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. 

	Mechanical Movements
Main difference	Movement with gears and springs, winding required
Visual difference	Analogue dial, continuously moving second hand
Reliability	Very good as long as it has a power reserve
Maintenance	Checking of gears, oils, ensuring tightness
Duration	Many years with proper maintenance
Energy source	Requires winding up every 1 or 2 days
Other	Can have transparent back to see the mechanism

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.

	Automatic Movements
Main difference	Movement with gears and springs, loaded with movement
Visual difference	Analogue dial, continuously moving seconds hand
Reliability	Very good as long as it has a power reserve
Maintenance	Checking of gears, oils, ensuring tightness
Duration	Hundreds of years with proper maintenance
Energy source	Requires winding or is charged by wrist movement
Other	Can have transparent back to see the mechanism

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.

	Quartz movements
Main difference	Dependence on a battery and electronic circuit
Visual difference	Can have analogue and/or digital dial, second hand in 1-second “jumps”.
Maintenance	Battery replacement, gasket replacement, seal replacement, waterproofing
Duration	Decades
Energy source	Battery, solar accumulator, charging with movement
Other	Radio-controlled, GPS, intelligent functions

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.