The basics of watchmaking: a guide to help you understand the different types of watches

Let’s get to the heart of the matter: what makes a watch tick? True witnesses of time, watches are powered by using different technologies. There are two main types of movements: mechanical watches and quartz watches.

Mechanical watches

Mechanical watches are powered by a spring that must be regularly wound by hand. This spring stores energy and gradually releases it to power the watch movement. A spring-driven oscillator regulates the rate of the mechanism. Although appreciated for their technical sophistication, craftsmanship and the beauty of their movement, they nevertheless require constant attention to remain accurate.

Here at Emile Chouriet, we prefer to include an automatic module that winds the spring using the wearer’s wrist movements. An internal rotor captures the energy from the movement, allowing the watch to operate without manual intervention. All our collections feature automatic watches, offering our customers the perfect balance between tradition and modernity, without the constraint of daily winding.

Quartz watches: precision and practicality

Quartz watches use a very different technology. Powered by a battery, a motor drives the movement. The motor’s rate is regulated by the oscillation of a quartz crystal. Quartz watches are renowned for their precision, low maintenance and finesse. Here at Emile Chouriet, we have integrated this technology into our Odyssée ladies’ collection, as well as into certain models in the Fair Lady collection, to offer an alternative to those looking for an elegant and easy-to-maintain timepiece.

Find your ideal watch

Whether you are drawn to the timeless charm of an automatic watch or to the precision of a quartz model, here at Emile Chouriet, you will find a selection of watches that combine elegance, Swiss craftsmanship and innovation. Discover our collections on our website and find the watch best suited to accompany you every day. Should you have any questions, our team remains at your disposal.