Throughout the past century, a lot has changed in the way watches are made, used, and perceived. With the smorgasbord of watches available today, it makes sense to learn about the different types that you can choose from. If you’re in the market for a new watch and you need a bit of guidance to know which one to buy, you’ve come to the right place! In this post, we will get into the three general types of wristwatches, and hopefully, be able to help you decide which is the right one for you. Let’s dive in!
What type of watch should I wear?
When talking about watches, there is going to be a significant overlap between brands when it comes to types, style, and price categories. For example, luxury brands like Rolex or Omega have entry-level models that have the same price point as the flagships of other brands. Some collectors and enthusiasts don’t mind huge price tags because they believe luxury items can someday make great investments. Some don’t prefer battery-operated watches because they want to avoid frequent servicing. While for others, just want something that tells time regardless of the brand or type. As you would notice, it mainly comes down to your needs and preferences as a watch wearer. So now, let’s discuss the different types of watches to help you formulate a preference of your own.
3 Types of Watches
Watches have two main categories called movements, which namely are mechanical and quartz. Narrowing things down, mechanical watch movements can also be classified into two subcategories which are manual and automatic. Let us talk about them one by one and also touch on a little bit about their history.
1. Manual-Mechanical
This is the oldest watch movement, and it was invented sometime in the 16th Century. Manual-mechanical or “manual winding” watches, as the name suggests, are timepieces that need regular winding for them to tick and tock. You would need to wind the crown daily, otherwise, it would stop working. Since the availability of newer watch movements, manually wound watches aren’t quite the popular choice today. Perhaps if you’re not an aficionado or enthusiast, you may find some manual watches too expensive, or even tedious since you would have to wind them regularly.
However, if you are getting hooked on the watch-collecting hobby or if you are starting to grow a strong appreciation for the micro-mechanics of the movement, it just might be the watch for you. You should get a mechanical watch with a transparent back. This will be advantageous because as you wind the crown, you will see the beautiful internal workings of the timepiece.
One thing to keep in mind is that manually wound watches are often noticeably thinner or lightweight. This may appeal to the preference of some enthusiasts. Perhaps one disadvantage of wearing a manual watch is you can easily wear off the seal of the crown over time. But overall, you will enjoy this watch if you have a genuine fondness for the intricacies of this mechanical movement.
2. Automatic-Mechanical
In 1778, French inventor Hubert Sarton made the first automatic or “self-winding” mechanical movement. Eventually, it became popular in the world of timekeeping, and it is one of the most revered watch types today.
What sets it apart from manually wound watches is that it has a rotor that helps create a constant release of energy. Simply put, it’s a mechanical watch that no longer needs winding for it to work. The kinetic energy from your activities throughout the day will make the watch keep ticking. That said, it’s the more convenient choice between the two mechanical watches, also because there are a plethora of options as they are more common.
One downside would be the fact that enthusiasts won’t be able to see the internal movement since the rotor on some watches block the watch components. And another is that you will need to be mindful of factors such as the temperature, shocks, gravity, and humidity that could affect the accuracy of your timekeeping; the manufacturer can also serve as a huge factor, whether or not the timepiece is high-quality. Nevertheless, it is an exquisite choice for wearers who admire the art of watchmaking.
3. Quartz
Back in the ‘70s and early ‘80s, a watch movement changed the course of watchmaking history forever. It was called the Quartz Revolution, and some have coined it the Quartz Crisis.
The quartz watch movement takes advantage of a battery that causes the quartz crystal to swing inside the watch. Compared to the mechanical movement, any quartz-driven watch undeniably tells time with more accuracy. It was a game-changer in the industry. Since little mastery was needed to make a quartz watch, it meant a significant drop in watch prices. The new demand for quartz watches resulted in the downturn of the mechanical watch industry. As a consequence, the know-how and craftsmanship behind mechanical watches started to diminish.
At least as an upside, timekeeping is now more accessible and affordable to the public thanks to the quartz movement. You just have to ensure that the watch receives servicing when the battery runs out. Nonetheless, if you think you are leaning towards the more practical option and if you want to enjoy its incredible accuracy, a quartz watch is your best bet.
The Verdict
Timekeeping is a crucial need for everyday life, and when considering a watch, it is just as crucial to understanding how each type of movement works. As we have learned, each watch type may have its pros and cons–but ultimately, it comes down to your preferences and needs as a watch wearer.
If you want a high-end watch that does accurate timekeeping without hurting your wallet, perhaps consider a quartz watch from Tissot. They have some of the most beautiful quartz watches, and they are trusted by the NBA and the Swiss Hockley Federation for their excellent timekeeping. If you want to admire the fine craftsmanship of watchmaking up-close, resort to a timepiece from NOMOS or Rolex. They are influential and prestigious brands in the industry that will exceed your expectations when it comes to intricate watchmaking and rich heritage. So, which type of watch do you appreciate the most?
By now, hopefully, you have been able to arrive at making your preference when it comes to wristwatches. If you are interested in looking at Tissot, Omega, or Rolex prices, be sure to check out WatchShopping.com! They offer amazing deals and authentic timepieces from the most reputable brands. Best of luck!
