What is the English name for a fully-automatic mechanical watch?

A fully-automatic mechanical watch, also known as an automatic watch or self-winding watch, is a popular variation of the classic mechanical watch. As the name implies, it is a type of watch that is designed to wind itself automatically without any need for manual winding or battery replacement. Instead, it uses the natural movement of the wearer's wrist to power an internal mechanism that winds the mainspring and keeps the watch running.

The history of fully-automatic mechanical watches

The history of the automatic watch goes back to the late 1700s, when the Swiss watchmaker Abraham-Louis Perrelet developed a type of watch that used an oscillating weight to automatically wind the mainspring. This invention was later improved upon by other watchmakers, including the famous Swiss watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet, who developed a watch that used a "perpetual" rotor to wind the mainspring.

In the years that followed, the automatic watch became increasingly popular among watch enthusiasts and collectors. Today, there are many different types of automatic watches available on the market, ranging from affordable entry-level models to high-end luxury watches.

How do fully-automatic mechanical watches work?

The basic mechanism of a fully-automatic mechanical watch is relatively simple. It consists of a mainspring, a balance wheel, an escapement, and a gear train. When the watch is wound, the mainspring stores energy that is slowly released and transferred to the gear train, which powers the watch's hands and other features.

However, in a fully-automatic watch, there is an additional component known as a rotor. This is a weighted disc that is attached to the watch's movement and is free to rotate around an axis. When the watch is worn, the natural movement of the wearer's wrist causes the rotor to rotate, which in turn winds the mainspring and keeps the watch running. The rotor is also designed to "whip" back and forth as it rotates, which helps to keep the watch wound even when the wearer is not moving.

Advantages of fully-automatic mechanical watches

One of the main advantages of a fully-automatic mechanical watch is that it does not require any external power source. This means that it can continue to operate indefinitely as long as it is worn regularly. It also eliminates the need for manual winding, which can be a hassle with traditional mechanical watches.

Additionally, because automatic watches are powered by the natural movement of the wearer's wrist, they are often considered to be more environmentally friendly than battery-powered watches. They also have a certain charm and mystique that many people find appealing.

Caring for your fully-automatic mechanical watch

While fully-automatic mechanical watches are durable and reliable, they do require some maintenance in order to keep them running smoothly. This includes regular cleaning and lubrication of the movement, as well as periodic adjustment of the watch's accuracy.

It is also important to store your automatic watch properly when it is not being worn. This means keeping it in a dry and cool place, away from direct sunlight and humidity. You should also avoid exposing the watch to strong magnetic fields, which can damage the movement.

In conclusion...

Overall, a fully-automatic mechanical watch is a fascinating and functional timepiece that has been popular with watch enthusiasts for centuries. Whether you are a serious collector or simply appreciate the craftsmanship and engineering that goes into a high-quality watch, a fully-automatic mechanical watch is definitely worth considering for your next timepiece purchase.