Watch Accuracy: How Many Seconds Per Day Is Normal?
Author: Funny Items
Release time: 2026-08-24 07:12:26
View number: 18
What "Accurate" Actually Means
Every mechanical watch drifts. The question is how much is normal, how much is a problem, and what to do about it.
The Ranges
| Daily Rate | Verdict |
|---|---|
| +/- 2 sec/day | Exceptional — chronometer-grade or better |
| +/- 5 sec/day | Very good — well-regulated mechanical |
| +/- 10 sec/day | Good — normal for most mechanicals |
| +/- 15-20 sec/day | Acceptable — within factory spec for many movements |
| +/- 30-40 sec/day | Borderline — may need regulation |
| +/- 60+ sec/day | Problem — likely magnetized or needs service |
Quartz vs Mechanical
- Quartz: +/- 15 seconds per MONTH — roughly 30x more accurate than mechanical
- Mechanical: +/- 5-20 seconds per DAY — accuracy varies by position, temperature, age
If pure accuracy matters most, quartz wins. Mechanical watches are chosen for other reasons: craft, heritage, the daily ritual of winding.
Factors Affecting Mechanical Accuracy
- Position: dial-up vs crown-down rates differ — normal physics
- Temperature: extreme cold or heat shifts the hairspring's rate
- Magnetism: the #1 cause of sudden accuracy loss — see our magnetism guide
- Power reserve: accuracy can differ at full wind vs near-empty
- Age: oils dry over years, affecting friction and rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check my watch's accuracy?
Set it by a reference clock, check after 24 hours. Repeat for a week to establish a pattern.
Is my watch defective if it loses 20 seconds per day?
Not necessarily — some movements are rated for that range. Regulation can usually improve it.
Do our watches come regulated?
Yes — all watches are tested and regulated before shipping.
Keep reading: Watch Accuracy: The Physics Behind the Drift