Automatic Watch

The automatic watch: mechanics that wind themselves

An automatic watch operates without a battery or quartz: its mechanical movement is wound by a rotor, an oscillating mass that pivots with every wrist movement and tightens the mainspring. Worn regularly, it never stops. It is the direct heir to traditional fine watchmaking, prized for the life it brings to your wrist: a fluid seconds hand that sweeps across the dial rather than ticking like a quartz watch.

Power reserve and winding: what you need to know

The decisive technical point of an automatic is its power reserve: the length of time it continues to function once removed from your wrist. Most calibres hold between 38 and 42 hours, some modern ones reach 70 hours and beyond. In practice, a watch worn during the week and set aside at the weekend may stop on Monday: simply wind it by hand (a few turns of the crown) and reset the time. An automatic winder can also keep it running between wears, useful for models with a date function.

Automatic or quartz: the real choice

Quartz wins on accuracy (a few seconds per month) and freedom from maintenance. Automatic wins on mechanical soul, fluid seconds hand and durability over the very long term: a well-maintained mechanical movement can be serviced and passed down over decades, whereas a quartz module is replaced. The trade-off: an automatic drifts by a few seconds per day (this is normal, not a fault) and requires servicing every 5 to 8 years or so. You choose an automatic for the pleasure of watchmaking, not for pure chronometric precision.

Maintaining an automatic watch

An automatic loves being worn: regular movement naturally lubricates the mechanism. If it sits idle for long periods, an automatic winder keeps it active. Avoid strong magnetic fields (speakers, bag magnets, induction hobs) that can cause it to run fast; a demagnetiser easily corrects the problem. Have the movement serviced every 5 to 8 years by a watchmaker to renew the oils. Finally, check the water resistance rating engraved on the back before any contact with water.

Explore our selection of men's automatic watches, as well as our automatic watch winders. Every watch is authentic, delivered in its original box with a 2-year warranty and returns accepted within 14 days.