Differences Between Automatic & Mechanical Watch

Watches are about so much more than simply telling time; they’re perfectly created pieces of art, history and personal style. When it comes to classic wristwatches, however, there are two terms that frequently come to buyers' minds: automatic and mechanical.

Are they the same? Different? Is one better than the other?

To find the answers to all your questions, read this, as we explain both in detail and their characteristics for you to discover which of these two suits your needs or taste.

Whether you’re a collector of timepieces or purchasing your first quality wristwatch, this guide simplifies your decision.

What Is a Mechanical Watch?

A mechanical watch is a classic timepiece based on gears and springs. Instead of batteries, it is powered by the stored energy of a wound mainspring and regulated with a balance wheel system that keeps time.

How Does It Work?

• Energy Source: Energy is wound up in the mainspring.
• Power transmission: This energy is transferred by means of gears and levers.
• Regulation: A balance wheel swings back and forth regulating time.
• Dial: The hand displays the hours, minutes and seconds.

Note: This system is completely mechanical, there are no electronics, batteries, or chips. The tradition of crafting mechanical timepieces is centuries old, and collectors still value the work for its precision and craftsmanship.

What Is an Automatic Watch?

An automatic watch (also called a self-winding watch) is a watch that is wound by the wrist motion of the wearer.

Want more explanation? Read What an Automatic Watch Is?

How does it work?

• Rotor Mechanism: A rotor inside the watch turns with each movement of the wrist.
• Automatic: A movement that automatically winds the mainspring.
• Power Reserve: Automatic watches typically have a power reserve of 38–72 hours.

Key Differences: Automatic vs Mechanical Watches

Now that we have outlined the two types, let’s see how they compare in terms of design, function, convenience and value.

Power Source and Winding Method

Mechanical Watch:

• Requires being manually wound periodically (approximately once a day or every few days).
• Fully hand-wound means operated by energy stored in the mainspring.

Automatic Watch:

• Winding is by means of wrist action through the rotor.

Hand winding is generally optional, but can be very useful if the watch is not used every day.

Bottom Line: If you appreciate ritual, then winding by hand can be an option. It’s a little more convenient for the daily wearer to wear an automatic watch.

Convenience and Wearability

Mechanical Watches:

• Requires manual winding, but some collectors like doing this as a daily ritual.
• If I don’t use them for a while, they will stop and need to be reset.
• Automatic Watches:
• Wind while you wear them.

Good for daily use, easier for frequent wearers.

Complexity and Craftsmanship

Both are examples of superb craftsmanship but with a minor difference:

Mechanical Watches:

• Usually less complex internally, and thus more affordable to service.
• Pure traditional engineering.

Automatic Watches:

• A bit tougher because of the rotor mechanism.
• Adds invention and mechanical elegance.

Hence, some collectors value the increased trend of automatics as a sign of progress in watchmaking technology.

Accuracy and Performance

With mechanical watches, accuracy is a result of several different aspects such as construction, regulation, resistance to shocks and design.

Mechanical Watches:

• Average is ok, but varies based on build quality.
• Mechanical watches at the high end can be very accurate.
• Automatic Watches:
• Similar in accuracy to mechanical, the self-winding mechanism isn’t an advancement in precision.

If he or she wears the watch regularly and continuously, it can keep good time.

Maintenance and Longevity

Both need attention over time, but what and how often can vary:

Mechanical Watches:

• Simpler inside, are just a tiny bit easier to repair
• Continues to require oiling and regulation every 3–7 years or so.
• Automatic Watches:
• Servicing parts of the rotor must be handled with care.
• Servicing is about the same as mechanical watches.

Long-Term Ownership: Both types will run reliably for decades with servicing by a trained watchmaker.

Style, Tradition, and Collector Value

Mechanical Watches:

• Highly valued by traditionalists.
• Could become collector’s items and often hand-made or limited edition.
• Automatic Watches:
• Combine old-world craftsmanship with modern-age elegance.
• Automatic movements are found in numerous iconic watches.

But, indeed, classic mechanical vintage watches hold an emotional appeal and appeal to collectors.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Conclusion: Which Should You Choose?

Which is right for you depends on lifestyle, personal preference and how you want to use the watch:

• Go for a mechanical watch if you love the physical ritual of winding your watch and treasure tradition.
• Go with an automatic watch for timeless mechanical appeal and practicality. No need to wind, and it'll look equally great on workdays.

Either way, both of these styles are about craft, engineering and eternal class, qualities that separate real watches from overvalued timepieces.

FAQs

Are automatic watches longer lasting than mechanical watches?

Not necessarily. They are both mechanical, with lifespan depending on build and upkeep. Properly maintained, both can be passed down for generations.

Are automatic watches mechanical?

Yes! The automatic watch is a kind of mechanical watch. The difference, however, is the fact that it’s an automatic wind watch.