What Is Mechanical Watch Movement?
A mechanical watch movement is the miniature spring-loaded engine that operates the timepiece. It keeps accurate time through the regulated release of energy from the spring, which moves the wheel train, or set of gears.
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Origins
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Mechanical watch movements have been in existence since the 16th century, but were not mass-produced until the 19th century, according to Atmos-man.com.
Unchanged Technology
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The basic operation of a mechanical movement has not changed much in about a century, although modern technology and better quality materials have made watches more durable, according to TimeZone.com.
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Two Versions
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A mechanical watch movement is either manufactured in-house by the watchmaker, such as Omega, or is an "ebauche," an unassembled movement manufactured by an independent builder and sold to a watch company, such as Invicta.
Manual Wind
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A manual wind mechanical movement can power a watch for about 35 hours and needs to be wound daily to keep it operating.
Automatic
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An automatic mechanical movement is powered by the continuing movement of the watch-wearer's wrist and arm. It also can be manually wound and has about a 42-hour power reserve.
Maintenance
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Unlike an electronic movement, the mechanical version needs no battery. However, it needs to be lubricated and serviced every five years.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit dual time 2 image by Kostyantyn Ivanyshen from Fotolia.com
