When choosing a watch, design and brand often take center stage—but what powers your watch is just as important. The movement, or calibre, is the mechanism that drives your watch’s hands, powers its complications, and keeps time ticking. Whether you're new to watches or a seasoned collector, understanding the different types of watch movements can help you make the right purchase.
⚡ 1. Quartz Movement: Precision and Simplicity
Quartz movements are powered by a battery and regulated by a quartz crystal. When electricity passes through the crystal, it vibrates at a precise frequency, driving a motor that moves the hands.
- Highly accurate (typically ±15 seconds per month)
- Low maintenance
- Often more affordable
- No winding required
Quartz watches are ideal for those who value precision and convenience. Brands often use quartz in both casual and high-end models, especially for their slim profiles and reliability.
At Watchello, you’ll find quartz models by:
- Casio – Durable and reliable timepieces.
- Just Cavalli – Stylish fashion watches with quartz precision.
- Ferrè Milano – Elegant designs with reliable movements.
- Versace – Sophisticated quartz chronographs.
- Esprit – Casual and contemporary quartz designs.
☀️ 2. Solar Movement: Eco-Friendly and Efficient
Solar watches are technically quartz watches, but instead of using a disposable battery, they are powered by light—both natural and artificial. The energy is stored in a rechargeable cell, allowing the watch to run even in complete darkness for months.
- Powered by light—no battery replacement needed
- Environmentally friendly
- Long power reserves (often 6+ months)
- Same accuracy as traditional quartz
Watchello highlights:
- Orient – Models like Mako Solar Chronograph and Mako 40 Solar blend robust design with solar technology.
- Casio – G‑Shock, Pro Trek, and Edifice lines feature practical solar movements for everyday use and adventures.
⚙️ 3. Mechanical Movements: Tradition in Motion
Mechanical movements rely entirely on mechanical parts—no battery involved. They store energy in a wound mainspring that releases gradually, powering the watch’s gear train.
- Manual-wind: Requires regular winding by turning the crown
- Automatic (self-winding): Uses a rotor that winds the mainspring through wrist motion
Featured Brand: Orient combines manual and automatic features in durable collections like Bambino, Mako, and Kamasu.
For a more refined experience, Orient Star represents the pinnacle of the brand’s mechanical craftsmanship—Made in Japan, hand-assembled, and featuring high-end complications like power reserve indicators and open-heart dials.
Why choose mechanical?
- Admired for craftsmanship and heritage
- Often visible through transparent casebacks
- Requires regular maintenance and service
⏱️ A Note on Tourbillon Movements
Invented in the late 18th century by Abraham-Louis Breguet, the tourbillon is a sophisticated complication designed to improve accuracy by counteracting the effects of gravity. Today, it symbolizes horological mastery and is often showcased through open dials or casebacks—more for prestige than function in modern watches.
🔁 4. Automatic Movements: Powered by You
Automatic watches are a subcategory of mechanical watches. They feature a semicircular rotor that spins with wrist movement, winding the mainspring automatically.
- No battery needed
- Winding is passive—just wear and go
- Long-lasting with proper care
Collectors enjoy the ritual of wearing and maintaining automatic watches. Models with power reserves up to 80 hours provide flexibility even when not worn daily.
🔍 Key Movement Components: What’s Inside
- Mainspring: Stores energy when wound
- Gear Train: Transfers energy to move the hands
- Escapement: Regulates the release of energy
- Balance Wheel: Oscillates to keep time
- Rotor: Winds the mainspring in automatics
- Jewels: Synthetic rubies reduce friction and wear
🤔 Which Movement Should You Choose?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer. If precision and minimal upkeep matter most, a quartz watch is perfect. If you’re drawn to tradition, craftsmanship, and mechanical beauty, go for a manual or automatic timepiece.
At Watchello, we offer a curated selection of watches with different movements—each tested for quality and designed to match your lifestyle.
Explore our collection and discover the movement that moves you.
Wishlist
Wishlist is empty.
Wishlist
Compare
Your cart is empty.
Return to shop