The Quiet Comeback of a Classic
In a world obsessed with smartwatches and constant notifications, a quiet revolution is happening on the wrists of those who know better.
People everywhere from collectors to creatives, from Milan to Melbourne are making the switch from digital to mechanical.
And at the center of that movement?
The automatic watch.
But what exactly is an automatic watch?
Where does it come from?
And why is it suddenly the watch everyone’s talking about?
Let's break it down.
What Is an Automatic Watch?
An automatic watch, also known as a self-winding mechanical watch, is powered by your movement...quite literally.
At its core lies a mainspring , a coiled strip of metal that acts like a tiny energy reservoir. This mainspring is wound automatically by a rotor, a semi-circular weight that pivots freely with the motion of your wrist. Every time you move, the rotor swings back and forth, transferring energy through a complex series of gears and winding the mainspring.
As the mainspring unwinds, it releases stored energy in a controlled manner, powering the gear train and regulating the hands of the watch through a mechanism called the escapement. This escapement "ticks" at a precise frequency, often 21,600 or 28,800 beats per hour (BPH), allowing the watch to keep accurate time — typically within a few seconds per day.
In simpler terms:
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No batteries to replace
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No charging cables to fuss with
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Just finely tuned mechanics, continuous motion, and timeless momentum
It’s a miniature engine on your wrist a marvel of micro-engineering made from dozens (sometimes hundreds) of meticulously assembled parts. As long as you wear it regularly, it keeps running. And even when you take it off, most automatic watches store between 38 to 70 hours of power reserve, depending on the movement.
This is what gives automatic watches their charm:
They're not just timekeepers, they’re machines that live with you.
What Is the History of Automatic Watches?
Automatic watches also known as self-winding watches may seem like the latest trend, but in truth, they have a rich history dating back centuries. Their journey reflects innovation, craftsmanship, and a timeless appeal that continues to captivate watch lovers today.
1770 – The First Automatic Movement
The first known automatic movement was developed by Swiss watchmaker Abraham-Louis Perrelet. His invention used a vertical oscillating weight that moved as the wearer walked, converting that motion into energy to wind the mainspring. This self-winding pocket watch marked the birth of what we now call the automatic watch.
1923 – A Wristwatch Revolution
In the early 20th century, British watchmaker John Harwood patented the first automatic wristwatch. His invention eliminated the need for daily hand-winding and introduced a movement powered by a swinging weight that responded to wrist movement. Though it had no winding crown and was limited in design, Harwood’s innovation became the blueprint for future automatic timepieces.
1931 – Rolex Introduces the Perpetual Rotor
Rolex took the concept to the next level by inventing the "Perpetual" rotor system in 1931. This revolutionary design allowed the internal rotor to spin 360 degrees, significantly improving energy efficiency and reliability. This innovation remains the foundation of modern automatic watch movements, and solidified Rolex as a leader in the world of horology.
Mid–20th Century – The Golden Age of Automatics
During the 1950s and 60s, automatic watches became synonymous with elegance, performance, and precision. They were worn by pilots, divers, explorers, and artists, and brands like Omega, Seiko, Patek Philippe, and Rolex pushed the limits of mechanical watchmaking. Automatic movements became a symbol of engineering excellence and personal style.
1970s–1980s – The Quartz Crisis and Mechanical Resilience
The rise of quartz technology threatened the survival of mechanical and automatic watches. These battery-powered watches were cheaper and more accurate, leading many manufacturers to close or adapt. However, the resurgence of interest in traditional watchmaking in the 1980s and beyond gave new life to automatic watches. Collectors and enthusiasts began valuing the craftsmanship and complexity of mechanical movements once again.
Today – A Return to Timeless Craftsmanship
In a digital world dominated by smartwatches and screen fatigue, automatic watches offer a tactile, lasting alternative. They represent craftsmanship over convenience, longevity over disposability, and tradition over trend. Modern watch buyers are increasingly drawn to the heritage and mechanics of automatic watches, seeing them as heirlooms rather than gadgets.
Why Does This Matter?
Automatic watches are not just accessories they are living, breathing pieces of engineering powered by your movement. They tell a story that goes beyond time. Whether you’re drawn to their history, mechanical precision, or timeless design, owning an automatic watch is a statement of appreciation for quality and heritage.
Automatic vs Mechanical vs Quartz: What’s the Difference?
When choosing a wristwatch, understanding the difference between automatic, mechanical, and quartz movements is essential. These three watch types are defined by how they’re powered and how they function each offering distinct advantages in terms of performance, maintenance, and style.
Quartz watches are the most accurate and low-maintenance of the three. Powered by a battery and regulated by a quartz crystal, they tick once per second and require minimal upkeep. They're ideal for those who prefer precision and convenience without the need for winding.
Mechanical watches, on the other hand, are powered by a hand-wound mainspring and contain no electronics. These watches require regular manual winding and are favored by watch enthusiasts for their craftsmanship, tradition, and smooth sweeping second hand. They're often seen as timeless collectibles.
Automatic watches are essentially mechanical watches with a self-winding feature. They use a rotor that winds the mainspring through the natural movement of your wrist. As long as you wear them daily, there’s no need to wind them manually. Like mechanical watches, automatics feature a sweeping second hand and embody elegance and engineering.
Whether you're drawn to the accuracy of quartz, the heritage of mechanical, or the convenience of automatic watches, knowing the differences helps you make an informed and meaningful choice.
Why Would You Want One?
It’s Mechanical Art
Inside an automatic watch are 100+ tiny parts working in perfect harmony. Gears, jewels, springs — all engineered for beauty and precision.
Wearing one is like strapping a tiny machine to your wrist — one that runs on your life’s motion.
No Battery, Ever
Forget replacing batteries. Automatic watches charge through movement, offering years — even decades — of continuous operation with proper care.
Sustainable Luxury
An automatic watch isn’t disposable. It’s built to be worn, serviced, passed down.
It’s a piece of you that outlives you.
Tradition You Can Feel
Automatic movements trace back centuries. When you wear one, you wear history — not tech.
It’s about heritage, not hype.
Types of Automatic Movements
In-House Movements
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Designed and made entirely by the brand
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Found in brands like Rolex, Omega, and Patek
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High-end, complex, and often more collectible
Modified Movements
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A base movement (like Miyota or ETA) with custom tuning or finishing
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Great balance of cost and character
Reliable Workhorse Movements
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Mass-produced, highly trusted movements from:
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Miyota (Japan)
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Seiko (Japan)
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ETA (Switzerland)
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Known for durability, accuracy, and ease of maintenance
👉 Soffia Timepieces use automatic movements known for their reliability and beauty chosen not just for performance, but for soul.
How to Spot One
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A smooth-sweeping second hand (not a tick)
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“Automatic” written on the dial or case back
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Often visible mechanics through a transparent case back
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No battery change needed
Why We Use Automatic at Soffia
At Soffia, we believe a watch should be more than functional. It should move with you. Live with you. Tell your story.
That’s why every Soffia timepiece is built around a self-winding automatic movement timeless, reliable, and built to last a lifetime (or longer).
Final Thoughts
You don’t wear an automatic watch because you need to.
You wear one because you appreciate why it exists.
It’s not just a way to track time — it’s a way to celebrate it.
