A mechanical watch is simply powered by a moving mainspring. This is essentially a sprung spring wound mechanically which rotates mechanically on a chain of gears to consistently drive a series of tiny diamonds through the timepiece. The advantage to this type of mechanism is that it does not need a battery. In the long run, the battery will probably last longer, but it is quite a hassle to have to change a battery every so often.
Some people prefer an automatic movement in their mechanical watch. This type of hand winder is powered by an electric motor that can be set to allow for manual winding of the mainspring. The advantage to this type of mechanism is that there are generally fewer complications with this type of watch, as the gears and diamonds are self-cleaning. Some people like the fact that quartz movements do not need batteries to operate.
However, automatic watches with a mechanical movement have their disadvantages as well. The biggest disadvantage is that they are more expensive than quartz watches. They also have a shorter life span, sometimes lasting only a few years before needing to be replaced.
Quartz watches are becoming increasingly popular nowadays. Quartz mechanical watches use an internal battery, which is charged when the watch is being worn. These types of watches run on batteries that last longer than traditional quartz watches. They can also be recharged many times before having to be replaced. Many people like the fact that they have a more silent motor, which some people find makes the watches more aesthetically pleasing than their mechanical counterparts.
Another type of watch that has become popular in recent years is the multi-purpose watch. These watches are multi-functional, meaning that they can both tell the time and also display other information such as the current temperature. They can be used for sports, work, or even as a fashion accessory. Some people choose to purchase these quartz watches because they are much more affordable than the other two types of automatic movement watches.
While there are pros and cons to both quartz and mechanical watch movements, the decision comes down to personal preference. Most people will opt for one type or the other. If you can afford an expensive watch, then by all means go with the mechanical watch movement. If you cannot afford one, then go with a quartz watch.
