What Is a Watch Movement? Complete Guide to How Watches Work
Author: Funny Items
Release time: 2026-08-19 19:10:48
View number: 15
The Heart of Your Watch
The watch movement is the engine inside your watch. It powers the hands, drives the date, and keeps time. Without it, a watch is just jewelry.
Types of Movements
Mechanical Automatic
A mechanical automatic movement uses a rotor that spins with your wrist movement to wind a mainspring. No battery needed. The NH35 and NH34 are automatic movements. See: NH35 Guide
Mechanical Manual
A manual wind movement must be wound by turning the crown. No rotor. You must wind it every day.
Quartz
A quartz movement uses a battery and quartz crystal. More accurate, cheaper, thinner. See: Automatic vs Quartz
Key Components
- Mainspring stores energy
- Balance wheel regulates timekeeping
- Gear train transfers energy to hands
- Jewels reduce friction ruby bearings
Frequently Asked Questions
How many jewels does the NH35 have?
23 jewels. More jewels means less friction and smoother operation.
How accurate is automatic?
Rated -20 to +40 seconds per day. Can be regulated to +/-10 seconds.