Image courtesy of WATCHESSY

When diving into the world of watches, one of the most crucial aspects to understand is the watch movement — the heart that powers the timepiece. For beginners in the microbrand watch scene, knowing the differences between automatic and quartz movements is key to appreciating why microbrands often select specific types to match their designs and target audience.

What Is a Watch Movement?

A watch movement, also known as the caliber, is the internal mechanism that drives the hands on the dial and powers the watch’s functions. It’s what makes your watch tick — literally and figuratively! The two most common types of movements are automatic (mechanical) and quartz.

Automatic Movement: The Charm of Tradition

Automatic watches are a subset of mechanical watches, which means they are powered by a series of gears and springs without the need for a battery. What makes automatic watches special is the rotor, a moving component inside the watch that winds the mainspring as you wear it. In other words, the movement of your wrist keeps the watch running.

Key Features of Automatic Watches:

• Smooth sweeping second hand: The seconds hand moves in a continuous, smooth motion rather than a ticking motion.
• Craftsmanship: Automatic movements are often valued for their intricate engineering and the skill required to assemble them.
• Power reserve: Once fully wound, automatic watches can run for a certain amount of time (usually 24-72 hours) even when they’re not being worn.
• No battery needed: They’re powered by the movement of your wrist, so there's no need to worry about battery replacements.

Why Microbrands Choose Automatic Movements:

Microbrands often opt for automatic movements to give their watches a sense of heritage and craftsmanship. These movements are appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate the art and tradition of mechanical watchmaking. Brands like Revelot use automatic movements in their designs to offer a more premium, mechanical experience that aligns with their goal of delivering high-quality timepieces.

Quartz Movement: Reliable and Affordability

Quartz watches use a battery-powered quartz crystal to keep time. When an electric current from the battery passes through the crystal, it vibrates at a precise frequency. These vibrations help regulate the movement of the hands, providing accurate and reliable timekeeping.

Key Features of Quartz Watches:

• Ticking second hand: The second hand moves in a distinct tick-tick motion, advancing once per second.
• High accuracy: Quartz movements are known for their exceptional precision, often only losing or gaining a few seconds per month.
• Low maintenance: These watches require little upkeep, with battery changes being the most frequent maintenance task.
• Cost-effective: Quartz movements are generally more affordable to produce, making these watches budget-friendly.

Why Microbrands Choose Quartz Movements:

Microbrands often choose quartz movements to create affordable watches without compromising on style and functionality. For example, beginners or casual watch enthusiasts might be drawn to quartz watches because they provide reliable timekeeping at a lower price point. This allows microbrands to reach a broader audience and offer entry-level watches that are accessible to new collectors.

Which Movement is Right for You?

Choosing between an automatic and a quartz watch comes down to personal preference and lifestyle:

• Go for automatic if you appreciate the artistry and mechanical aspect of watchmaking and don't mind winding your watch occasionally.
• Choose quartz if you prefer a low-maintenance, highly accurate watch that’s often more affordable.

Why Microbrands Like Revelot Offer Both

Brands like Revelot understand the diverse preferences of watch enthusiasts, which is why they offer both automatic and quartz watches in their collection. This allows them to cater to a wider audience — from seasoned collectors who value the craftsmanship of an automatic movement to newcomers looking for a reliable, stylish, and affordable quartz watch.

R10 Admiral GMT Darkside C3 Steel (Seiko NH34 Automatic) 

Gentus Storm Rose Bicolor (Swiss Ronda Quartz)