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Luxury Watch Movements: A Beginners Guide

Q Report Team

Updated on March 18, 2025
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When it comes to luxury watches, a “movement” is what makes the watch go.

Most watch producers purchase their movements from other watch companies, but a handful of firms create their own movements. These are highly sought after and expensive watches because of their exclusivity.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at the basics of watch movements and what you need to know as a collector. As you explore luxury timepieces, you’ll come across three main types of movements: mechanical, automatic and quartz.

Mechanical

Dating back to the 16th century, a mechanical movement still powers many of today’s luxury watches. Many watch collectors value traditional watchmaking and the history behind mechanical movements.

A mechanical movement must be wound every day. The kinetic energy stored in the mainspring keeps the watch moving, counting each second of the upcoming day. How does it work?

  • Turning the crown winds the mainspring, storing energy to power the watch.
  • The gear train transmits the energy to the escapement.
  • The escapement parcels out the energy in metred units.
  • The balance wheel beats the energy out at a constant rate.
  • The dial train transfers energy to the watch’s hands every so many beats.
  • The watch’s hand advances.

As a watch collector, what do you need to remember about mechanical movements?

  • Your watch will need daily winding.
  • Never wind your watch while it’s on your wrist to avoid damaging the movement, crown and stem.
  • Never wind your watch past the point of tension.

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Automatic

Back in the early 20th century, watchmakers developed a movement that didn’t require daily winding. The motions of the wearer’s wrist turn a rotor, which powers the movement. Sometimes called “self-winding,” automatic movements eliminate the need for manual winding. If you don’t wear the watch daily, however, the watch will stop and require hand winding.

An automatic movement is perfect for a watch collector who appreciates the engineering and design of mechanical watches but doesn’t want to deal with the daily maintenance of winding. How does an automatic movement work?

  • The wrist’s movement turns the rotor, which winds the mainspring. (When needed, the crown can also be turned to wind the mainspring).
  • The gear train transmits the energy to the escapement.
  • The escapement parcels out the energy in metred units.
  • The balance wheel beats the energy out at a constant rate.
  • The dial train transfers energy to the watch’s hands every so many beats.
  • The watch’s hand advances.
 

Owners of automatic watches should remember:

  • Taking your watch off before bed does not mean you’ll have to wind the movement in the morning.
  • Leaving your watch unworn for several days may require that you wind it with the crown before the next time you wear it.

Quartz

The first watches powered by quartz movement made their debut during the last week of the 1960s. Unlike mechanical and automatic movements, a quartz movement is powered by a battery, and hence, it never needs to be wound.

Quartz movement is the most accurate type of watch movement on the market today. When Seiko debuted its first quartz watch in Tokyo on 25 December 1969, the “Astron” was sold for ¥450,000, the equivalent of a Toyota Corolla. Today, the watch world is nearly all quartz. In 2015, quartz movement powered 97 per cent of all the watches produced in the world. How does it work?

  • The battery transfers power to the quartz crystal via the movement’s integrated circuit.
  • Electricity causes the quartz crystal to vibrate.
  • The electrical pulses travel to the stepping motor through the integrated circuit.
  • Every 32,768th electrical pulse travels to the dial train.
  • The dial train moves the watch’s hands.

As a collector, keep the following in mind:

  • Quartz movement batteries must be replaced.
  • A battery usually lasts about a year and a half.

Which type of movement appeals to you? Whatever you choose, cover your precious timepieces with Q Report watch insurance. Get a free instant quote, and discover how affordable it is to protect your luxury watch.

 

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Don't have the receipt?

If you don't have the receipt, you can provide the most recent valuation amount instead.

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When it comes to luxury watches, a “movement” is what makes the watch go.

Most watch producers purchase their movements from other watch companies, but a handful of firms create their own movements. These are highly sought after and expensive watches because of their exclusivity.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at the basics of watch movements and what you need to know as a collector. As you explore luxury timepieces, you’ll come across three main types of movements: mechanical, automatic and quartz.

Mechanical

Dating back to the 16th century, a mechanical movement still powers many of today’s luxury watches. Many watch collectors value traditional watchmaking and the history behind mechanical movements.

A mechanical movement must be wound every day. The kinetic energy stored in the mainspring keeps the watch moving, counting each second of the upcoming day. How does it work?

  • Turning the crown winds the mainspring, storing energy to power the watch.
  • The gear train transmits the energy to the escapement.
  • The escapement parcels out the energy in metred units.
  • The balance wheel beats the energy out at a constant rate.
  • The dial train transfers energy to the watch’s hands every so many beats.
  • The watch’s hand advances.

As a watch collector, what do you need to remember about mechanical movements?

  • Your watch will need daily winding.
  • Never wind your watch while it’s on your wrist to avoid damaging the movement, crown and stem.
  • Never wind your watch past the point of tension.

New call-to-action

Automatic

Back in the early 20th century, watchmakers developed a movement that didn’t require daily winding. The motions of the wearer’s wrist turn a rotor, which powers the movement. Sometimes called “self-winding,” automatic movements eliminate the need for manual winding. If you don’t wear the watch daily, however, the watch will stop and require hand winding.

An automatic movement is perfect for a watch collector who appreciates the engineering and design of mechanical watches but doesn’t want to deal with the daily maintenance of winding. How does an automatic movement work?

  • The wrist’s movement turns the rotor, which winds the mainspring. (When needed, the crown can also be turned to wind the mainspring).
  • The gear train transmits the energy to the escapement.
  • The escapement parcels out the energy in metred units.
  • The balance wheel beats the energy out at a constant rate.
  • The dial train transfers energy to the watch’s hands every so many beats.
  • The watch’s hand advances.
 

Owners of automatic watches should remember:

  • Taking your watch off before bed does not mean you’ll have to wind the movement in the morning.
  • Leaving your watch unworn for several days may require that you wind it with the crown before the next time you wear it.

Quartz

The first watches powered by quartz movement made their debut during the last week of the 1960s. Unlike mechanical and automatic movements, a quartz movement is powered by a battery, and hence, it never needs to be wound.

Quartz movement is the most accurate type of watch movement on the market today. When Seiko debuted its first quartz watch in Tokyo on 25 December 1969, the “Astron” was sold for ¥450,000, the equivalent of a Toyota Corolla. Today, the watch world is nearly all quartz. In 2015, quartz movement powered 97 per cent of all the watches produced in the world. How does it work?

  • The battery transfers power to the quartz crystal via the movement’s integrated circuit.
  • Electricity causes the quartz crystal to vibrate.
  • The electrical pulses travel to the stepping motor through the integrated circuit.
  • Every 32,768th electrical pulse travels to the dial train.
  • The dial train moves the watch’s hands.

As a collector, keep the following in mind:

  • Quartz movement batteries must be replaced.
  • A battery usually lasts about a year and a half.

Which type of movement appeals to you? Whatever you choose, cover your precious timepieces with Q Report watch insurance. Get a free instant quote, and discover how affordable it is to protect your luxury watch.

 

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Understanding the 4 Cs of Diamonds
Diamond Shapes
Choosing a Ring Style
Selecting a Ring Retailer

Understanding Mechanical Movements

Rolex-super-precision

Unlike their battery-powered quartz counterparts, luxury watches have a beating heart – the mechanical movement. First created in the 14th century, large, weight-driven tower clocks with verge escapements and foliot balances marked the dawn of mechanical timekeeping.

Today, the core concept of mechanical movements remains unchanged from its original conception. It involves an intricate arrangement of gears, springs, and an escapement powered by a wound mainspring. This precision engineering allows for smooth operation and precise timekeeping.

Manual watch movements require the wearer to wind the crown periodically. Automatic watch movements, on the other hand, utilise the wearer's movements to keep the mainspring wound, offering a convenient everyday solution.

The Patek Philippe Calatrava, with its ultra-thin manual movement, exemplifies the elegance of traditional watchmaking. On the other hand, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, with its self-winding mechanism epitomises practicality and durability.

Whether manual or automatic, a mechanical movement imbues a luxury watch with a soul, a testament to human ingenuity and a treasured heirloom for generations to come

Luxury Watch Complications: Exploring Hidden Features & Functionality

Luxury watches often boast 'complications,' intricate mechanisms that add layers of sophistication, style and utility. Here, we explore some of the most fascinating complications created by the best luxury watch brands.

Statistic Heading

Rolex-super-precision

Unlike their battery-powered quartz counterparts, luxury watches have a beating heart – the mechanical movement. First created in the 14th century, large, weight-driven tower clocks with verge escapements and foliot balances marked the dawn of mechanical timekeeping.

Today, the core concept of mechanical movements remains unchanged from its original conception. It involves an intricate arrangement of gears, springs, and an escapement powered by a wound mainspring. This precision engineering allows for smooth operation and precise timekeeping.

Manual watch movements require the wearer to wind the crown periodically. Automatic watch movements, on the other hand, utilise the wearer's movements to keep the mainspring wound, offering a convenient everyday solution.

The Patek Philippe Calatrava, with its ultra-thin manual movement, exemplifies the elegance of traditional watchmaking. On the other hand, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, with its self-winding mechanism epitomises practicality and durability.

Whether manual or automatic, a mechanical movement imbues a luxury watch with a soul, a testament to human ingenuity and a treasured heirloom for generations to come

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Common Diamond Alternatives
for Engagement Rings

Tanzanite

Contents insurance is essential for anyone who owns valuable items, as it helps protect you should a potential loss occur in your.

Aquamarine

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Sapphire

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Luxury Watch Complications: Exploring Hidden Features & Functionality

Luxury watches often boast 'complications,' intricate mechanisms that add layers of sophistication, style and utility. Here, we explore some of the most fascinating complications created by the best luxury watch brands.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

“Knowing your engagement ring is insured brings peace of mind. Accidents can happen, and insurance coverage alleviates the worry and stress of potential loss or damage.”

Unlike their battery-powered quartz counterparts, luxury watches have a beating heart – the mechanical movement. First created in the 14th century, large, weight-driven tower clocks with verge escapements and foliot balances marked the dawn of mechanical timekeeping.

Today, the core concept of mechanical movements remains unchanged from its original conception. It involves an intricate arrangement of gears, springs, and an escapement powered by a wound mainspring. This precision engineering allows for smooth operation and precise timekeeping.

Manual watch movements require the wearer to wind the crown periodically. Automatic watch movements, on the other hand, utilise the wearer's movements to keep the mainspring wound, offering a convenient everyday solution.

The Patek Philippe Calatrava, with its ultra-thin manual movement, exemplifies the elegance of traditional watchmaking. On the other hand, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, with its self-winding mechanism epitomises practicality and durability.

Whether manual or automatic, a mechanical movement imbues a luxury watch with a soul, a testament to human ingenuity and a treasured heirloom for generations to come

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Expert Tip

Budget Considerations

Diamond shapes can vary in price due to popularity and demand. Round brilliants, for example, tend to be more expensive than other shapes due to their high demand. If budget is a concern, consider alternative shapes or prioritise other aspects, such as cut quality, over the shape itself.

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Amet minim mollit non deserunt ullamco est sit aliqua dolor do amet sint. Velit officia consequat duis enim velit mollit. Exercitation veniam consequat sunt nostrud amet.

Amet minim mollit non deserunt ullamco est sit aliqua dolor do amet sint. Velit officia consequat duis enim velit mollit. Exercitation veniam consequat sunt nostrud amet.

Jewellery Insurance FAQ

Contents insurance covers the items within your home in case they are damaged, lost or stolen. This can include furniture, electronics, clothing and other personal.  Contents insurance is essential for anyone who owns valuable items, as it helps protect you should a potential loss occur in your.

Contents insurance covers the items within your home in case they are damaged, lost or stolen. This can include furniture, electronics, clothing and other personal.  Contents insurance is essential for anyone who owns valuable items, as it helps protect you should a potential loss occur in your.
Home Security Fortification

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised.

Travel Savvy

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised.

Social Media Caution

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised.

Regular Valuations

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised.

bulb
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Contents insurance is essential for anyone who owns valuable items, as it helps protect you should a potential loss occur in your.

Luxury Watch Complications: Exploring Hidden Features & Functionality

Luxury watches often boast 'complications,' intricate mechanisms that add layers of sophistication, style and utility. Here, we explore some of the most fascinating complications created by the best luxury watch brands.

Home Security Fortification

Contents insurance covers the items within your home in case they are damaged, lost or stolen. This can include furniture, electronics, clothing and other personal.  Contents insurance is essential for anyone who owns valuable items, as it helps protect you should a potential loss occur in your.

Purchase Amount

To get an accurate insurance quote, please provide the amount from your purchase receipt.

Don't have the receipt?

If you don't have the receipt, you can provide the most recent valuation amount instead.

OK

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