Choosing the right watch movement is key for accuracy, maintenance, and long-term enjoyment. This guide explains the main types of movements: quartz and automatic watches, helping you understand how each works and what suits your lifestyle. PASCAL examples are included to illustrate real-world watches.
What Is a Watch Movement?
A watch movement, often called a caliber, is the mechanism that powers the hands, date, and complications in any timepiece. Understanding how movements work helps you make smarter purchasing decisions.
Industry-wide, movements fall into two main categories:
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Quartz: Powered by a battery and regulated by a quartz crystal for high precision.
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Automatic: Mechanical movements that wind themselves via wrist motion, showcasing traditional craftsmanship.
For example, PASCAL's watches like the Möbius Quartz and Timeless Automatic demonstrate both modern reliability and mechanical sophistication.
Watch Movement Types
Quartz Movements
Quartz movements are the most common in today’s market, offering accuracy and low maintenance. A battery sends electricity to a quartz crystal, which vibrates precisely 32,768 times per second. These vibrations drive a stepping motor that moves the hands accurately.
Pros and Cons
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Pros: Excellent accuracy, minimal maintenance, lower cost.
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Cons: Ticking seconds hand, periodic battery replacement (12–24 months).
PASCAL Quartz Examples
PASCAL quartz watches like the Möbius Quartz and Paradoxe Quartz offer reliable daily wear with elegant design. These examples illustrate how high-quality quartz movements balance performance and aesthetics.
The circuit counts those vibrations and sends pulses to a stepping motor. The motor turns the dial train so the hands advance with high precision. Here's a complete guide to how Quartz watches work and are considered as the best watch movement.
Automatic Movements
Automatic (self-winding) movements are mechanical watches powered by wrist motion. A rotor winds the mainspring, which drives the hands through a gear train regulated by an escapement and balance wheel. This system produces a smooth sweeping seconds hand, admired by enthusiasts worldwide.
Pros and Cons
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Pros: No battery required, visible craftsmanship, connection to horological tradition.
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Cons: Higher price than quartz, requires periodic servicing (every 3–7 years), sensitive to shocks and magnets.
PASCAL Automatic Examples
PASCAL models such as the Timeless Automatic and Octagonal Automatic demonstrate smooth sweeps and elegant rotor designs, blending mechanical precision with everyday usability.
Care Tips
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Wear daily or manually wind if unused for several days.
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Follow service intervals to maintain accuracy and longevity.
Watch Movement Comparison
| Aspect | Quartz | Automatic |
|---|---|---|
| Power Source | Battery + Quartz Crystal | Self-wound Mainspring (Rotor) |
| Accuracy | High (±15s/month) | Good with regulation |
| Maintenance | Battery change every 12–24 months | Servicing every 3–7 years |
| Experience | Ticking seconds, low fuss | Smooth sweep, visible rotor |
| Best For | Everyday wearers seeking reliability | Daily wear with mechanical appreciation |
This comparison shows the trade-offs between precision, maintenance, and tactile experience, helping you decide which movement suits your needs. PASCAL examples illustrate both categories clearly.
Choosing the Best Watch Movement
When selecting a watch, consider your lifestyle, maintenance tolerance, and budget:
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Quartz: Low maintenance, accurate, affordable – ideal for users rotating several watches or seeking a “set-and-forget” option.
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Automatic: Offers mechanical craftsmanship and sweeping seconds – perfect for collectors and daily wearers who enjoy horological engagement.
For inspiration, explore PASCAL's full catalog, where each movement type is represented with examples that suit both style and function.
