Behind every great watch is its movement—the unseen engine that powers the hands, tracks the time, and defines the wearer’s experience. Whether you’re buying your first timepiece or adding to a growing collection, understanding how a watch movement works is key to making a smart, personal choice. At Johnston Jewelers, we believe horology should be accessible to everyone, so here’s a clear guide to the three main types of watch movements: quartz, automatic, and manual.
Let’s begin with quartz movements. Introduced in the late 1960s, quartz technology revolutionized the watch industry by offering unparalleled accuracy and affordability. Powered by a small battery and regulated by the consistent vibration of a quartz crystal, these watches keep time with remarkable precision—often within seconds per month. Because they require fewer moving parts, quartz watches are generally more affordable and lower maintenance than their mechanical counterparts. They’re also incredibly convenient, especially for those who want a “set-it-and-forget-it” experience. From classic dress watches to sporty chronographs, quartz remains a favorite for everyday reliability.
Automatic movements, also called self-winding watches, take a very different approach. These mechanical timepieces are powered by a mainspring that winds itself using the natural motion of the wearer’s wrist. Inside an automatic watch is a weighted rotor that spins as you move, gradually tightening the mainspring and delivering consistent power. No battery is needed—just wear it regularly, and it stays ticking. The beauty of an automatic movement lies in its craftsmanship: a complex assembly of gears, jewels, and levers, all working in harmony. While automatic watches require more care—occasional servicing and use of a watch winder if stored for long periods—they’re treasured by collectors for their artistry and tradition.
Manual movements, also known as hand-wound watches, are the oldest and most traditional form of watchmaking. These watches must be wound by hand—usually via the crown—every day or two to keep the mainspring tight and the watch running. While less common in modern watch cases, many connoisseurs are drawn to the ritual of winding a watch and the direct connection it creates between user and timepiece. Manual watches are often admired for their elegant simplicity, thin case profiles, and historical charm.
Choosing between quartz, automatic, and manual ultimately depends on your lifestyle, preferences, and relationship with time. If you need dependable, low-maintenance performance for everyday wear, a quartz watch is an excellent choice. If you appreciate fine engineering, the weight and feel of a mechanical movement, and the beauty of a ticking sweep hand, an automatic may suit you best. And if you want a piece of horological history—a watch that invites daily ritual and reflects the art of timekeeping at its purest—a manual movement will not disappoint.
At Johnston Jewelers, we carry timepieces across all movement types, from precision quartz to finely tuned Swiss automatics and heritage-inspired hand-wound models. Our team is always here to help you find a watch that matches not just your style, but your story. Whether you’re marking a milestone, expanding a collection, or investing in your first heirloom, understanding what moves your watch is the first step in making the perfect choice.