In recent years, various watch brands have begun releasing women's models equipped with mechanical movements. There are many attractive models available, with different color schemes and elaborate designs than those for men. However, when choosing a women's mechanical watch, there are two main points to consider. We will explain them in detail here.
2024/3/12 update
The most important thing to look at is the "contents"
Women's watches equipped with mechanical movements have been on the rise recently. Until now, even within the same collection, men's models were often equipped with mechanical movements, while women's models with smaller case diameters were often equipped with quartz movements.
This has changed with the times, and the value of mechanical movements is being reassessed, with the development of excellent small movements. Quartz movements continue to function with high precision as long as the battery is replaced every three to five years, making them convenient for use as a watch, but it is still difficult to find one that will last a lifetime. Furthermore, quartz models that use a motor to move the hands have weak torque (the force required to rotate the hands), which can sometimes limit the design.
A mechanical ladies' watch that is worn every day and for the rest of your life must be able to be properly used.
If it's an automatic movement, choose one with high winding efficiency.
Mechanical movements can be divided into "hand-wound" movements, where the mainspring is wound by hand, and "automatic" movements, where the rotor (rotating weight) is oscillated by the movement of the arm to wind the mainspring. With the exception of a few models, most mechanical women's watches are equipped with automatic movements.
The key point here is to choose a model equipped with an automatic movement that is as efficient as possible. This is because if you don't exercise enough, the watch may not wind properly, which can affect its accuracy. Also, even if a woman buys a men's automatic watch, she should be aware that there is a chance that it may not wind properly.
For this reason, major brands in particular have begun to use unidirectional winding movements for their women's mechanical watches, which are more efficient at winding, and have also developed new automatic movements for ladies' models. With the latest automatic winding designs, you will likely have no trouble winding your watch.
It is also important that the product is resistant to magnetism (i.e., resistant to magnetism).
Another thing to watch out for is the magnetic nature of mechanical movements. Women's bags often have magnets in their clasps, and magnets are also lurking in everyday devices, such as smartphones and PCs used for work.
Magnetism is the enemy of mechanical movements, which use many metal parts. If you are not careful, mechanical watches can easily become magnetized and stop working properly.
If you want to wear a mechanical watch on a daily basis, we strongly recommend a movement that is resistant to magnetism. In particular, if the balance spring, an important part that greatly affects accuracy, is made of silicon, which is not affected by magnetism, you will likely have few problems with normal use.
The De Ville Prestige collection features Omega's automatic Cal. 8800 movement housed in a 34mm case. The escapement is made of non-magnetic silicon parts, making it resistant to magnetic fields of up to 15,000 gauss. Automatic (Cal. 8800). 35 jewels. 25,200 vph. Power reserve of approximately 55 hours. Stainless steel case (34mm diameter, 10.1mm thick). Water resistant to 30m. Price: 759,000 yen (tax included). (Inquiries) Omega Tel. 0570-000087
Women's watch with mechanical movement
Finally, we will introduce ladies' watches that you should choose based on their contents.
Grand Seiko "Elegance Collection" Ref.STGK009
The elegant Ref. STGK009 features a striking blue second hand against a white shell dial. It's equipped with the Cal. 9S27, a mass-produced version of the Cal. 9S25, a compact automatic movement for women's models, developed by Grand Seiko for the first time in nearly 50 years. While maintaining the practicality of Grand Seiko mechanical movements, such as accuracy within +10 to -5 seconds per day and a power reserve of approximately 50 hours, the watch's compact case diameter is now just 27.8mm. Automatic (Cal. 9S27). 35 jewels. Power reserve of approximately 50 hours. Stainless steel case (27.8mm diameter, 11.2mm thick). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: ¥682,000 (tax included). For inquiries, please contact the Seiko Watch Customer Service Center (Grand Seiko) at 0120-302-617.
Omega Constellation
In addition to the aforementioned De Ville, the Constellation is also an essential Omega women's watch. This collection originated with a high-precision automatic chronometer introduced in 1952, and current models are available in a wide variety of sizes, materials, and dial colors. The automatic movement is Master Chronometer-certified. This Master Chronometer-certified movement features a co-axial escapement that reduces friction and maintenance frequency, and also boasts excellent magnetic resistance and portability. This women's watch offers both design and performance that will enhance your satisfaction. Automatic (Cal. 8800). 35 jewels. 25,200 vph. Power reserve of approximately 55 hours. Stainless steel case (36mm diameter, 11.7mm thick). Water resistant to 50m. ¥187 million (tax included). (Inquiries) Omega Tel. 0570-000087
Rolex Lady-Datejust
When considering purchasing a mechanical women's watch, Rolex is likely the first brand to come to mind. Indeed, the high quality of Rolex watches is undeniable. Its practicality, exemplified by its excellent water resistance and durable movements, is a major reason why Rolex is so popular with watch lovers worldwide. This same exceptional quality is also evident in women's models. The Caliber 2236, featured in the 28mm Lady-Datejust, is small but features a free-sprung balance with a silicon Syloxi hairspring, providing shock resistance and a practical power reserve of approximately 50 hours. With excellent winding efficiency, this collection is recommended even for those who do not exercise frequently. The Datejust also offers a wide variety of variations, making it a good choice for a partner's watch. Automatic (Caliber 2236). 31 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 55 hours. Oystersteel and 18K Everose gold case (28mm diameter). Water resistant to 100m.
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