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Automatic Watches / Perpetual Watches /
Kinetic Watches

ki·ne·tic
adj.

Of, relating to, or produced by motion.

There is a lot of terminology floating around the internet these days, in regards to timepieces.  Although some are synonymous, most are unrelated.  As the years progress and  technology advances, there will be more terminology to add to our (already extensive) list.  We will attempt to clarify these terms for you and hopefully, upon completion of this page, you will feel enlightened and ready to hit the web, as an educated shopper. 

Thinking of  purchasing a new Timepiece can sometimes be confusing.  You might come across such terms as Perpetual, Automatic, Kinetic, Self-Winding, Atomic, Hypoallergenic...  and so on.   Here we will focus on Watches that seldom have to be wound. 

Eventually, you will come across a term that a manufacturer has copy written.  Upon further investigation, these terms are usually an elaborate marketing plan to heighten sales and is, again, synonymous with already-existing technology.  On the other hand, occasionally these copy written terms are, indeed, new and amazing technological advances.  The only way to tell the difference, is to do your homework.

What do you call a Watch that "winds itself"?

A Self- Winding Watch is also known as an Automatic Watch, Kinetic Watch or a Perpetual Watch.  The Perpetual Watch is not to be confused with a Perpetual Calendar Watch (the Perpetual Calendar Watch is covered on another page).

As stated above, manufacturers often use terms linked specifically, if not exclusively, to their own companies.  Such is the case with the Rolex Oyster Perpetual and Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust.  The "Perpetual" segment of the model name, means the same thing as that of a Kinetic Watch, Automatic Watch or Self-Winding Watch.  The "Datejust" segment of the model name means that there is a magnified, self-adjusting date display on the Watch face, also referred to as a "simple calendar".

But, let's give credit where credit is due.  Rolex is indeed the forefather to many of today's modern timepieces and they play a crucial role in horology history.  For example:  In 1910 Rolex obtained the first Officially Certified Swiss Chronometer certification ever awarded to a wrist watch (today a wrist watch can not be called a Chronometer, without this certification).  Sixteen years later, they invent and patent the world’s first truly “waterproof” case, aptly named the Oyster.  Then, in 1931, the Perpetual Rotor (with its automatic winding mechanism) revolutionizes horology forever.  In 1945, the Oyster Perpetual Datejust appears and becomes the world’s first wrist watch to display the calendar date, in a small aperture at the 3 o’clock position, on the watch face.  The rest is history.

"Kinetic", patented exclusively by Seiko is (as defined by www.seikousa.com) "the first quartz watch powered by human movement, a development so significant it led to the application for more than 50 patents.  The process uses an oscillating weight that is rotated by the movement of your wrist: this movement is transformed into a magnetic charge, and then into electricity, which is stored in a tiny capacitor or a rechargeable battery.  A Power Reserve Indicator shows exactly how much energy you’ve created".  Hence, there are approximately four terms for the same watch function; Automatic, Self-Winding, Kinetic and Perpetual.

What is an Automatic Watch and how does it "wind " itself?

A Self-Winding Watch gets it's energy from the natural, daily movement of one's arm, wrist, and/or hand.  When not in use, the wrist watch should get it's energy from a quality Watch Winder, in order to remain accurate. 

Now, imagine taking the guard off of a small desk fan.  Then, you tape a quarter to one of the fan blades.  That particular blade will be unbalanced and gravity will draw it towards the ground.  Now, flip the fan over and the same unbalanced blade will be facing upwards... but not for long, gravity will again pull it towards the ground.

That's the basics of how it all begins.  The movement of one's arm, through daily activity, causes this unbalanced rotor to wind the mainspring and the mainspring powers the watch.  The rotor itself spins at an incredible rate.  The spinning of this rotor (around 10,000 to 100,000 RPM's) sends voltage across a coil block, this produces electricity.  The electrical current is stored in an ESU (electrical storage unit).  The ESU prevents over charging and sends power to the watch, when needed.

Also available, from Citizen, is Eco-Drive technology.  An Eco-Drive wrist watch is a watch that never needs a battery.  Citizen Eco-Drive technology harnesses the power of light (from any natural or artificial light source) and converts it into energy, which is stored in a permanently rechargeable lithium-ion battery.  It recharges continuously in any kind of light and theoretically runs forever.

How accurate is a Automatic Watch?

A Mechanical Watch (Kinetic, Self-Winding, Perpetual, Automatic... and more) is not as accurate as the extreme accuracy of an electronic watch.  Automatics are plenty accurate for normal daily timekeeping, though.  A normal automatic is accurate to within +30/-5 seconds a day, depending on the quality of the movement.

How much motion does an Automatic Watch need to accurately function?

One's daily arm and wrist motion will keep an automatic watch properly wound.  Those that are inactive (elderly, bed-ridden, etc.) may need to wind their watch to keep it powered.  Winding an automatic watch is necessary if you haven't worn it in a while.  It is best to wind a stopped watch before wearing it.  Ten to 15 turns of the crown is usually enough to give full power to the mainspring, some companies recommend more.  Breitling, for example, suggests turning an automatic's crown 30 to 40 times.  Be aware that the barrel in an automatic movement doesn't have a hook, therefore you won't feel any resistance when the mainspring is fully wound.  Over-winding an automatic need not be a concern, because you can't.  Be sure to refer to your owner's manual for proper winding and maintenance.

How often does an Automatic Watch need to be serviced?

Most timepiece manufacturers recommend that automatic wrist watches should be checked and lubricated every three to five years.  If a water resistant wrist watch is regularly subjected to water, the timepiece seals should be checked annually.  Additionally, winding an automatic, that has not been worn for an extended period of time, will aid in keeping the oils properly lubricated and distributed.

Automatic Watch Maintenance