THE automatic movements have been at the heart of mechanical watches for centuries, offering unrivaled precision and sophistication. Let's explore the inner workings of these technological marvels and find out how they manage to maintain time accuracy.

What is an automatic movement?

A automatic movementalso known as a self-winding movement, is a type of mechanical watch movement that winds automatically using the kinetic energy produced by the wearer's natural movements.

This energy is stored in a mainspring, which then powers the mechanism to keep the watch running.

How does an automatic movement work?

The operation of an automatic movement is based on several key elements, which we will detail below:

1. The rotor

THE rotor is a semi-circular piece of metal that rotates freely around a central axis when the watch is in motion. As it rotates, the rotor generates kinetic energy which is transformed into mechanical energy to power the watch.

2. The mainspring

THE mainspring is a spiral spring that stores the mechanical energy generated by the rotor. When the watch is moving, the mainspring compresses and stores energy. When the watch is stationary, the mainspring gradually relaxes to release this energy and keep the watch running.

3. The transmission system

THE transmission system is a set of gears that transmits energy from the mainspring to the other components of the watch. The movement of these gears makes it possible to regulate the speed at which the mainspring relaxes and thus adjust the precision of the watch.

4. The spring balance

THE spring balance is an oscillating device that serves as a time regulator in the automatic movement. It consists of a balance wheel (a small wheel) and a spiral spring attached to it.

The spring balance oscillates at a constant frequency, generally between 21,600 and 36,000 vibrations per hour (A/h), which allows time to be measured precisely.

The advantages of automatic movements

Automatic movements offer several advantages over traditional mechanical movements:

1. Autonomy: Thanks to its automatic winding mechanism, an automatic movement does not need to be wound manually. Simply wear the watch regularly to maintain its functionality.
2. Precision : Modern automatic movements are designed to offer remarkable precision, often comparable to that of quartz watches.
3. Sustainability : The components of an automatic movement are generally made from high-quality, robust materials, giving them a longer lifespan than traditional mechanical movements.
4. No batteries required: An automatic movement requires no external electrical power source, reducing environmental impact and eliminating the need for battery replacement.

The disadvantages of automatic movements

Despite their many advantages, automatic movements also have some disadvantages:

• Sensitivity to shock: The internal components of an automatic movement are sensitive to shock and can be damaged in the event of a sudden impact or fall.
• Maintenance : Although they are generally very reliable, automatic movements require periodic maintenance to ensure proper operation and optimal precision.
• Price : Due to the complexity of their manufacture, watches equipped with automatic movements tend to be more expensive than quartz watches.

In summary, the automatic movements offer an impressive combination of precision, autonomy and sophistication. Although not free from flaws, these watch mechanisms continue to attract the admiration and fascination of watch enthusiasts around the world for their ability to maintain accuracy of time through their ingenious inner workings.