Did you know that there are different types of second hands on watches? If you are particular about choosing a watch, you should be aware of the different types of second hands. We will introduce the specific types of second hands and explain what could be the cause if the second hand is not moving properly.
Second hand type
Luxury watch brands pay particular attention to the hands of their watches, so let's take a closer look at the second hand.
The second hand is an important part that is closely related to the appearance and feel of a watch. In order to find a watch that suits your taste, it is a good idea to first understand the types of second hands. Second hands can be divided into two types depending on how they move.
Step second hand
The first one we'll introduce is the "step second hand" (also known as the step second). The second hand ticks away the time every second, making a "tick-tock" sound.
The step second hand is energy-efficient and also has the advantage of making it easier to notice if the second hand stops.
On the other hand, some people may find the noise bothersome in quiet places, and many people don't use them in bedrooms or workspaces.
Sweep second hand
The other type is the "sweep second hand" (also known as the continuous second hand), which moves smoothly across the dial at a constant speed without rhythm.
Sweep watches move smoothly across the dial, while others, like the Rolex Submariner, have a more choppy motion. The degree of smoothness depends largely on the type of watch.
Grand Seiko's Spring Drive boasts an incredibly smooth second hand and is loved by watch enthusiasts around the world.
What causes a clock not to work properly?
The second hand is expected to keep accurate time, but after years of use, the parts inside the movement may deteriorate and the hand may no longer move correctly.
First, you should understand the cause so that you can take appropriate action if your watch stops working properly.
Main causes of the second hand not moving
The first thing to suspect when the second hand of a quartz watch stops is a dead battery. Some models will let you know when the battery is low by slowing down the movement of the hands to once every two seconds or by changing the way the hands move. Battery life varies depending on the type of watch, but if it hasn't been replaced in a long time, you should check it first.
Other possible causes include deterioration of parts, or the hands becoming misaligned due to impact or getting caught on other parts such as the index.
In particular, if the internal mechanism appears to be working but the hands are not moving, it is best to take action immediately as this could cause damage to the watch.
If the second hand is slow
The first possible cause of the second hand running slow is a lack of oil. If a watch has not been overhauled for several years, it is not surprising that the oil inside the movement has run out.
The oil may have deteriorated due to moisture, and if the gears have rusted due to moisture or water droplets, this can interfere with the movement of the mechanism and cause the second hand to run slower.
In the case of a mechanical watch, the balance spring, a part at the center of the balance spring, may be distorted. If the second hand is running slow, you should have these causes checked by a professional.
If the second hand moves forward
On the other hand, there are also problems where the second hand moves too fast. In such cases, if the watch is a quartz watch, it may be that the electronic circuit or electronic components are malfunctioning. Once the electronic circuit is broken, it cannot be repaired and must be replaced.
In the case of a mechanical watch, a tangled balance spring or a misaligned regulator can cause the second hand to move too quickly. It can also be affected by magnetic fields in the surrounding area, causing a loss of accuracy.
