GUIDE TO WATCH MOVEMENTS

Introduction to Watch Movements

The defining feature of a luxury timepiece is the watch’s movement. Benefitting from innovations in engineering, contemporary designers create phenomenal watches with useful complications, beautiful styles, and intelligent ways of keeping time. There are a few different watch movements that watch aficionados adore and will make great additions to any collection. Luxury brands utilize ingenious methods for building fashionable watches that remain precise and punctual, no matter the conditions.

Manual Movement

The oldest watch movement, manual movement watches are engineered through intricate gears and springs that must be hand-wound at the crown on the watch at certain intervals to maintain accuracy and movement. Beloved for ages, this classic movement is inspiring and marvelous. Some watches have a 24-hour winding interval, but some can go up to almost eight days before needing to be wound again. Most manual watch wearers have a habit of winding their watch daily when they go to put it on. For this in search of a classic, vintage watch, this movement will make an appearance. 

Automatic Movement

Also referred to as “self-winding”, automatic movement watches gain the energy needed from the movements of the wearer’s wrist. With each swing of the wrist, a rotor spins inside the casing and collects energy to keep winding the mainspring. Automatic movement watches will only require winding when the watch is not worn regularly. There are small machine watch winders for those watches you do not wear often but want to make sure the oil does not settle. Automatic movement is often found in the most luxurious timepieces, owing to its convenience and magnificent complexity.

Quartz Movement

Lacking the technical components of mechanical timepieces, quartz movement watches are incredibly accurate and require little maintenance. Occasionally, these timepieces will need a battery change. They work by running an electrical current through a small piece of quartz, which creates vibrations that move the timepiece’s intricate parts. Maintain the luxury of these watches by not damaging the quartz. Do not worry about losing accuracy when not wearing these watches, as they will keep time without needing to be wound. Designers create beautiful models with this straightforward movement that will always keep you on time. 

Why Shop for Watches at Morgan Jewelers

At Morgan Jewelers, we house an amazing selection of designer timepieces and luxury jewelry. Founded and headquartered in Salt Lake City over a century ago, our business has spread to 17 showrooms across six states in the Rocky Mountain Region. Our trained professionals will be able to assist you with all of your jewelry and watch needs. Browse our website to start to understand the level of quality we hold as our standard and contact us with any questions regarding your shopping experience. Find a location near you and visit one of our wonderful showrooms.