Mechanical Watch vs Automatic Watch - Understanding the Difference

Mechanical watches are powered by a coiled mainspring and an intricate network of gears and an escapement, with two subtypes: manual winding watches, which require daily crown turns to tension the spring, and automatic watches (also called self-winding watches), which use a weighted rotor driven by wrist motion to wind the spring automatically.

What Are Mechanical Watches?

A mechanical watch uses a clockwork mechanism—powered by a tensioned mainspring—to measure time, unlike quartz watches that rely on electronic oscillations. It transmits energy through a gear train to an escapement, which meters out power to a balance wheel oscillating at a fixed rate. Enthusiasts prize these luxury watches for their intricate craftsmanship and the smooth sweep of their seconds hand.

Two Types of Mechanical Watches

Mechanical movements fall into two categories:

• Manual Winding Watches, where the wearer winds the crown to tighten the mainspring by hand.
  

• Automatic Watches (or Self-Winding Watches), which add a rotor that spins with wrist motion to wind the mainspring, reducing or eliminating the need for manual winding.

Manual Winding Watches:

In a manual winding watch, you rotate the crown periodically—often daily—to build up the mainspring’s energy reserve, typically around 36–48 hours. Many collectors appreciate the ritualistic aspect of hand winding, which deepens the personal connection to the watch. These movements are often thinner, allowing for sleeker case designs in the realm of luxury watches.

Automatic (Self-Winding) Watches:

An automatic watch features a rotor that swings freely with wrist movements, converting kinetic energy into winding power for the mainspring. Automatic movements usually offer power reserves from 40 up to 80 hours and incorporate a slipping-clutch to prevent overwinding. This self-winding watch design combines convenience with mechanical artistry, making it ideal for everyday wear.

Key Differences at a Glance

Maintenance & Care

Both manual winding watches and automatic mechanical watches require professional servicing every 3–5 years to clean, lubricate, and calibrate the movement for optimal accuracy. Keep them away from strong magnets, severe shocks, and moisture beyond their rating to preserve longevity.

Choosing Between Manual and Automatic

Consider your lifestyle and tastes:

• Opt for a manual winding watch if you enjoy the tactile ritual and prefer a thinner case.
  

• Choose an automatic watch if you value convenience and consistent winding through daily wear.
  

Explore Behrens Watches

Behrens continuously pushes the boundaries of both automatic watches and manual winding watches by developing innovative in-house calibres with optimized gear trains and slipping-clutch mechanisms for precise timekeeping and extended power reserves. Their philosophy marries mechanical brilliance with unique design—ranging from space-inspired displays to ultra-light titanium cases—celebrating the art of horology while providing everyday practicality within the world of luxury watches.