MECHANICAL WATCHES: ancestral know-how, driven by the energy of gesture.
In the world of mechanical watches, two main movements stand out: manual watches and automatic watches.
Both have in common that they operate without any source of electronic energy: only mechanics, orchestrated by human gestures or wrist movements, keep them running.
In the case of a manual watch, the energy comes from winding that you perform yourself, by turning the winding stem. This action tightens a spring housed in the barrel; when it relaxes, this spring releases the energy necessary for the balance wheel, which then begins to oscillate to power the mechanism. This same crown allows you, depending on the position chosen, to adjust the time or the date.
The unique feature of this type of movement lies in its power reserve. Depending on the model, this can vary from a few dozen hours to several days. You will therefore need to remember to wind your watch regularly, at the rate recommended by the manufacturer, otherwise it will stop naturally.
Automatic watches, on the other hand, incorporate an oscillating weight that senses the movements of your wrist to wind the mainspring. As long as you wear it, your watch recharges itself—an autonomous, discreet, almost living mechanism.
However, like any mechanical watch, it has a power reserve: if you stop wearing it for an extended period, manual winding will be necessary to reactivate it.
THE ADVANTAGE OF MECHANICAL WATCHES: Carried by gesture & know-how
Mechanical watches do not require a battery to operate. Their energy comes exclusively from a mainspring, tensioned manually or automatically by wrist movements. By eliminating the need for batteries, they offer a more environmentally friendly alternative, avoiding the use of disposable or polluting components. This autonomous, purely mechanical operation is part of a sustainable and authentic approach, faithful to the spirit of traditional fine watchmaking.
This intimate connection with mechanics is also reflected in the watch's movement itself. Unlike quartz watches, whose second hand moves jerkily, mechanical watches feature a fluid, almost living second hand. It glides smoothly, embodying the discreet yet constant breath of time. Each second becomes a continuum, no longer a simple unit of measurement, but a sensation.
Finally, beyond their functional beauty, these timepieces are designed to last. When properly maintained, mechanical watches last for decades without losing their precision or value. Regular servicing—generally every 3 to 5 years depending on use—is essential to preserve the integrity of the movement and ensure its proper functioning. These watches accompany generations, are passed down, and are filled with memories. Both objects of use and silent witnesses to a personal story, they embody a heritage in motion: a precious trace, worn on the wrist.
Electronic watches: the precision of quartz for effortless reliability.
Electronic watches, also known as quartz watches, operate using a circuit powered by a miniature battery. This battery transmits an electric current to a quartz crystal, precisely cut to vibrate at a constant frequency of 32,768 times per second. These vibrations are then converted into regular pulses, which activate a stepper motor responsible for moving the hands with extreme regularity. As long as the battery is active and the movement remains intact, the watch continues to function autonomously, without interruption.
Due to its simpler design and less demanding manufacturing process, a quartz watch is generally more affordable. It requires neither complex assembly of mechanical components nor meticulous manual adjustments. This structural simplicity largely explains the price difference between a quartz watch and an automatic watch, without compromising the accuracy or reliability of the timepiece.
THE ADVANTAGES OF A QUARTZ WATCH: discreet, precise technology with great reliability for everyday use.
One of the great advantages of quartz watches is their remarkable precision. Thanks to the extremely stable frequency of the quartz crystal, these timepieces record a deviation of only a few seconds per month. This silent regularity makes quartz watches reliable companions, perfectly suited to everyday use where every minute counts.
Another significant advantage: their autonomy. A simple button battery can power the movement for two to five years, sometimes longer depending on the model and how often you use the additional functions. And unlike some mechanical watches, a quartz watch doesn't stop when you stop wearing it. Therefore, there's no need to reset the time every time you use it. Only adjustments related to seasonal time changes will need to be made.
Finally, quartz watches require very little maintenance. Aside from occasional battery replacement, they require no complex technical operations. Their simple, proven architecture makes them easy to maintain, designed to serve their owner for a long time without any special requirements.
IN CONCLUSION: HOW TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE?
There's no single answer, no absolute truth: the choice of movement depends on many criteria. Desired complications, case finesse, dial architecture, budget, and even lifestyle... all of these factors will naturally guide your decision.
The main thing is to choose a timepiece that suits you, a model whose aesthetic appeals to you and whose characteristics meet your expectations, whether it is a quartz or automatic movement.
At Col&MacArthur, we've chosen to offer you this freedom. Many of our collections are available in automatic or quartz versions: it's up to you to discover the one that best reflects your own relationship with time.
