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Automatic Watches 101

What is an automatic watch?  What makes your watch tick is its movement, or an internal engine that powers the watch hands. Automatic watches, also known as self-winding watches, are widely loved for their sophisticated mechanical engines that harness energy from the natural motions of your wrist, which activate the intricate series of wound springs and gear trains within the watch to keep time. It is this unique mechanical heartbeat that has iconized automatic timekeeping as a centuries-old and deeply admired practice.

How do automatic watches differ from quartz watches?    Quartz watches are defined by their battery powered engines and exceptional accuracy. A more modern invention, they tend to be more affordable due to their light and efficient hardware. Automatic watches feature complex mechanical engines that are crafted with up to three times the working parts of quartz watches, made up of interconnected gears and springs that are powered by the kinetic energy from your wrist. Automatic watches exemplify a distinct level of quality, craftsmanship and complexity, so they’re usually a bit pricier. Their second hands also have different movement styles. Quartz watches feature more precise, abrupt tick movements, while automatic watches showcase a more smooth, sweeping motion, almost like the second hand is gliding around the dial.

Which MVMT automatic watch is right for me?   We offer a diverse catalogue of automatic watch designs to suit your specific lifestyle needs, from functional sport automatics to sleek and slim dress automatics. Our automatic movements range from Japanese-made Miyota movements to Seiko automatic watch movements. Explore our automatic collections below to find your perfect fit.

Arc Automatic: Dress Inspired by the experimental spirit of 1960’s architecture, this sophisticated model explores the tension between modern design and timeless style.  Shop the Collection

Minimal Sport Automatic Dive This seafaring machine is designed as the ultimate office-to-water watch, featuring a 200 Meter water rating, sapphire glass and Swiss Super-LumiNova dial accents.  Shop the Collection

Field Automatic Adventure Born and built for the wild, this essential adventure companion features a Seiko SII NH36 automatic movement, 100 Meter water rating and black Italian leather strap. Shop the Collection

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