A List of Watch Movements Every Collector Should Know

In the world of watches, one mandatory thing to know is the movements. How can one not know about the heart and soul of a timepiece? 

Yes, the heart and soul of a watch lie within its movement.
The intricate mechanism hidden underneath the dial represents the precision, functionality, and overall value of the watch. For collectors, knowing the watch movements is like appreciating the art and craftsmanship. It is like bowing down concerning technological advancement that shapes the horological landscape.

This blog is here to educate you about the key types of movements. It will be all about mechanics, history, and the list of watch movements you should purchase as a collector.

We welcome both those who want to learn about the movement and watch enthusiasts who want to collect their next favorite. 

Key Highlights of Watch Movements Watch movements are considered to be a powerhouse or heart of the watch. The three main watch movements are mechanical, automatic, and quartz.  Quartz watches are accurate to within plus or minus 10 seconds per month, or about 0.3 seconds per day.  Mechanical movement watches are accurate to within ±15 seconds per day or about ±4 seconds per day. The value and craftsmanship of a watch movement attract investors and collectors.

What Are Watch Movements?

In layman’s terms, the watch movements are like the Mitochondria are to a cell. It means a powerhouse. This intricate mechanism generates the power that keeps the watch moving. It also adds functions such as date, chronograph, or GMT to provide accurate time. The movement combines gears, springs, and other mechanical components to produce the desired function.

Related Read: A Detailed Guide to Watch Complications

The Role of Movements in Watchmaking

1. Value: The watch's value multiplies if it has a unique type of movement. High-end luxury watches often feature complex mechanical movements. Most of them are handcrafted with precision and require skilled artisans to assemble. These are the reasons why this type of watch is valued so much.
2. Accuracy: When it comes to accurate time, all eyes go to movements. Questions arise about their quality and precision. Where quartz movements offer higher beat rates (32,768 times per second) and escapements, mechanical movements lack them. 
3. Design: Watch movement is part of watch aesthetics. Certain movements, such as tourbillons or perpetual calendars, require specific case designs to align with the mechanism. These designs add to a watch's uniqueness and keep its appeal high. 

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The significance of movements

High-end luxury watches	Regular timepieces
These watches use critical mechanical movements that skilled craftsmen make. Those movements are highlighted because of their precision, reliability, and aesthetic appeal. They are one of a kind and can be passed down through generations.	They use simpler mechanical or quartz movements. They might not be compared to the level of complexity or craftsmanship of a luxury brand, but they still serve the essential purpose of keeping time.

Types of Watch Movements Every Collector Should Know

Let's talk about the different movements you can find in a watch collection. It turns out there are actually four main types of watch movements to explore.  

Mechanical movements Automatic movements Quartz movements Hybrid movements

Mechanical Movements

Manual mechanical movements are the ones with classic features. They require the wearer to manually wind the crown to store energy in the mainspring. This energy is then used to power the watch's functions.

Check out The Inner Workings of Mechanical Watches

Notable brands: Patek Philippe Calatrava, Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso

Key features:

• The oldest type of movement in horology
• Needs daily winding
• It can be more prone to wear and tear than automatic movements
• Mostly belongs to the higher-end luxury watches

Pros	Cons
Give a direct connection to the watch’s mechanics No batteries Longevity Has a sense of tradition and craftsmanship It can be a valuable investments	Daily winding might not be convenient It can be more expensive than the automatic ones.

Automatic (Self-Winding) Mechanical Movements

Automatic movements are more convenient than mechanical movements. It actually uses a rotor to harness the kinetic energy from the wearer's wrist movement.  The mainspring winds automatically as you move your wrist, so no manual winding is needed.

Key Components: Rotor, mainspring, escapement, Dial train, balance wheel

Notable brands: Rolex, Omega, Breitling
Key features:

• Covenant and requires minimal maintenance
• A blend of tradition and modern technology
• Calendar display
• Get listed in the mid-range to high-end watch category

Pros	Cons
No need for manual winding A touch of traditional mechanical feel Has more accuracy Good choice for those who don’t want to take the manual winding hassle	It may not wind fully if not worn regularly More expensive than a quartz movement

Check out the differences between Mechanical Watch Vs Automatic Watch

Quartz Movements

In 1969, the quartz movement was first introduced. It was one of the revolutionary inventions in the watch industry. These movements rely on a battery and a quartz crystal to generate electrical signals that power the watch's hands.

Key Components: Battery, quartz crystal, oscillator, stepping motor, gear train

Notable brands: Seiko, Cartier, Casio, Bulova
Key features:

• Do not require any winding
• The battery is the primary source of energy
• Affordable and low-maintenance
• Used as an everyday watch and digital watches
• Durable

Pros	Cons
Accurate and reliable Easy to use Easy to read It can be affordable to buy	Lack of mechanical complexity Has no touch of tradition Shorter battery life compared to mechanical movement

Hybrid Movements

The name itself means it combines two types into one. A hybrid movement has the elements of mechanical and quartz movements. It offers the best of both worlds. They often feature a mechanical escapement for a traditional feel and a quartz oscillator for precision.

Key Components: Mechanical escapement, quartz oscillator, electric motor

Notable brands: Fossil, Skagen, Michele
Key features:

• Notable accuracy
• Battery operated
• Smooth motion
• Reduced need for winding
• Innovative and cutting-edge technology

Pros	Cons
Unique combination of mechanical and quartz technologies Decent accuracy and a traditional feel Requires less maintenance than the mechanical movements	It can be more expensive than conventional mechanical or quartz movements It may not be as widely known as other movement kinds

The Importance of Watch Movements for Collectors

So far, we know about watch movements, how they work, who manufactures them, and their key features; these are just basic ideas. Now, if we think from a collector's perspective, mainly investors, why should they choose different types of watch movements for collection?

Basically, for three reasons: Value and investment Craftsmanship and innovation Accuracy and performance

Let's break down these two. 

Value and investment

We have previously discussed how the type of watch movement can impact its value and investment potential.

1. Mechanical movements: Most high-end brands manufacture complex mechanical movements. They put so much credibility and authenticity into these movements that people from every generation are fascinated by the craftsmanship. The purpose is to make them seen as rare and desirable. These movements come with features like tourbillons or perpetual calendars, which hold value over time, especially if they are in good condition and from reputable brands.
2. Quartz movements: Quartz is less complex and more affordable than mechanical movements. However, it can still be valuable and investment-worthy. If you buy it from a well-known brand for its unique features, it can be seen as priceless. However, its value appreciation is typically less significant than that of mechanical movements.

Relatable Read: 10 Best Investment Watches

Craftsmanship and innovation

Due to its intricate design, mechanical movements are seen as works of art. Collectors buy them because of how artistic they look and the hard work that goes into assembling each mechanism. The attention to detail and the skill required to create a mechanical movement make it a truly special piece of engineering.

Innovation is another key factor in the watch movement. Modern movements are quite different from classic ones. They work closely with new technologies and features to enhance their functionality and performance. For example,  movement with GMT or chorographic technology creates more buzz and increases its value.

Accuracy and performance

Watch movement not only adds value but also affects its accuracy and performance. Let's talk about two of the primary types of watch movements and how accurate and efficient they are.

1. Quartz movement: Quartz movements are renowned for their exceptional accuracy. They outdo automatic watches when it comes to precise timekeeping. This happens because the oscillation keeps the frequency stable when it is put through the electric current, allowing the quartz movement to maintain its performance throughout time. 

A typical modern quartz movement is accurate to within plus or minus 10 seconds per month, or about 0.3 seconds per day.

[Source: Quora]

2. Mechanical movement: The accuracy of mechanical movements actually varied. Why? It depends on the quality, craftsmanship, and specific watch model. Their accuracy range or precision doesn’t come close to quartz's. It doesn’t matter if the mechanical movement is automatic or manual; it won’t guarantee precise timekeeping accuracy down to the second.  Nevertheless, They are often prized for their precision, reliability, and aesthetic appeal.

A really good mechanical movement should vary between positions by no more than 15 seconds per day and be accurate to within ±4 seconds per day.

Notable Watch Movements and Their Makers

Let’s see who the incredible watchmakers are leaving a notable footprint in watch movements. Below is a table of brands, their specifications, and what they are famous for.

Swiss Watch Movements
Brand/Manufacture	ETA	Rolex	Patek Philippe
Intro	A leading manufacturer supplies watch movements to many watch brands.	Rolex is known for making its own movements in-house.	A luxury watchmaker known for its intricate and complex movements.
Movements	Delivers a wide range of movements, from basic quartz to complex mechanical.	The Calibre 3235 is a popular in-house movement used in many Rolex models.	It presents a variety of movements, including tourbillons, perpetual calendars, and minute repeaters.
Famous for	For its reliability and affordability.	The Perpetual rotor is a self-winding system that ensures continuous operation.	The Patek Philippe Seal is a certification that guarantees the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.

Japanese Watch Movements
Brand/Manufacture	Seiko	Citizen
Intro	A pioneer in quartz technology and mechanical movements.	Another popular Japanese brand that is making innovative movements.
Movements	Wide range of movements, from primary quartz to high-end mechanical.	Automatic mechanical movements and quartz movement watches.
Famous for	The Seiko Spring Drive is a hybrid movement combining quartz's precision and mechanical smoothness.	The Eco-Drive solar-powered technology converts light into energy to power the watch.

German Watch Movements
Brand/Manufacture	Glashütte Original
Intro	A German watchmaker is popular for its intricate and high-quality mechanical movements.
Movements	wide range of movements, from basic quartz to high-end mechanical.
Famous for	Variety of features, including chronographs, GMT functions, and power reserve indicators.

How to Choose a Watch Movement for Your Collection

Here's a quick overview of each watch movement and on what basis you should invest in them.

Factor	Mechanical Movement	Quartz Movement	Hybrid Movement
Personal Preferences and Lifestyle	Traditional, craftsmanship-focused	Accurate, low-maintenance	Blends tradition and modern technology
Investment and Resale Value	Generally higher	It can be valuable for specific brands or features	It may have the potential for value appreciation
Maintenance and Durability	Higher maintenance costs, more susceptible to wear and tear	Lower maintenance costs, more durable	Moderate maintenance, balance of traditional and modern

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between a quartz and a mechanical watch movement?

The difference between a quartz and a mechanical watch movement is that quartz watches are powered by a battery and a quartz crystal, offering high accuracy and low maintenance. On the other hand, mechanical watches are powered by a spring and gears, providing a traditional, handcrafted feel.

Which watch movement is more accurate?

Quartz movements are more accurate than mechanical ones, typically within a few seconds per month.

Why are Swiss movements considered the best?

Swiss movements are considered to be the best due to their high-quality materials, long-lasting wear time, and modern innovation. They are often associated with luxury brands. 

Are mechanical watches a better investment than quartz watches?

Absolutely.

Mechanical movements, especially those from reputable brands with complex movements, can have higher investment potential due to their craftsmanship and rarity.

What is a hybrid watch movement?

Hybrid movements combine elements of mechanical and quartz, offering precision and a traditional feel.

Are you investing in watch movements or not?

Watch movements are like the heart of a watch; without it, the watch is nothing. Our objective is to provide all the information about watch movements to educate and inform watch enthusiasts and investors. If you're a watch collector or investor, why not check out Great Lake Watch? They sell pre-owned watches at competitive prices.