Mechanical watches do not use batteries, but rather rely on the power of the mainspring. Most of these are automatic. This is a convenient feature that winds the mainspring by oscillating a semicircular rotor, but there are different winding methods. In this article, we will introduce the different types and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
2023/4/14 update
The Basics of Mechanical Watches: Hand-Wound and Automatic
Mechanical watches that are powered by mainsprings can be broadly divided into two types: "hand-wound" watches, in which the mainspring is wound by hand, and "automatic" watches, in which the mainspring is wound by the oscillation of a semicircular rotor.
Most mechanical watches currently on the market are automatic, while manual watches require winding the crown, making them a more expensive hobby. First, let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of automatic and manual watches.
Advantages and disadvantages of hand-wound watches
○ It is possible to make the movement thinner. This is highly aesthetically pleasing, allowing you to enjoy the comfort of winding and appreciate the beautiful finish.
× It will stop if you do not wind the mainspring yourself. In theory, it is less accurate than an automatic watch.
Manually wound movements, which tend to be preferred by watch enthusiasts and collectors, are characterized by their thinness because they do not require an automatic winding mechanism. Since there is no rotor to cover the movement, the mechanism is easy to see. Another advantage is that there is no heavy rotor, making them more resistant to shocks.
On the other hand, since it does not have a rotor, the watch will stop if it is not wound with the crown. Also, as the mainspring unwinds, the accuracy is more likely to be affected, so theoretically the accuracy is inferior to that of an automatic watch.
The advantages and disadvantages of automatic watches
○ The mainspring winds up while you are wearing it on your wrist. It is more accurate than a hand-wound watch.
× The movement becomes thicker due to the inclusion of an automatic winding mechanism. Depending on the model, poorly designed automatic watches may be vulnerable to shock.
The mainspring is wound while the watch is worn on the wrist, so if you wear it every day, the watch is less likely to stop. Also, because the mainspring is always wound, the watch is theoretically more accurate.
On the other hand, the automatic winding mechanism makes the watch case thicker and heavier. Furthermore, the automatic winding mechanism is prone to wear and tear, and the number of parts makes repairs more expensive.
