What is an automatic movement?

An automatic watch movement, also known as a self-winding movement, is a mechanical movement that harnesses the kinetic energy generated from the natural motion of the wearer's wrist to wind the mainspring. This eliminates the need for manual winding, provided the watch is worn regularly.

The key difference between an automatic and a manual mechanical movement lies in the addition of an oscillating weight, or rotor, in the automatic movement. This semi-circular or shaped weight pivots freely on a central staff and swings back and forth as the wearer moves their wrist. This motion is then transferred through a series of gears to wind the mainspring, the energy source of the watch.

Key components specific to an automatic movement include:
- Oscillating Weight (Rotor): A weighted component that rotates with the movement of the wearer's wrist.
- Winding Train: A set of gears that transmits the rotational motion of the rotor to the mainspring barrel, winding the mainspring.
- Reversing Mechanism: A system, often utilizing pawls or gears, that ensures the mainspring is wound regardless of the direction in which the rotor spins.

Automatic movements retain the intricate mechanics and craftsmanship of traditional mechanical movements while offering the added convenience of self-winding. As long as an automatic watch is worn with sufficient frequency, it will remain wound and continue to function without manual intervention. If an automatic watch is not worn for a period, the power reserve stored in the mainspring will deplete, and the watch will need to be wound manually (typically by turning the crown) to restart.

Jowissa offers a selection of automatic timepieces that showcase the beauty and engineering of these self-winding movements. These watches provide a seamless blend of horological tradition and everyday practicality. We encourage you to explore our collection to discover the elegance and convenience of Jowissa automatic watches.