How watches work

How does a watch keep time?

Watches work by converting light, kinetic or electrical energy into the movement of watch parts. The mechanism that tracks time is called the “movement” and is comprised of many small parts including, gears, springs and more. Different watch types use different watch movements.

How does a watch work without a battery?

The only watches that work without a battery are Mechanical watches, including Automatic and Manual. Mechanical watches use a part called the mainspring to store and release energy. In Automatic timepieces, the wearer’s natural body movements oscillate a rotor, which then twists the mainspring. In Manual watches, the wearer must manually wind the mainspring. Other watches, like Quartz and Solar watches, use batteries to store power.

Solar Watches

• Convert light energy: Solar watches use small solar panels to collect light and convert it into power.
• Use quartz crystals: Power collected and stored is used to power a movement identical to Quartz watches.
• Sunlight or artificial light: Certain Solar watches can be powered with artificial light indoors but direct sunlight works best for all types.

How They Work

Solar watches (like the Nixon Light-Wave) are growing in popularity because they are sustainable in their ability to store energy to power movement and then recharge by absorbing light.

These watches work by using a variety of styles of solar cells to store energy captured from sunlight as well as artificial light. Solar cells can be placed along the perimeter of or behind the watch dial.

Energy is then slowly released to power a quartz watch movement.

Depending on the technology, a Solar watch can last between 10 to 20 years before a replacement battery is required.