What Is Mechanical Watch Movement?

Origins

• Mechanical watch movements have been in existence since the 16th century, but were not mass-produced until the 19th century, according to Atmos-man.com.

Unchanged Technology

• The basic operation of a mechanical movement has not changed much in about a century, although modern technology and better quality materials have made watches more durable, according to TimeZone.com.

Two Versions

• A mechanical watch movement is either manufactured in-house by the watchmaker, such as Omega, or is an "ebauche," an unassembled movement manufactured by an independent builder and sold to a watch company, such as Invicta.

Manual Wind

• A manual wind mechanical movement can power a watch for about 35 hours and needs to be wound daily to keep it operating.

Automatic

• An automatic mechanical movement is powered by the continuing movement of the watch-wearer's wrist and arm. It also can be manually wound and has about a 42-hour power reserve.

Maintenance

• Unlike an electronic movement, the mechanical version needs no battery. However, it needs to be lubricated and serviced every five years.