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Choosing a luxury watch is an exciting journey, and one of the most important decisions you'll make is selecting the type of movement that powers it. The movement is the engine of the watch, the intricate mechanism that makes it tick. Understanding the differences between the main types of movements is key to appreciating the craftsmanship and finding a timepiece that fits your lifestyle.

At Prezgara, we offer a range of timepieces, each with its own unique heart. Let's explore the three most common watch movements.

 

1. Quartz Movement

 

How it Works: A quartz watch is powered by a battery. The battery sends an electrical current through a small quartz crystal, causing it to vibrate at an incredibly precise frequency—32,768 times per second. This vibration is converted into a signal that powers a tiny motor, which in turn moves the watch hands.

Pros:

• High Accuracy: Quartz watches are exceptionally accurate, often losing or gaining just a few seconds per month.

• Low Maintenance: They require very little care, aside from a battery replacement every few years.

• Affordability: The mass production of quartz movements makes them significantly less expensive than their mechanical counterparts.

• Durability: With fewer moving parts, they are generally more shock-resistant.

Cons:

• Lack of Craftsmanship: Many watch enthusiasts feel quartz movements lack the intricate artistry and "soul" of mechanical watches.

• "Dead" Beat: The seconds hand on a quartz watch moves in distinct, single-second increments, a visual characteristic some find less appealing than the smooth sweep of a mechanical watch.

 

2. Automatic (Self-Winding) Movement

 

How it Works: An automatic watch is a mechanical watch that winds itself using the natural motion of the wearer's wrist. It contains a small, off-center weight called a rotor that pivots with the movement of your body. This rotational energy is used to wind the mainspring, which powers the watch. As long as you wear the watch regularly, it will continue to run without needing to be manually wound.

Pros:

• Craftsmanship: The true beauty of a luxury watch is often found in its automatic movement, with its mesmerizing gears and components visible through a sapphire case back.

• Convenience: As long as you wear it, it doesn't need to be wound.

• Smooth Sweep: The seconds hand moves in a continuous, graceful sweep, which many consider a hallmark of a high-quality timepiece.

Cons:

• Less Accurate than Quartz: An automatic watch may lose or gain a few seconds per day.

• Requires Motion: If you don't wear it for a couple of days, it will stop and need to be set again. A watch winder can solve this issue.

• Higher Maintenance: They require professional servicing every few years to clean and lubricate the intricate parts.

 

3. Manual (Hand-Winding) Movement

 

How it Works: The manual movement is the oldest and most traditional type of watch movement. It requires the wearer to manually turn the crown to wind the mainspring, typically once a day. This action stores the energy needed to power the watch for the next 24 to 48 hours.

Pros:

• The Ritual: Many collectors enjoy the daily ritual of winding their watch, feeling a direct connection to the timepiece and its history.

• Thinner Case: With no rotor, manual-wind movements are often thinner, allowing for a more elegant and slender watch case.

• Mechanical Purity: It's the most classic and pure form of mechanical watchmaking, a direct link to the earliest days of horology.

Cons:

• Can Stop if Forgotten: If you forget to wind it, the watch will stop.

• Potential for Wear: The constant winding can put stress on the crown's gaskets over time, though modern engineering has made this a minimal concern.

 

Which Movement is Right for You?

 

• Choose Quartz if... you prioritize extreme accuracy and low maintenance. It's the perfect "grab-and-go" watch.

• Choose Automatic if... you love the heritage of mechanical watchmaking and plan to wear your watch daily. It's the most popular choice for luxury timepieces.

• Choose Manual if... you appreciate the traditions of watchmaking and enjoy the personal connection that comes from a daily winding ritual.

No matter your preference, each movement is a feat of engineering and a testament to the enduring appeal of the watch. Explore our collection to see these incredible movements in action.