A watchmaker’s hands give life to a piece of machinery. The best watch movements currently on the market are made by thousands of skilled watchmakers in their ateliers. In the world of luxury watches, mechanical movements are coveted and respected.
Mechanical movements are of two types, classical mechanical and automatic. As the name implies, a manual calibre calls for manual winding of the external crown, which winds the internal mainspring. On the other hand, an automatic movement harnesses energy from the wearer’s wrist’s natural movement to wind up the mainspring.
The tiny world of intricate parts, fine tools, engineering ingenuity, and most importantly, a steady pair of hands to learn what makes a mechanical movement unique.
So, let’s look at some of the best luxury watch movements the world has seen so far.
TAG Heuer Movement
TAG Heuer is renowned for creating high-quality, value-driven chronographs, and in 2013, the company introduced Calibre in 1969. This in-house TAG Heuer watch movement features a vertical clutch in place of the oscillating pinion for improved precision when starting the second hand, increasing accuracy when measuring time lapse.
Following that, in 2015, TAG Heuer introduced the Calibre Heuer 01, a new generation calibre that offers a high-performance chronograph movement housed in the new opulent yet cost-effective Tag Heuer Carrera 01 collection.
These mechanical movements are much more valuable and sought-after than their quartz counterparts because they require demonstrated expertise, master skill, intensive labour, and unwavering patience to manufacture.
Breitling Movement
In some of its watch models, Breitling continues to use Lemania and ETA/Valjoux chronograph movements. After taking inspiration from top watch brands, the company felt compelled to create its own movement and develop its own chronograph movement.
Breitling’s escape wheel, intended to increase shock absorption, and the index assembly, which enables manual reset to the watch’s rate at a preferred speed, are top features.
In addition, the brand has complete control over the dependability and accuracy of its luxury watches thanks to the internal production of the B01 movement.
Omega Movement
Omega was named after a ground-breaking mechanical watch movement created in 1894 when the company was established in 1903. By adopting that name, the company recognised the value of movement production, and as a result, Omega watch movements are renowned for their dependable performance.
The company consistently introduces cutting-edge technology, like their Co-Axial mechanical movements, to push the limits of watchmaking. Also, the mechanism has less wear and tear because the Co-Axial escapement in a calibre operates with less friction than conventional movements. Simply put, this indicates that the luxury watch needs less maintenance and lasts longer.
Grand Seiko Movement
Grand Seiko’s Spring Drive movement is wound by wrist motion rather than a conventional escapement. This particular Grand Seiko watch movement was a significant innovation when it was first introduced, despite the fact that many contemporary watch movements provide comparable functionality.
A rotor winds the mainspring while electromagnetic energy, a balance wheel, and a quartz oscillator work together to achieve maximum accuracy. This movement is stunning to look at, thanks to its beautiful finish.
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