Part 1 of Myths about Mechanical Watches

Part 1 of Myths about Mechanical Watches

  • May 16, 2024

  • We will debunk myths about mechanical watches in this blog post and prove why they remain a timeless and valuable accessory, despite being outdated and impractical. You'll discover the truth about these myths and why owning a mechanical watch is so beautiful in the coming weeks.

    Mechanical watches are outdated and obsolete, according to myth #1


    Modern technology and digital devices have replaced mechanical watches as a thing of the past, according to a common myth. As a matter of fact, mechanical watches have endured throughout history and remain popular among watch enthusiasts due to their craftsmanship, precision, and timeless beauty.

    Firstly, it's important to understand what a mechanical watch actually is. A mechanical watch is one that operates solely through a mechanical mechanism - meaning no electronics are involved. They keep time by means of a complex system of gears, springs, and levers instead.

    As a result of the rise of quartz watches in the 1970s, this myth persists. These battery-powered watches were cheaper to produce and more accurate than their mechanical counterparts at the time. Consequently, mechanical watches were seen as outdated technology that would eventually become extinct.

    In contrast to quartz watches, mechanical watches are distinguished by their intricate design and engineering. Each component is carefully crafted by skilled artisans with meticulous attention to detail. A level of craftsmanship like this cannot be replicated by machines or mass production methods.

    Mechanical watches, unlike quartz watches, can last for generations with proper maintenance, and they are incredibly accurate with minimal deviation from true timekeeping over extended periods of time.

    Mechanical watches continue to be revered not only for their functionality, but also for their aesthetic appeal. With different types of movements, like manual-winding or automatic self-winding mechanisms, each watch has its own personality and charm.

    Collectors and connoisseurs alike regard high-quality mechanical watches as status symbols. The art behind these intricate timepieces elevates them beyond mere accessories; they are works of art that last a lifetime.

    To conclude,

    It is a myth that mechanical watches are outdated and obsolete. These timepieces are still revered today for their craftsmanship, precision, and timeless appeal, and they are not just functional devices; they are works of art that can be passed down from generation to generation. Don't let this myth deceive you, and consider adding one to your collection today.

     

     

    The second myth is that mechanical watches are less accurate than quartz watches

    In most people's minds, mechanical watches are less accurate than quartz watches, according to a commonly held myth. Many people have believed for decades that mechanical watches are obsolete and unreliable when it comes to timekeeping, but the truth may surprise you.

    To understand why this myth exists, it's important to first understand the difference between a mechanical watch and a quartz watch. Quartz watches use an electronic oscillator regulated by a battery, while mechanical watches are powered by gears and springs. In terms of accuracy, the main difference between these two watches is in their power source.

    As a result of their precise electronic components instead of delicate mechanical components, quartz watches seem to be more accurate when viewed at first glance. The assumption, however, fails to take into account the incredible craftsmanship and precision engineering that go into making a high-quality mechanical watch.

    In fact, mechanical watches can be just as accurate as quartz watches – if not more so – if properly maintained and serviced. Each component of a mechanical watch is handcrafted and assembled with extreme care. For optimal timekeeping, the balance wheel – which regulates the movement of the gears – must be perfectly balanced and calibrated.

    Quartz movements depend on battery-powered electronic oscillators that can cause slight variations in timekeeping over extended periods of use. While these variations are imperceptible to most users, they do exist.

    Additionally, mechanical movements can last for decades if properly maintained, unlike quartz movements, which typically require replacement batteries every few years or so. As a result, mechanical watches can maintain accuracy better over time than quartz watches, whose batteries may need to be replaced several times during their lifespan if they are properly serviced and cared for.

    The advent of modern technology has also led to the creation of highly accurate mechanical watches, known as chronometers. Organizations such as the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) test these watches rigorously and require them to meet strict standards.

    The idea that mechanical watches are less accurate than quartz watches is simply a myth. When properly crafted, maintained, and serviced, mechanical watches can be just as – if not more – accurate than their electronic counterparts. The next time someone says that your mechanical watch is always running late, you can confidently dispel the myth.