The Calibre of a Watch: The Heart of Precision and Style

In the world of fine watchmaking, precision is a must. Behind every watch that masterfully marks the time lie intricate mechanisms known as movements or calibres. These delicate, multifarious systems are the true architects of timekeeping accuracy. 

What is the calibre of a watch?

The calibre of a watch is the heart of the mechanism that drives its operation, determining its precision. This internal component, also known as a movement, made up of a series of intricate and minute parts, works in harmony to reliably measure time. 

The calibre of a watch can vary, whether mechanical, automatic or quartz, and each has its own characteristics and advantages. Exploring and understanding a watch’s calibre is essential to appreciating the complexity and artistry found in each timepiece.

Types of movement

Mechanical movement

This type of movement has been with us for several centuries. Its machinery (calibre) consists of gears and springs (among other things). They have to be wound up every so often. The second hand moves continuously. 

The Calibre of a Watch: The Heart of Precision and Style
Mechanical Movements
Main differenceMovement with gears and springs, winding required
Visual differenceAnalogue dial, continuously moving second hand
ReliabilityVery good as long as it has a power reserve
MaintenanceChecking of gears, oils, ensuring tightness
DurationMany years with proper maintenance
Energy sourceRequires winding up every 1 or 2 days
OtherCan have transparent back to see the mechanism
The Calibre of a Watch: The Heart of Precision and Style

BREITLING CLASSIC AVI AVI 1953 EDITION

(watch model with mechanical calibre)

Automatic movement 

Automatic mechanisms have a special feature: they charge themselves when they are worn on the wrist. They accumulate energy with our movement. Just like mechanical watches, they are very common in haute horlogerie firms.

The Calibre of a Watch: The Heart of Precision and Style
Automatic Movements
Main differenceMovement with gears and springs, loaded with movement
Visual differenceAnalogue dial, continuously moving seconds hand
ReliabilityVery good as long as it has a power reserve
MaintenanceChecking of gears, oils, ensuring tightness
DurationHundreds of years with proper maintenance
Energy sourceRequires winding or is charged by wrist movement
OtherCan have transparent back to see the mechanism
The Calibre of a Watch: The Heart of Precision and Style

PANERAI LUMINOR MECHANICAL

(automatic mechanical watch models)

Quartz movement

They are the most modern, from the 20th century. Their appearance brought about what is known as the “quartz crisis”, which affected the Swiss watch industry during the 1970s and 1980s. They have an electric circuit and are battery-operated. The second hand moves at small intervals. They can be fully digital or both digital and analogue. They are generally inexpensive compared to the former.

The Calibre of a Watch: The Heart of Precision and Style
Quartz movements
Main differenceDependence on a battery and electronic circuit
Visual differenceCan have analogue and/or digital dial, second hand in 1-second “jumps”.
MaintenanceBattery replacement, gasket replacement, seal replacement, waterproofing
DurationDecades
Energy sourceBattery, solar accumulator, charging with movement
OtherRadio-controlled, GPS, intelligent functions
The Calibre of a Watch: The Heart of Precision and Style

BVLGARI SERPENTI SPIGA DOUBLE SPIRAL

(watch model with quartz movement)

It is common for some Swiss watch brands such as Hublot, Omega or Breitling to manufacture their own movements. You can consult these pieces in our catalogue of Swiss watches or you can also do it physically by visiting our boutiques.

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