Question 1

Does an automatic watch need a battery?

Accepted Answer

No. An automatic watch is entirely mechanical: it draws its energy from wrist movement, which causes a rotor to pivot and winds the mainspring. No battery is ever needed. If you wear it regularly, it runs continuously. After a period without wearing it, simply wind it by hand via the crown and reset the time to restart it.

Question 2

How long does an automatic watch run without being worn?

Accepted Answer

This depends on its power reserve, typically 38 to 42 hours, sometimes up to 70 hours on recent calibres. A watch set down on Friday evening may therefore stop during the weekend. To avoid winding it each time, an automatic winder keeps it running, which is particularly useful for models with a date or complications that would otherwise need to be reset.

Question 3

Automatic or quartz: which should you choose?

Accepted Answer

Choose automatic for the pleasure of mechanics, the fluid seconds hand and a watch that can be serviced and passed down over decades. Choose quartz for maximum accuracy and zero maintenance. An automatic drifts by a few seconds per day (normal) and is serviced every 5 to 8 years; a quartz simply needs a battery change. It is a choice between watchmaking soul and practicality.

Question 4

Why does my automatic watch run fast or slow?

Accepted Answer

A drift of a few seconds per day is perfectly normal on a mechanical movement, unlike quartz. If the variation becomes significant (several minutes per day), the frequent cause is magnetisation: contact with a magnet (bag clasp, speaker, induction hob) disrupts the movement. A watchmaker can demagnetise it in seconds. Regular servicing also maintains original accuracy.

Question 5

Does an automatic watch need to be serviced?

Accepted Answer

Yes, approximately every 5 to 8 years. Servicing involves dismantling the movement, cleaning and relubrifying the gears, then checking water resistance. This is what allows an automatic to function across several generations, whereas a quartz movement is replaced. Between services, wear it regularly or use an automatic winder, and keep it away from strong magnetic sources.

Automatic Watch

Seiko SRPD57K1 Automatic Stainless Steel Men's Watch Black and Gold Dial

Seiko SRPD76K1 5 Sports Automatic Rose Gold and Silicone Men's Watch

Seiko SRPC55K1 Automatic Orange Dial 43mm Men's Watch

Seiko SRPB93K1 Automatic Green Dial Stainless Steel Men's Watch

Seiko SBDC031J1 Diver's Submariner Stainless Steel Watch with Black Dial and Sapphire Crystal

Seiko SSK021K1 GMT Automatic Stainless Steel Black Dial Men's Watch

Seiko SSK033K1 GMT Automatic White Dial Stainless Steel Men's Watch

Seiko SSK036K1 GMT Evolution Brown Leather Strap Men's Watch

Seiko SRPD25K1 Prospex Monster Automatic Brushed Stainless Steel Blue Dial Men's Watch

Seiko SRP599J1 Automatic Stainless Steel Men's Watch with Black Dial 44mm

Seiko SRPJ45BL Automatic Sunburst Blue Dial Stainless Steel Men's Watch

Seiko SRPJ47PK Automatic Rose Metallic Dial Stainless Steel Men's Watch

Seiko SBSA098 Automatic Men's Watch Blue Dial and Black NATO Strap

Seiko SPB383J1 Prospex GMT Automatic Stainless Steel Black Dial Men's Watch

Seiko SSK043K1 GMT Automatic Salmon Rose Gold Dial Steel Men's Watch

Seiko SRPK09K1 Automatic Stainless Steel Textured Silver Dial Men's Watch

Seiko SRPK99K1 Automatic Stainless Steel Black Dial Men's Watch

Seiko SRPK67K1 Automatic Chequered Dial Stainless Steel Men's Watch

Seiko SRPK65K1 Automatic Stainless Steel Blue Dial Checker Flag Men's Watch

Seiko SPB439J1 Prospex GMT Automatic Silver Dial Men's Watch

Seiko SRPK18 Automatic Stainless Steel Black Dial Men's Watch

Seiko SRPK24 Automatic Sunburst Brown Dial Stainless Steel Men's Watch

Seiko SBEJ021 Prospex Diver's GMT Automatic Stainless Steel Blue Dial Men's Watch

Maserati R8821108022 Automatic Skeleton Rose Gold and Blue Leather Men's Watch