Types of mechanisms used in watches from Jeff Jackson's blog

A watch is not only a device that shows the exact time, but also a stylish accessory that reflects the owner's status. But, in addition to design, the user wants it to run accurately and serve for a long time. The quality of the product depends on the mechanism on which the watch operates. People learned to keep track of time thousands of years ago, but the first mechanical devices appeared in the 14th century, and with a spring start - in the 16th century. Today, watches are driven by two main types of motor modules: quartz and mechanical. In this article, we will consider the operating principle of each of them. We will analyze the advantages and disadvantages.

A clock mechanism is a rather complex device consisting of hundreds of parts. The main components of a clock are:

• The spiral spring is the engine of the mechanism and is placed in the drum.
• A transmission unit consisting of several gear wheels. Their movement distributes energy from the engine throughout the device.
• The escapement is a running part that periodically supplies energy from the engine to the regulator. It is located between the balance and the gear transmission.
• Balance regulator - a balance with a spiral in a wristwatch and a pendulum in a stationary watch. 
• The pointer mechanism consists of a minute pinion, an hour wheel, and a bill wheel with a pinion. This unit sets the pointer mechanism in motion.
• Stone – a natural or artificial precious mineral (sapphire, ruby, garnet). Serves to reduce friction between units and parts.

The spring, made of a special alloy, is wound in a special way when wound. During the unwinding process, it affects the transmission mechanism at a given speed. The gears affect the hands, moving them. In order for the rotation to occur evenly, at equal intervals, a regulator is used. It allows the drum and hands to rotate strictly at a certain angle.

The mechanism of chronometers has not undergone significant changes over several centuries. But manufacturers have constantly improved their art to achieve better results. Some products are still assembled by hand, which gives them special value. The undoubted advantages of mechanics include:

• With careful handling and proper care, the watch will serve its owner for a very long time. It may be passed on to children.
• Models of famous brands are elite accessories that are part of the image of the one who wears them. Their price can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars and wearing them on your hand is prestigious.
• Mechanical watches can be repaired if necessary.
• They do not require special care, you just need to start them on time, handle them carefully and protect them from water.

Additional functions, such as automatic winding, free the owner from the need to start the mechanism. Thanks to this option, the start occurs automatically from movement, if they are constantly worn on the hand. 

• The most significant disadvantage of mechanical products is the error in the accuracy of the movement. It can be up to 40 seconds per day.
• The cost of the products is higher than that of quartz ones.
• The need to wind your watch regularly is for those who constantly forget to do it.
• Over time, the spring stretches, causing a lag in travel.

The first quartz watch was developed by the Swiss Institute of Neuchâtel in 1967 and went on sale in 1969. They were released by the Japanese company Seiko. The operating principle of the device is simpler than mechanical ones. The main elements are an electronic unit and a stepper motor.

1. A battery is a source of energy. It is presented in the form of a tablet or can be solar.
2. Quartz - generates electrical energy from a battery, oscillates (compresses and expands) and produces pulses with a frequency of 32768 Hz.
3. An electric motor is an analogue of a trigger in mechanics. Signals from the quartz are transmitted to it once a second.
4. Display or hands. The gear system acts on the display or hands, causing them to move, or activates the display on the screen.

Compared to mechanical watches, quartz watches have certain advantages:

• High accuracy. The error can be ± 20 seconds per month. Some examples have an accuracy of up to ± 5 seconds per year.
• More affordable price. Quartz watches cost less than mechanical ones, despite the same case material and functionality.
• There is no need to wind the mechanism every day. The battery can be changed every 2-3 years.
• Many options: heart rate monitors, pedometers, barometers, stopwatches, etc.
• The elegance of the case. It can be much thinner than mechanical ones.

Despite the advantages, electronic products have disadvantages:

• The service life of accessories is shorter. They will last for about 20 years.
• Temperature conditions. Devices may not function properly at very low temperatures, such as 20°C and below.
• Reduced maintainability. If something breaks down, the entire mechanism usually has to be replaced.

Today, manufacturers offer models of watches with a hybrid mechanism. These are accessories that combine classic mechanics and high-tech smart functions. How advise online platform for luxury watches they have mechanical and electronic modules. Such models find their buyer among advanced men and women who have a passion for everything new and high-tech.

Now users have access to a large selection of watches with both quartz and mechanical modules. The question of choice is the consumer's decision. Those who like to change watches often and use the increased functionality of the device will most likely give preference to quartz watches. Fans of classics and stability, striving for luxury, will choose watches with a mechanical module.