Learn what watch movement technology means for you

Luxury watchmakers have developed, tested, and perfected a variety of watch movements over the past few decades. Each movement has its own sets of advantages and is backed by years of R&D and vigorous testing. 

Read this article and learn about the 5 most famous types of watch movements and their benefits.

Quartz Crystal Movement

• These were first developed in the 1960s. Quartz crystal watches operate on a small power source such as a battery that sends an electrical signal across a circuit. A quartz crystal is connected with this circuit. 

As it receives the electrical signal, it vibrates at a frequency of 32,768 Hz. This vibration produces pulses that are regulated by a trimmer and a stepper motor. The watch’s hands especially the second’s hand moves according to these pulses.

• A quartz watch is very accurate, especially since it depends on the quartz crystal’s vibrations to measure time. On average it can measure time up to a variation of 1 second per day. It is also cheaper to manufacture and requires minimum maintenance compared to traditional watches. Thus, nowadays the majority of the watches are quartz crystal movement watches.

Automatic Movement

In simplest terms, an automatic movement watch is also called a self-winding watch. It is like a mechanical watch except that it gets wound by the movement of the wearer. Thus, there is no need to manually wind it. 

• Some automatic movement watches are tested and certified by COSC in Switzerland. The test certifies that the watch is accurate with a variation of up to 4-6 seconds per day. COSC provides paperwork verification with the watch. These watches are known as automatic chronometer movement watches. 

Mechanical Movement

In this movement, there is a mainspring and a flat coiled spring. The wearer winds them every day and they provide power to the watch to function. Depending on the available power reserve and the type of springs installed, a wearer will need to wind them once or twice a day. 

• Mechanical movement watches typically last a lifetime. These are less accurate than the quartz movement watches. Their variation lies between 15-30 seconds per day. They only require slight adjustments every few years.

Kinetic Quartz Movement

This type of movement uses the technology of both a quartz movement and an automatic movement watch. Sometimes also referred to as an auto-quartz, this watch uses the movements of the wearer to store power that causes the quartz crystal to vibrate. 

• The crystal then produces a signal that is regulated and powers the watch. This technology was perfected by Seiko. 

An auto-quartz is an environmentally friendly watch that eliminates the need for a battery. It is highly accurate and very reliable. With proper care and adequate maintenance, it can last a lifetime.

Solar Movement

• Advanced solar cell technology provides efficient and consistent power over a longer period of time. As technology is not new any longer, the cost of producing solar cells is now lower than ever before. 

Many watch manufacturers have started introducing solar panels in the watch face that aim to recharge the watch’s internal battery. These watches also incorporate a quartz crystal that is used to power the watch. These watches have a very long life and are environmentally safe. 

• Now that you’ve learned about the different types of watch movements, you may be tempted to buy a luxury watch that is based on the movement of your choice. Generally, luxury watches are very expensive. However, you can utilize the services of a luxury watch trading company such as the Lido Watch Club. 

They offer preowned, gently-used luxury watches at affordable rates. They help you fulfill your dream of owning a luxury watch without breaking your bank.