Buying such an expensive pleasure as a wrist or a wall clock, I want to buy a device with a reliable and durable mechanism. Today, the latter is not one type. But which clockwork is better? What are the features in the principles of each? We will answer these and other questions further.
What is a clockwork
Its other name is caliber. The clock mechanism is a kind of engine of the device, its energy source, which makes the entire system function. It is he who moves the hands on the dial, is responsible for changing the time zone, the work of the calendar and chronograph. Clockwork is the most important part of the device. Without it, it is an empty decoration.
In the modern world, a large number of clockworks are produced. Fresh, patented innovations are constantly being introduced. But, despite this, there are still two main types - mechanical and quartz.
How to quickly distinguish between them? Take a look at the second hand. If the mechanism is quartz, then the arrow will move sharply, jerkily from mark to mark. If the watch is mechanical, then the movement of the element is soft and smooth.
Quartz watch
The quartz watch movement is highly accurate and has a minimum requirement for itself. You only need to periodically replace the batteries. Differ in relative cheapness, as they are powered from an external source.
I must say, true watch lovers do not particularly like this type. He is not considered a masterpiece of engineering, a flight of the creator’s creative thoughts, he does not captivate with the subtlety of his work.
One of the most famous brands using a quartz movement can be called Patek Philippe. Devices fully meet all the high requirements for a quality standard.
Quartz movement
Such a clockwork with hands uses a battery as an external power source. This is most typical of standard devices that are not burdened with excesses.
To create energy in a small or large clock mechanism, a battery passes a charge through a quartz crystal. This causes the latter to create vibrations. They, in turn, force the whole mechanism to oscillate. As a result, the watch hands are set in motion.
Mechanical watches
The mechanical clockwork is most characteristic of elite devices. It is characterized by surprisingly delicate work, high quality. Recognized craftsmen create such products. The whole mechanism here is a complex and intricate sequence of the smallest elements, together functioning and energizing the clock.
It is important to note that the basic structure of a mechanical watch has not changed for centuries. Only for years have masters changed technology to ever more precise ones, paying attention to the look and functions of every detail.
Surprisingly, the source of energy for such a mechanism is not a battery, but a small, gradually untwisted spring. The element not only accumulates and transfers energy to the other springs and gears, but also regulates its (energy) output for the general supply of the system.
In elite watches two types of mechanical systems are used:
- With manual recharging.
- With automatic recharging.
Consider the features of each of them.
Manual winding mechanical watch
The oldest type of mechanism, whose age is estimated at centuries. Connoisseurs love this traditional type of device for its open watch mechanism, the operation of which can be observed through the back cover. Why is it manual? Everything is simple. The watch needs to be winded with your own hands in order to fill the main spring of the mechanism with energy.
Thus, the owner several times tightens a special head on his watch. Starts (accumulates energy) main running spring. In the course of work, it gradually unwinds, releasing its energy through a sequence of gears and springs, which regulate the intensity of this process. The released charge feeds the whole mechanism, which ultimately sets the clock hands in motion.
Mechanical Watch Winding Interval
The period during which the watch can do without winding depends on the ability of the clock mechanism to accumulate energy in itself. Some devices need to fail every day, some - after a few days. The maximum for modern mechanical watches today is 8 days.
I must say that many owners of such devices have the habit of tightening the winding head each time the accessory is worn on the arm. This is a common mistake that can lead to an early failure of the mechanism. Try to win it up at the frequency recommended by the manufacturer.
Automatic mechanical watch
The second common type today is self-winding mechanical accessories. Where does the energy come from here? From natural hand movements, by the wrist of the wearer of the watch. By purchasing such a device, you do not need to worry about the mechanism stopping. If you wear the accessory all the time, this certainly will not happen - you go about your business, and your watch collects energy at this time.
A little deeper into the principles of work. In fact, it’s automatic, that the wristwatch operates on a similar principle. One difference - in the first case, a small part called "rotor" is added. It rotates freely, but at the same time is connected to the clockwork.
A person moves his wrist, at this time the rotor spins, converts energy, which allows you to automatically rotate the running spring. Such a brilliantly simple principle of work.
Automatic Watch Winding Interval
Automatic is an independent clockwork. However, the owner’s movements for its continuous functioning are enough if a person wears an accessory constantly, every day. But if you need a watch only occasionally, and the rest of the time they are stored in a case or on a shelf, then quick winding is necessary to bring them into working condition.
Modernity has offered a great alternative. You can purchase a special device for self-winding watches, which will charge them with energy while you are not wearing an accessory.
Mechanisms for interior watches
The most common clock mechanism for wall, grandfather clocks is quartz. He is known both with intermittent (discrete), and with a smooth ride. Modern technologies allow both to work equally quietly. The only difference is that the first mechanism allows you to make a full clockwise rotation in 60 pulses, and the second in 360, which allows visual smoothness to be observed.
The mechanisms for interior watches are also characterized by low energy consumption, despite the scale. They stand out with high accuracy (+/- 1 second). Mechanical brethren sin lower rates: +/- 15 seconds.
The heart of such a mechanism, like in a watch, is a small quartz crystal. It operates at a constant frequency of 32768 Hz. Its immutability and ensures accuracy. I must say that the last characteristic of a quartz watch is much less affected by pressure and air temperature than by mechanical devices.
Consider the famous manufacturers of wall clocks for wall clocks:
- UTS is a well-known German brand. Mechanisms stand out for their quality, almost silent discrete stroke.
- HERMLE is another German manufacturer, a well-known brand in its field.
- YOUNG TOWN - machinery manufactured in Hong Kong. Against the background of the above, they are distinguished by a lower price, which does not affect the quality of the product.
- SANGTAI - the budget mechanism of Chinese production.
Other types of mechanisms
Let's consider what other watch devices can be:
- Reinforced watch movements. Characterized by increased torque. Ideal for interior watches with long (up to 50 cm) hands.
- With a pendulum. In an old mechanical watch, the pendulum actuated the mechanism, today its function is more decorative, not affecting the accuracy of the movement.
- With a fight or a melody. Such watches with the help of a special sound circuit and a player are able to broadcast a melody, beat every hour. There are devices with one or several sets of sounds, a toggle-switch for their deactivation, auto-off of a signal for a certain time.
- 24 hour movement. The arrow here makes a complete revolution not for standard 12, but for 24 divisions.
- Cuckoo gears.
- Clock back. Emphasis on unusualness - time seems to be moving backwards.
So we sorted out all the clock movements that are common today. Their two main types are mechanical and quartz.