Automatic, Kinetic, CONFUSED

J

jefroman

Joined
May 17, 2001
Messages
770
What is the difference between automatic watches like Fortis, and Motion Powered Kinetic watches like Seiko? Neither of the two types need a battery. I know that motion powered watches run off the movement from your hand, but how do automatic watches work??

Thank you very much!

Jeff
 
I am no expert, but I believe Kinetic watches are quartz watches that are powered by kinetic movement. Automatic watches are actually wound by the same movement.

I am sure there is a more knowledgeable forumite who can give you a more detailed explanation. But you certainly are not alone in your confusion -- I asked the same question myself once!
 
I'll give it a try.

automatic winding - The watch mainspring is wound automatically by a device inside the movement which rotates due to normal wrist motion while wearing the watch. This powers the watch.
The weakest part of an automatic mechanical movement has always been the rotor winding mechanism.

Seiko's movement uses a rotor which directly spins the generator. The energy produced is then transformed and stored in the capacitor. This energy then powers the watch. No battery is needed.

A generating device, however radically different than that of an automatic mechanical movement by design, might suffer from the same weaknesses such as being fragile when it comes to vibrations, shocks and lubricant oxydation.
 
Seiko, Omega, and now I see Tissot all have kenetic powered watches.
Basically they are automatics which do not run off of a spring but rather off a power cell of some sort....and thus are electric and quartz in design. Which makes them much more accurate than an automatic movement.
 
Hey jefroman!
Better?
There is no such thing as better. It's just a question of what you prefer and appreciate.
If all you want is to have an accurate watch, nothing beats a quartz movement, whether it's powered by a battery, or a spinning rotor. However, if you appreciate art and fine engineering in small mechanical machines, automatic watches are right up your alley.
Me personally, I prefer a fine automatic watch. I get +3 sec a day with my IWC Flieger. True, quartz is quite a bit more accurate.
But, to me, and many others, we'll sacrifice accuracy for art and micro-engineering.
Note, there is also a class of watch that recharges its battery/capacitor using a dial made of solar cells. No moving parts.
Just another option to consider.
Lenny
 
Originally posted by Lenny
...Note, there is also a class of watch that recharges its battery/capacitor using a dial made of solar cells. No moving parts.
Just another option to consider. Lenny
Click to expand...

Citizen Eco-Drive. VERY nice watches!.:).

BTW...Also, the Automatic watches GENERALLY need to be worn on the wrist more for them to work correctly than the Kinetic watches, as the Kinetics seem to store "energy" better/longer than Automatics.
 
Sometimes I hear arguments for kinetics that it's an advantage that it shouldn't have changed the battery. Thats pretty accurate. But then it's sometimes added that this fact reduces the risk for the watch loosing the waterproofness after a battery change.

Please be aware that if your kinetic is waterproof, it should have the gaskets changed every 1-3 years anyway, in order to stay waterproof. And that everytime your watch has been opened it should be pressure tested.

Regards
Overgaar
 
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