How Automatic Watches Work
If you are reading this, you might be interested in getting to know about the functionality offered by an automatic watch. We will provide you with the information that you are searching for. Keep in mind that this is the functionality of Rolex Daytona and other similar automatic watches that you can purchase from the market.
As the very first thing, you need to keep in mind that both automatic watches and manual watches use the same primary mechanism in order to display and measure time. However, the biggest difference that you can find in them is wound. We will let you know about them in detail through this article.
The history of automatic watches?
The first ever automatic watch was released back in 1777. It was created by Abraham Louis Perrelet. However, some people believe that it was Hubert Sarton, who invented the first automatic watch in 1778. No matter what, the history of the first automatic watch dates back to the 18th Century. These automatic watches had a weight, which swung back and forth along with the movement of the wearer.
In today’s automatic watches, you will be able to discover a power reserve. This power reserve has the ability to hold enough power to cater the needs of the watch from 24 hours to one month. In fact, every single movement is linked with different power reserves.
The primary components of an automatic watch
Here are the primary components that you can discover in an automatic watch. Before you understand the functionality of an automatic watch, you need to be aware of the primary components.
- Rotor
The rotor is a weight that is in semi-circular shape. It is mounted to the movement of the watch. This can also be considered as the oscillating weight of the watch. Along with the wrist movement, rotor has the ability to swing through 360 degrees. It is linked with a series of gears, which then winds the mainspring, which cater the mechanical energy requirements of the watch.
- Reverser mechanism
Reverser mechanism can be found in between the gears and the motor of the watch. It provides ability for the rotor to wind the mainspring, regardless of the turning direction. It is possible for you to find many different reverser mechanisms. Pawl winding can be considered as the most popular mechanism out of them. In this reverser mechanism, you can find two different wheels, which make up the bottom disc and the top disc. These are interconnected with each other through a spring less pawl.
- Mainspring
Mainspring is a piece of metal, which has the ability to store energy within the watch, along with the wind. This would gradually release the trapped energy as the watch unwinds. The stored energy will be transferred to the hands of the watch via gears.
- Crown
Crown is the button, which you can discover on the side of the case. When you push the crown, you will be able to manually wind the mainspring of the watch. When you pull the crown, you will be able to take control the watch hands to set time.
- Balance wheels
Balance wheel can be considered as the primary regulating organ of the watch. In fact, it is referred to as the heart of watch movement. That’s because it is beating around 10 times a second. The balance wheel of the watch is assembled along with the balance spring. When the balance wheel swings in a specific direction, the in and out movement of the balance spring will bring it back to the center location.
- Jewels
The jewels are the synthetic stones, which are located at the high friction points of the watch. These stones are usually made out of aluminum oxide and corundum. For example, the center wheel of the watch is constantly rotating. The jewels placed in there would reduce wear and rubbing of the watch. In the expensive and luxury watches, you will be able to discover jewels that are made out of precious stones.
Understanding the movement of an automatic watch
Now you have a basic understanding about the components of an automatic watch. With that in mind, let’s take a quick look at the movement of an automatic watch.
When a person is wearing an automatic watch, the movement of the wrist will make the rotor turn. The turning of the rotor would act through the gears and wind up the mainspring. It is also possible for you to wind the mainspring manually via the crown. This is similar to a manual watch.
The gears that you can find in the gear train of a watch transfers the energy to escapement. The escapement would provide energy to the wheel at regular intervals to keep it balanced. The pallets that you can see on the level will push the balance wheel in a specific direction. This helps the watch to balance the oscillation of the wheel. This is done with the energy that is originated in the mainspring as well.
Every single swing of the balance wheel improves the gear train with a specific amount in order to drive the movement of mounted watch hands. These watch hands are directly mounted to the gears. The hands are capable of turning on the dial. If there is a reduction of gear, it can even make the seconds hand to run slower when compared to minutes hand.
Now you are aware about the functionality of an automatic watch. You will be able to find this movement in automatic watches that belong to the most reputed brands out there in the world. This will help you to make an informed decision when you are purchasing an automatic watch from the market as well.
