Types of watch movements and the principle of operation

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

When buying such an expensive pleasure as a wrist or wall clock, I want to buy a device with a reliable and durable mechanism. Today the latter is not one type. But which clockwork is better? What are the features in the principles of each? We will answer these and other questions below.

What is this clockwork

Another name for it is caliber. The clock mechanism is a kind of engine of the device, its source of energy, which makes the entire system function. It is he who moves the hands on the dial, is responsible for changing the time zone, the operation of the calendar and chronograph. The clock mechanism is the most important part of the device. Without it, it is an empty decoration.

In the modern world, a large variety of watch movements are produced. Fresh patented innovations are constantly being introduced. But despite this, there are still two main types - mechanical and quartz.

How to quickly distinguish them? Take a look at the second hand. If the mechanism is quartz, then the arrow will move sharply, jerkily from mark to mark. If the watch is mechanical, then the movement of the element is soft and smooth.

Quartz

Quartz clockwork is highly accurate and requires minimal requirements. You only need to replace the batteries periodically. They are relatively cheap, as they are powered from an external source.

I must say, true watch lovers don't particularly like this type. It is not considered a masterpiece of engineering, a flight of creative thought of the creator, does not captivate with the subtlety of work.

One of the most famous brands using quartz movements is Patek Philippe. The devices fully meet all the high requirements for the quality standard.

Quartz Movement

This watch movement with hands uses a battery as an external power source. This is most typical of standard devices that are not burdened with frills.

To create energy in a small or large clockwork, a battery passes a charge through a quartz crystal. This causes the latter to create vibrations. They, in turn, make the whole mechanism vibrate. As a result, the clock hands are set in motion.

Mechanical watch

Mechanical clockwork is most typical for elite devices. It is characterized by surprisingly fine workmanship and high quality. Such products are created by recognized masters. The whole mechanism here is a complex and intricate sequence of tiny elements that function together and power the watch.

It is important to note thatThe basic device of a mechanical watch has not changed for centuries. It took only years for craftsmen to change the technology to become ever more precise, paying attention to the look and function of every detail.

Surprisingly, the source of energy for such a mechanism is not a battery, but a small, gradually unwinding spring. The element not only accumulates and transfers energy to the rest of the springs and gears, but also regulates its (energy) release for the general power of the system.

Elite watches use two types of mechanical systems:

• With manual recharge.
• With automatic recharge.

Let's consider the features of each of them.

Hand-wound mechanical watch

The oldest type of mechanism, whose age is calculated in centuries. Connoisseurs love this traditional type of device for its open clock mechanism, the operation of which can be observed through the case back. Why is it manual? Everything is simple. The clock needs to be wound by hand in order to fill the main spring of the mechanism with energy.

Thus, the owner twists a special crown on his watch several times. Starts (accumulates energy) the main running spring. In the course of work, it gradually unwinds, releasing its energy through a series of gears and springs that regulate the intensity of this process. The released charge feeds the entire mechanism, which eventually sets the clock hands in motion.

Mechanical watch winding interval

The period during which a watch can go without winding depends on the ability of the watch mechanism to accumulate energy in itself. Some devices need to be brought in every day, some - after a few days. The maximum for modern mechanical watches today is 8 days.

I must say that many owners of such devices have a habit of twisting the crown every time the accessory is worn on the hand. This is a common mistake that can lead to an early failure of the mechanism. Try to wind it up as often as the manufacturer recommends.

Automatic mechanical watch

The second common type today is self-winding mechanical accessories. Where does the energy come from here? From the natural movements of the hand, wrist of the owner of the watch. By purchasing such a device, you do not need to worry that the mechanism will stop. If you wear the accessory all the time, this will definitely not happen - you are doing your own business, and your watch is collecting energy at this time.

Let's go a little deeper into the principles of work. In fact, both automatic and manual watches operate on a similar principle. There is only one difference - in the first case, a small part called "rotor" is added. It rotates freely, but at the same time connected to the clockwork.

A person moves his wrist, at this time the rotor is spinning, converting energy, which allows you to automatically rotate the mainspring. Such is the ingeniously simple principle of operation.

Automechanical watch winding interval

Automatic is an independent watch mechanism. However, the movements of the owner for its continuous functioning are sufficient if the person wears the accessory all the time, every day. But if you only need your watch occasionally and keep it in a case or on a shelf the rest of the time, you need a quick winder to get it working.

Modernity offered an excellent alternative. You can purchase a special device for self-winding watches that will charge them with energy while you are not wearing the accessory.

Mechanisms for interior clocks

The most common clock mechanism for wall, floor clocks is precisely quartz. It is known both with intermittent (discrete) and smooth running. Modern technologies allow both to work equally quietly. The only difference is that the first movement allows the hour hand to make a complete revolution in 60 pulses, and the second - in 360, which allows you to observe a visual smoothness.

Mechanisms for interior clocks are also characterized by a low level of energy consumption, despite the scale. They stand out and high accuracy (+/- 1 second). Mechanical counterparts sin with lower rates: +/- 15 seconds.

The heart of such a movement, just like in a wristwatch, is a small quartz crystal. It works at a constant frequency of 32768 Hz. Its invariance ensures the accuracy of the course. I must say, on the last characteristic of quartzhours, pressure, air temperature affect much less than mechanical devices.

Let's take a look at well-known manufacturers of wall clock movements:

• UTS is a famous German brand. Movements stand out for their quality, almost silent discrete movement.
• HERMLE is another manufacturer from Germany, a well-known brand in its field.
• YOUNG TOWN - movements made in Hong Kong. Against the background of the above, they differ in a lower price, which does not affect the quality of the product.
• SANGTAI is a budget movement made in China.

Other types of mechanisms

Let's consider what other watch devices can be:

• Reinforced watch mechanisms. Features high torque. Ideal for interior clocks with long (up to 50 cm) hands.
• With a pendulum. In ancient mechanical clocks, the pendulum actuated the mechanism, but today its function is more decorative, not affecting the accuracy of the course.
• With a fight or a melody. Such watches, with the help of a special sound circuit and a player, are able to broadcast a melody, beat off every hour. There are devices with both one and several sets of sounds, a toggle switch for their deactivation, auto-off the signal for a certain time.
• 24-hour movement. The arrow here makes a full turn not in the standard 12, but in 24 divisions.
• Cuckoo mechanisms.
• Reverse watch. Emphasis on unusual - time seems to moveback.

So we have dismantled all the watch movements that are common today. The two main types are mechanical and quartz.