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Wristwatch Mechanisms What is the mechanism that keeps them ticking accurately?

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Tap on the scope to see a picture of what’s inside!

Mechanical wristwatch The mechanism that keeps a mechanical watch ticking accurately is called a balance.
Mechanical wristwatch The mechanism that keeps a mechanical watch ticking accurately is called a balance.
  • The mechanism or “heart” that keeps a mechanical watch ticking away accurately is called a balance. Balances “beat” around 3 to 5 times every second.
  • Wow! The balance is turning clockwise and anticlockwise!
  • The mechanism or “heart” that keeps a mechanical watch ticking away accurately is called a balance. Balances “beat” around 3 to 5 times every second. Wow! The balance is turning clockwise and anticlockwise!

Click on the scope to see a picture of what’s inside!

Tap on the scope to see a picture of what’s inside!

Quartz wristwatch The mechanism that keeps a quartz watch working accurately is called a crystal oscillator.
Quartz wristwatch The mechanism that keeps a quartz watch working accurately is called a crystal oscillator.
  • The mechanism or “heart” that keeps a quartz watch moving accurately is called a crystal oscillator. When electricity is applied to a crystal it “oscillates.” The higher the number of vibrations, the more accurate the watch will be.
  • Crystal oscillators vibrate 32,768 times every second!
  • So vibrating over 30,000 times a second makes quartz watches really accurate, then!
  • The mechanism or “heart” that keeps a quartz watch moving accurately is called a crystal oscillator. When electricity is applied to a crystal it “oscillates.” The higher the number of vibrations, the more accurate the watch will be. Crystal oscillators vibrate 32,768 times every second! So vibrating over 30,000 times a second makes quartz watches really accurate, then!
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Types and Mechanisms of Watches & Clocks

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  • Types of Timepieces:Watches and Clocks
  • Types of Wristwatches:By Mechanism
  • Wristwatch Mechanisms:How Watches are Powered
  • Wristwatch Mechanisms:Accuracy
  • Wristwatch Mechanisms:Summary