrational impulses. The tick-tock sound from a watch comes from the escapement teeth.
STEP 4: KEEP IT BALANCED
The escapement then turns the balance wheel. The balance wheel is a weighted disc that acts like a pendulum. It rotates back and forth in a constant rhythm to turn the gear train.
STEP 5: MOVE HANDS FORWARD
The gear train moves at metrics of time consistent with the speed of the seconds hand. As the seconds hand moves around, the other hands advance in sync to tell time.
2. Automatic Watch Movement Parts - Explained
2. Automatic Watch Movement Parts - Explained
There are over 160 microscopic components in an automatic watch movement working together perfectly to tell time. Below are the key components and their functions.
There are over 160 microscopic components in an automatic watch movement working together perfectly to tell time. Below are the key components and their functions.
ROTOR
Weighted disc that swings back and forth to wind the mainspring
ROTOR
Weighted disc that swings back and forth to wind the mainspring
MAINSPRING
Tightly coiled metal spring that winds and unwinds to power the watch
MAINSPRING
Tightly coiled metal spring that winds and unwinds to power the watch
ESCAPEMENT
Advanced mechanism that turns energy into vibrational impulses
ESCAPEMENT
Advanced mechanism that turns energy into vibrational impulses
BALANCE WHEEL
Weighted wheel that acts like a pendulum that rotates back and forth
BALANCE WHEEL
Weighted wheel that acts like a pendulum that rotates back and forth
GEAR TRAIN
A set of gears that transforms the frequency into metrics of time
GEAR TRAIN
A set of gears that transforms the frequency into metrics of time
HANDS
Metal markers that showcase hours, minutes, and seconds metrics
HANDS
Metal markers that showcase hours, minutes, and seconds metrics
DATE DISC
Numbered plate that rotates to display the days of the month
DATE DISC
Numbered plate that rotates to display the days of the month
CROWN
External gear to manually wind the mainspring and adjust time and date
CROWN
External gear to manually wind the mainspring and adjust time and date
MAINPLATE
Duration of accurate timekeeping when the watch is fully charged
MAINPLATE
Duration of accurate timekeeping when the watch is fully charged
JEWELS
Gemstones with lubricating oil that reduce friction between gear bearings for a longer lasting timepiece
JEWELS
Gemstones with lubricating oil that reduce friction between gear bearings for a longer lasting timepiece
POWER RESERVE
Duration of accurate timekeeping when the watch is fully charged
POWER RESERVE
Duration of accurate timekeeping when the watch is fully charged
3. Do You Need To Wind An Automatic Watch?
3. Do You Need To Wind An Automatic Watch?
Yes! Automatic watches need to be wound occasionally to keep precise time.
Wear your watch for at least 8 hours every day to keep it charged. If the watch has not been worn for 1-2 days, you’ll need to wind the watch to charge the power reserve again.
Wear your watch for at least 8 hours every day to keep it charged. If the watch has not been worn for 1-2 days, you’ll need to wind the watch to charge the power reserve again.
Yes! Automatic watches need to be wound occasionally to keep precise time.
Wear your watch for at least 8 hours every day to keep it charged. If the watch has not been worn for 1-2 days, you’ll need to wind the watch to charge the power reserve again.
Wear your watch for at least 8 hours every day to keep it charged. If the watch has not been worn for 1-2 days, you’ll need to wind the watch to charge the power reserve again.
4. How To Wind An Automatic Watch?
4. How To Wind An Automatic Watch?
While holding the watch in your left hand, place your thumb and index finger around the crown and turn it ~30x (upwards). Most modern automatic watches have an infinitely-slipping mainspring that prevents the watch from being over wound.
While holding the watch in your left hand, place your thumb and index finger around the crown and turn it ~30x (upwards). Most modern automatic watches have an infinitely-slipping mainspring that prevents the watch from being over wound.
5. How To Set Time On Automatic Watches?
5. How To Set Time On Automatic Watches?
Hold the watch in your left hand and pull the crown out to the time setting position. Rotate it in an upwards direction to adjust the minutes hand. This will also adjust the hours hand after a full rotation.
Always return the crown back to the neutral position after time setting.
Always return the crown back to the neutral position after time setting.
Hold the watch in your left hand and pull the crown out to the time setting position. Rotate it in an upwards direction to adjust the minutes hand. This will also adjust the hours hand after a full rotation.
Always return the crown back to the neutral position after time setting.
Always return the crown back to the neutral position after time setting.
6. How Long Does An Automatic Watch Last?
6. How Long Does An Automatic Watch Last?
An automatic watch typically lasts ~36-48 hours depending on the movement’s power reserve.
An automatic watch typically lasts ~36-48 hours depending on the movement’s power reserve.
The power reserve is dictated by the amount of time it takes for the mainspring to fully uncoil. This means the watch will tell time accurately for that duration before it needs to be recharged again. This can be done either by manually winding the watch using the crown or with daily wear.
The power reserve is dictated by the amount of time it takes for the mainspring to fully uncoil. This means the watch will tell time accurately for that duration before it needs to be recharged again. This can be done either by manually winding the watch using the crown or with daily wear.
7. How To Store Automatic Watches?
7. How To Store Automatic Watches?
Store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposing your watch to extreme temperatures, humidity, or direct sunlight. This may cause damage to the automatic watch movement and affect its performance.
Keep it in a watch box to minimize dust. If you’re wearing it every day, consider a watch stand to keep it stylish and organized. If you have multiple automatic watches, consider keeping them in a watch winder when not in use.
Keep it in a watch box to minimize dust. If you’re wearing it every day, consider a watch stand to keep it stylish and organized. If you have multiple automatic watches, consider keeping them in a watch winder when not in use.
Store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposing your watch to extreme temperatures, humidity, or direct sunlight. This may cause damage to the automatic watch movement and affect its performance.
Keep it in a watch box to minimize dust. If you’re wearing it every day, consider a watch stand to keep it stylish and organized. If you have multiple automatic watches, consider keeping them in a watch winder when not in use.
Keep it in a watch box to minimize dust. If you’re wearing it every day, consider a watch stand to keep it stylish and organized. If you have multiple automatic watches, consider keeping them in a watch winder when not in use.
8. What Is A Watch Winder?
8. What Is A Watch Winder?
A watch winder keeps an automatic watch running when you are not wearing it.
A watch winder keeps an automatic watch running when you are not wearing it.
The watch is placed on a cushion inside the winder. It rotates for a couple of minutes every few hours depending on the settings. This keeps the movement performing in optimal condition, while keeping time and date operations set.
Before you invest, make sure to check the watch winder settings are compatible with your automatic watch movement.Store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposing your watch to extreme temperatures, humidity, or direct sunlight. This may cause damage to the automatic watch movement and affect its performance.
Before you invest, make sure to check the watch winder settings are compatible with your automatic watch movement.Store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposing your watch to extreme temperatures, humidity, or direct sunlight. This may cause damage to the automatic watch movement and affect its performance.
The watch is placed on a cushion inside the winder. It rotates for a couple of minutes every few hours depending on the settings. This keeps the movement performing in optimal condition, while keeping time and date operations set.
Before you invest, make sure to check the watch winder settings are compatible with your automatic watch movement.Store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposing your watch to extreme temperatures, humidity, or direct sunlight. This may cause damage to the automatic watch movement and affect its performance.
Before you invest, make sure to check the watch winder settings are compatible with your automatic watch movement.Store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposing your watch to extreme temperatures, humidity, or direct sunlight. This may cause damage to the automatic watch movement and affect its performance.
9. Why Are Automatic Watches So Special?
9. Why Are Automatic Watches So Special?
In a world that is becoming increasingly digital, having an automatic timepiece is a no brainer. An automatic watch is an instrument that will always be able to tell time. Powered by your movement when you wear it (or with manual winding), it’s known to last decades when regularly serviced.
Did you know you can also use your automatic watch as a compass? If you’re lost, simply point the hour hand in the direction towards the sun. The point approximately mid-way between 12 o'clock and the direction of the hour hand indicates south.
Most importantly, they are beautiful to look at. Invented in the 18th century, automatic watches are modern pieces of history you can wear proudly on your wrist every day.
Did you know you can also use your automatic watch as a compass? If you’re lost, simply point the hour hand in the direction towards the sun. The point approximately mid-way between 12 o'clock and the direction of the hour hand indicates south.
Most importantly, they are beautiful to look at. Invented in the 18th century, automatic watches are modern pieces of history you can wear proudly on your wrist every day.
In a world that is becoming increasingly digital, having an automatic timepiece is a no brainer. An automatic watch is an instrument that will always be able to tell time. Powered by your movement when you wear it (or with manual winding), it’s known to last decades when regularly serviced.
Did you know you can also use your automatic watch as a compass? If you’re lost, simply point the hour hand in the direction towards the sun. The point approximately mid-way between 12 o'clock and the direction of the hour hand indicates south.
Most importantly, they are beautiful to look at. Invented in the 18th century, automatic watches are modern pieces of history you can wear proudly on your wrist every day.
Did you know you can also use your automatic watch as a compass? If you’re lost, simply point the hour hand in the direction towards the sun. The point approximately mid-way between 12 o'clock and the direction of the hour hand indicates south.
Most importantly, they are beautiful to look at. Invented in the 18th century, automatic watches are modern pieces of history you can wear proudly on your wrist every day.
SUMMARY
There are over 160+ pieces in an automatic watch movement working together perfectly to keep accurate timekeeping. By understanding what automatic watches are and how they work, we can learn to appreciate these powerful mechanisms designed to tell time without a battery.
SUMMARY
There are over 160+ pieces in an automatic watch movement working together perfectly to keep accurate timekeeping. By understanding what automatic watches are and how they work, we can learn to appreciate these powerful mechanisms designed to tell time without a battery.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jess Chow, Founder and CEO VIEREN
As a next-generation watch entrepreneur, Jess’ passion for horology led her to create VIEREN - the coveted new microbrand handcrafting modernist Swiss Made automatic watches to power your time.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jess Chow, Founder and CEO VIEREN
As a next-generation watch entrepreneur, Jess’ passion for horology led her to create VIEREN - the coveted new microbrand handcrafting modernist Swiss Made automatic watches to power your time.
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