If you're looking for your first watch or are new to the watch market, you’ll come across various different terms and words that may sound a little confusing - two of these being “automatic” and “mechanical”. Don’t worry, we’re here to provide you with all the answers. When a watch description says that it is automatic or mechanical, it refers to how the watch is powered. There are many misconceptions about these two styles of watchmaking, with many thinking they are the same thing - which is partly true. A mechanical watch requires manual winding, while an automatic watch winds itself using energy from the movement of the wearer. Neither require a battery, which is a huge benefit for both these watches.
We will discuss what automatic watches are, what mechanical watches are and how they compare to one other so you can make a decision about which would work best for you!
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Mechanical Watches
A mechanical watch is a timekeeping device that uses mechanical movements to trace the passage of time. They do not require any electronic components or batteries like a quartz watch, but instead use a spring-powered mechanism and can also be known as analog watches. You can enjoy stylish and high-quality brands such as Citizen watches, Alba watches, Fossil watches and more!
A mechanical watch movement consists of a series of gears, springs, and other components that help the watch to remain accurate. The watch is usually powered by a mainspring that can be wound by hand. As the mainspring unwinds, energy is transmitted through the gears to move the watch’s hands and other mechanisms.
Mechanical watches are often considered luxury timepieces because of their intricate designs and high-quality craftsmanship. To ensure that the timepiece stays accurate and working appropriately, they do need regular maintenance such as oiling and cleaning to keep it ticking better for longer. You can also find a range of functions on mechanical watches such as chronographs and tourbillons - enhancing their complexity.
Our Top Picks for Analog Watches
Ellis & Co Jayde
$149.00
This Ellis & Co Women’s Watch with stainless steel mesh strap create a luxurious timepiece for an exquisite fashion look. Its smaller size and details bring about a vintage feeling and result in an elegant, feminine collection. - Stainless Steel… read more
Dunlop ES8586G-H Multifunction Sports
$39.00
$79.95
- Duo Display with digital and analogue time - 12 Digit display with light - Daily Alarm with 4-minute snooze option - Chronograph with 1/100 th - Calendar - Stopwatch - Normal display: Month, Date, Day of Week, Hour, and… read more
Casio LRW200H-4E4 Youth
$63.96
$79.95
The Casio LRW200H-4E4 Pink Resin Youth Watch, with a sleek 38.9 × 34.2 × 11.5mm case and lightweight 25g design. Crafted with durable resin for the band, bezel, and case, it ensures durability. With water resistance up to 100 meters,… read more
Automatic Watches
An automatic watch is a type of mechanical watch that is powered by the movement of the wearer’s wrist rather than a typical battery or external power source. You may also see automatic watches referred to as self-winding watches. Step out in impeccable style with amazing brands such as Seiko such as Seiko 5 and Seiko Prospex as well as Citizen automatic watches.
When the wearer moves their hand, it causes a rotor, which is connected to the watch’s movement, to rotate. This motion winds the mainspring of the watch, which stores energy to power the watch’s movement. When the mainspring is fully wound, the watch will continue to run for a long period of time before it needs to be wound again.
One of the best things about automatic watches is that they do not require a battery replacement, ever! Automatic timepieces are usually very prized, and are crafted with unique mechanical beauty - known for their craftsmanship and accuracy.
The downside to automatic watches is that they typically require more maintenance than quartz watches, and usually need to be serviced by a professional every few years to ensure that it is running properly.
Our Top Picks for Automatic Watches
Seiko 5 SSK001K Automatic GMT SKX Series
$875.00
Embrace unmissable style in this striking Seiko SSK001K GMT Stainless Steel Men’s Watch. Crafted in the shiny lustre of stainless steel with intricate links that have a traditional pattern. The bezel has a two toned, black, and grey colour and… read more
Seiko Presage SRP839J Cocktail Time Automatic
$695.00
The Seiko Presage Cocktail Time series SRP839J1 presents an automatic movement timepiece. This elegant ladies' watch showcases a soft, pink-toned dial complemented by stainless steel hands and markers, housed within a stainless-steel case and bracelet, and protected by Hardlex glass.… read more
Armani Exchange Hampton AX2456 Automatic
$399.20
$499.00
The Armani Exchange Hampton AX2456 Automatic is a sophisticated timepiece that combines luxury with reliable functionality. Featuring a rose gold case and bracelet, it boasts a sleek black dial accented with elegant rose gold details, creating a refined and bold… read more
Analog vs Automatic Watch
So, while both timepieces have unique characteristics and features, which is best for you? Here are some of the differences between the two to help you decide.
Mechanism + Power
An automatic watch uses a self-winding mechanism that is powered by the movement of the wearer, which means that you don’t need to manually wind the watch. Mechanical watches on the other hand use a mechanical movement to track the time, and require hand winding.
Accuracy
In general terms, an automatic watch is more accurate than a mechanical watch because they have more precise mechanisms. However, both types can be affected by external factors like temperature and magnetics.
Maintenance
Both of these watches require regular cleaning to ensure their accuracy and longevity. However, mechanical watches do need more maintenance than their automatic counterparts because the self-winding mechanism on automatic timepieces helps to keep them running smoothly.
Ultimately, the choice is yours about whether you would prefer an automatic or mechanical timepiece. Analog watches are generally more affordable and come in a range of different styles; they’re perfect for those who appreciate traditional craftsmanship and design. Automatic watches are a bigger investment financially, but offer the convenience of self-winding along with the prestige of owning a luxury timepiece.
