Mechanical watch movements (Hand Winding)

Mechanical Movement

A spring-driven mechanism measures the passage of time on a mechanical movement watch. The spring (also called a mainspring), needs to be wound periodically.

Mechanical or manual timepieces perform virtually an equivalent function as those powered by a quartz movement. Apart from the shortage of a batter, closer inspection reveals something extra another emotion that has caught the flamboyant of the many a horologist. A mechanical world of complicated spiraling springs and moving gears that fuel the movement of the watch hands with elegant accuracy.

Some of the rotor mechanisms on these watches add conjunction with the earth’s gravitational pull – compressing the mainspring during wrist movement and creating mechanical energy that fuels the automatic winding mechanism.

The intricate mechanism in these watches can often only be described as art. In fact, with some manual movement watches – reading time becomes an afterthought as these classic wristwatches transpire into something else. They are more appropriately termed timepieces, collector’s items and accessories.

History of the Mechanical Movement

With watches of all kinds being such a ubiquitous part of our everyday culture, you might be wondering when the automatic watch movement was invented in the first place. Ironically enough, there is a degree of uncertainty regarding the timeline and origin of these extremely precise time-tellers. Namely, there is a dispute on whether it was created by Hubert Sarton in 1778 or Abraham-Louis Perrelet a year earlier.

While we’re sure that the invention of the machine goes back to the 18th century, we also know that Pierre Joseph de Rivaz first used it in a watch, while John Hardwood would bring the invention to perfection at the start of the 20th century. After that, a humble watch repairer who lived near Manchester in Britain would create the first wristwatch that boasted automatic winding.

Hand-Winding

Ideal for everyday use or special events, hand-wound mechanical watches start working immediately after winding and work best when wound at an equivalent time every day. Hand-wound mechanical watches have three main parts that determine movement.

• The first part, the mainspring, is liable for power and is aroused by turning the crown slowly and punctiliously.
• Hand-winding energy is stored within the mainspring of the winding wheel and is transferred to the second part, the gear wheels, that transmit power and move the watch hands. That same energy is then converted from rotary to reciprocating motion by the escapement, which is that the mechanism liable for transferring energy.
• At an equivalent time, power is applied to the third part, the balance, for continuing the reciprocating motion. The balance oscillates back and forth to take care of precision. Time accuracy is kept by the hairspring, which is that the precise adjusted balance. The hands attached to every training wheel to point the time of day.

How Mechanical Movement Works

Unlike quartz movements, a mechanical movement uses energy from the wound mainspring to power a watch, instead of an electric battery. This spring transfers energy through several springs and gears, powering the function of the watch hands and therefore the complications.

Benefits of Mechanical Movement

Longevity A well-built mechanical watch will last a lifetime with proper care.

• Batteries

You don’t need to worry about any battery replacements, which are always an inconvenience. Many consider manual rewinding of a comfortable mechanic wristwatch to be a strongly desirable ritual.

• Aesthetics

Many mechanical timepieces have a transparent sapphire casing on the rear which provides a transparent view of the fascinating rotations and oscillations of the minute working parts.

For those who are fascinated by the micro-mechanics in a mechanical watch, a hand-wound watch with a transparent case back is a huge plus since it allows you to see more of the movement. The absence of the weighted rotor allows watchmakers to form the mechanical movement significantly thinner and more lightweight on the wrist.

What kind of watches use this movement today?

Some kind of watches that use mechanical movement these days is as follows.

• VERO 36 Series – $1,080
• Baltic Bicompax 001 Chronograph – ~$635
• Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical – $475
• Nomos Club Campus 36 – Starts at $1,500
• Farer Stanhope – $1,175
• Junghans Max Bill Hand-Wind – $695
• Stowa Antea KS – ~$1,000

“These kinds of watches will perform equally, and the choice is simply a matter of convenience.”