Automatic watches have fascinated collectors and wearers for centuries.
The first self-winding pocket watches appeared as early as the 18th century, followed in 1922 by the first automatic wristwatch. These timepieces are powered by a rotor that uses the wearer’s natural movements to continuously wind the mainspring, largely eliminating the need for manual winding.
Modern automatic watches feature protection mechanisms that prevent overwinding, can usually be wound via the crown, and offer a power reserve of up to 60 hours. To keep their watches running when not worn, many collectors rely on watch winders.
Since 2007, automatic quartz movements have also been available. In these watches, the wearer’s movement drives a small generator that recharges an internal battery. This innovative technology is currently produced by only a few manufacturers from Switzerland and Japan.