Watch Movements Explained: From Manual to Automatic and Quartz

It is a necessity to know how a luxury watch works as you study its features. The mechanism, or caliber, of a watch moves it. The simplified version of the watch movements is of three types: manual, automatic, and quartz.

Manual Movement

The manual watch is the antique and all-time favorite. The manual watch does not mitigate hand wounds. To activate the watch movements, one must rotate the crown, thereby tightening the mainspring.

• Pros: Serious enthusiasts actually enjoy the chore of winding these movements due to their skill and inherent nostalgic feel.

• Cons: Daily or frequent winding may cause discomfort for certain individuals.

All high-end classic timepieces, including those from the Rolex and Omega heritage collections, have a record feature.

Automatic Movement

Automatic or self-winding mechanisms are similar to manual mechanisms, but they incorporate a rotor that winds the mainspring as you move your wrist.

• Pros: The advantages include the convenience of not needing daily winding and precision craftsmanship.

• Cons: It requires placement on the wrist or a watch winder to operate properly.

These movements are common in modern luxury watches, where they blend innovation and tradition. 

Quartz Movement

Powered solely by batteries, quartz movements are by far the most accurate and require the least maintenance. An electrical charge through a quartz crystal is what helps it keep time. 

• Pros: Very precise and cheap in comparison to mechanical watches.

• Cons: Less developed among collectors.

Such quartz movements have found a place in their beautiful designs. These elegant forms of practical movements are available from brands such as Cartier and TAG Heuer.

Which One Should You Choose?

• For Tradition and Craftsmanship: Manual watches pay homage to the rich history of watchmaking.

• Modern Comfort: Automatic watches would be the best for everyday use.

• Accuracy and Easy Use: Quartz could be best since it’s ideal for most first-time buyers of luxury. 

When shopping for pre-owned luxury watches in Dubai, go for a trusted seller like Haute Horologe, which features a wide selection of manual, automatic, and quartz timepieces according to your style and preference. However, the watch movement, a well-selected watch for that moment, becomes immediately timeless—the moment one decides to make it their own.

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