Learn the Pros and Cons of Mechanical Watches

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Mechanical wristwatches have been around for decades. They’re basically a watch built based on mechanical movements. The intricate connections of gears and springs make it work.

If you’re a watch collector that appreciates details and effort put into timepieces, then you probably own a mechanical watch or you’re thinking about getting one. If that’s the case, then you should know the advantages and disadvantages of using a mechanical wristwatch. Here are a few you should know.

Pros of Mechanical Watches

1. Intricacy and Details

Mechanical watches are handcrafted and organized by a watchmaker for months or even years. Every detail has to fit in correctly. Some brands even make their own manufacturing materials in-house. It takes a great deal of attention to get the details down right to perfection.

If you’re someone that appreciates craftsmanship, then a mechanical watch might just be the right watch for you. Top brands often have mechanical watches in their collection. An example is the Rolex Daytona from the Rolex company, which is to date one of its popular models.

2. No Battery To Deal With

The power source of mechanical watches is self-sustained by a hand-wind mainspring, so you don’t have to worry about changing the battery every now and then. When it stops ticking, all you have to do is wind it for it to restart.

3. Constant Winding

Some mechanical watches can function properly even without winding it every day. But it is recommended to wind your watch daily. For some watch lovers, this can be a ritual they look forward to every single day. Taking time to dedicate to the art and craft of owning something so valuable and dear to you can be exhilarating.

4. Hand Movement

For some people the hand movement of a mechanical watch can be satisfying, watching the second hands move around looks better than the ticking of quartz watches. This difference might not mean much to a lot of users though, but it is worth mentioning.

Cons of Mechanical Watches

1. Cost

With all the effort that a watchmaker puts into building a mechanical watch, it is no surprise that a piece of art like that should come at an expensive rate. A mechanical watch can cost a great deal, but you are also bound to find ones that are of very high quality and aren’t that expensive.

Wristwatches were once very expensive, some still are, but the prices have dropped substantially in recent years. Check out local mall stores and boutiques for the best deals and the newest models. Or, of course, you can go online and do a search for “Wrist Watches,” Mechanical Wrist Watch,” “Watches,” and so forth to get an idea of the kinds of options that are available. No matter what you choose, you will not be disappointed.

2. Possibility of Wear and Tear

Since mechanical watches used manual movements, with moving parts, there is a possibility of wear and tear. It can also be sensitive to environmental changes. Elements like moisture, magnets, and shock that might result from dropping it to the ground can cause damage.

3. Need For Constant Winding

While this may be an advantage to some, it can be a herculean task to constantly wind a watch, and not might appreciate the processes involved.

4. Flaw In Accuracy

While mechanical watches can be accurate, this accuracy can wear off with time because of mechanical wear and tear. You would have to take your watch to the jeweler for maintenance at least once every five years. Note that this differs per brand, some brands might be more accurate than others.

Things To Consider When Buying a Mechanical Watch

If you’re considering buying a mechanical watch, the first thing you want to check is the level of craftsmanship of the watch. How well does it work? You can tell a lot by an electronic watch’s construction. They should be made of high-quality metals and have fine gears. Poor quality watches will simply have cheaply made gears that would stand the test of time.

Another thing to check is the watch’s face. This is one of the more important features of watches, and here you may even want to stick with some particular models. Mechanical watches with large faces are generally easier to read in bright light than those with small faces. This may not matter to you. If you are an athlete, you know how much better your performance can be helped by a large and easy-to-read watch face.

Where and How Do You Buy a Mechanical Watch?

If you are buying a watch that is expensive and will cost you a fortune, then it’s a good idea to buy a model that has a warranty. Secondly, you should choose a color that goes well with most clothes. Finally, look for a watch that is relatively easy to read and that won’t be easily damaged if it gets accidentally dropped.

Since these watches are worn on the wrist, they should be water-resistant. Be sure that the strap is durable enough to handle any drop or stress that it may encounter. Make sure it is waterproof, or at least water-resistant to some degree. It should also be able to resist chemicals that may cause discoloration.

You should carefully consider where you are purchasing your watch. If it is for an individual, be sure that you get one from a reputable seller. Also, it should be a good size.

There are many places that sell these watches. One option is to go to your usual jewelry store. Another option would be to shop for one online. Of course, the most convenient way to buy one would be to purchase one online from a reputable registered seller.

Conclusion

Mechanical watches aren’t the most feature-rich watch out there, but when you own a Mechanical wristwatch, you can expect it to deliver its function with a high level of accuracy. Not all watches are created equal so to enjoy the full benefits and perks a mechanical watch offers, you should be ready to spend a reasonable amount of money for its value.

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