Vision versus reality in mechanical masterpieces

The ideal situation would be for a wristwatch to always display the exact time standard, which in Germany is specified by the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt with its atomic clocks. So far, no manufactory has achieved the ideal goal. A mechanical movement consists of an impressively large number of components that are meticulously coordinated with one another.

Despite the love of perfection, small irregularities cannot be avoided. This is especially true in the long term, because the best material quality does not rule out wear and tear or soiling. In addition, there are external influences that provoke watch defects. Although ambitious traditional brands invest a great deal of passion and know-how in optimizing rate deviation, the fact remains that anyone who loves mechanical timepieces must have a little tolerance.

Guide values – excellent, good and acceptable rate deviation per day

Beginners are usually spontaneously thrilled when the first self-winding mechanical luxury watch sits enthroned on their wrist. It’s like a miracle that the hands turn their rounds flawlessly without an external power supply, while you proudly gaze at the magnificent watch design. In times of radio-controlled watches and smartwatches, however, one detail is unusual: the time display is almost never exact. This is followed by the thought:

Is the rate deviation of my automatic watch normal?

If the daily irregularities are between -4 and +6 seconds daily, the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres pulls out its certificate. The name of the renowned institute reveals that the result is excellent. This is because portable timepieces may only be marketed as chronometers if they are exceptionally precise.

Ambitious watch manufacturers voluntarily raise the quality bar for their masterful collections. Omega, for example, opts for METAS certification, which defines 0 to +5 seconds as an acceptable rate deviation per day. One can be absolutely satisfied if the average values for the rate deviation are +/- 10 seconds. Since 86,400 seconds pass per day, the display is 99.9 percent correct. In general, there is no cause for concern for the time being, as long as a mechanical movement does not run more than half a minute too fast or slow every day.

Rate deviations – mostly normal, sometimes alarming

By chance, you meet a soulmate who has treated himself to the same masterpiece. While chatting, however, a difference is noticed: The interlocutor raves that he doesn’t notice any rate deviation. Their own specimen, on the other hand, exhausts the stated precision spectrum. Worries are unfounded at this moment. The chance acquaintance is a lucky man, and the accuracy of his own model is still impressive. It is typical for craftsmanship that minimal differences arise in the manufacture even when all manufacturing steps are meticulously executed.

It is just as normal for a mechanical movement to run somewhat unevenly on debut. These “start-up difficulties” can be caused, for example, by the fact that the lubricant has not yet caressed all the components inside. If the problem doesn’t go away, the movement may need to be readjusted. These are simple standard adjustments, which should definitely be done by the manufacturer or authorized watchmakers. After all, the opening of exclusive automatic watches by unauthorized persons can lead to the loss of warranty.

Inaccuracies within the certified tolerance spectrum are okay. The same applies if the rate deviation of your everyday companion increases somewhat over the years. One should become attentive if mechanical wristwatches suddenly and clearly deviate from the usual accuracy. Today exact, tomorrow too slow, the day after tomorrow hasty: Enormous fluctuations should also be kept in mind. If the rate stability does not return, a check-up with an expert is recommended.

Want more accuracy? A little love helps!

Watch manufacturers consider all factors of rate accuracy in order to counteract deviations as best as possible. However, as soon as a masterpiece leaves the house, the owner’s cooperation is required. The way the watch is worn and stored influences the rate deviation just as much as the general condition of the watch. The self-winding mechanism ensures that energy is always replenished when the watch is worn. Nevertheless, some experts advise a complete manual winding at regular intervals. If a timepiece is left lying around for a longer period of time, it comes to a standstill, which is not to the liking of the automatic movement. For valuable collector’s items, specialist stores such as Uhrinstinkt therefore offer watch winders.

Automatic watches often run faster in high temperatures and slower in cold. Watch collections should therefore be treated to a constant room climate. A favorite piece should only be exposed to extreme temperatures if it has been explicitly designed for this purpose. The same applies to pronounced vibrations, shocks or moisture.

Realistic Detox Treatments and On-Time Revisions

Magnetic fields are among the significant factors in accuracy. Nowadays, however, they are omnipresent and emanate, for example, from notebooks, smartphones, induction stoves or pocket fasteners. If you notice a deviation, it may be time to demagnetize your watch – in a specialist store or with your own device. The problem is significantly reduced with modern luxury watches that are designed to be anti-magnetic. This feature is indispensable when magnetic influences characterize personal occupation or leisure activities.

The best building components wear out. Oils can gum up. Fine dust manages to creep through even the tightest case. In short, anyone who wants to enjoy a functioning automatic watch in the long term should adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended inspection intervals.

Quartz watch vs. automatic watch – why not both?

There are many professional or private reasons for attaching great importance to low rate deviation. It’s just as understandable if you don’t want to deal with influencing factors and watch care all the time. Who feels addressed, may flirt for the everyday life with a quartz watch. With good models, the annual deviation amounts to 60 seconds, while the battery lasts up to three years.

Frédérique Constant’s Classics Quartz collection suits business suits as well as casual wear. With its clear time display, date window and cosmopolitan GMT function, it fulfills all common needs at the same time. The icing on the cake: The brand doesn’t expect a big investment for it, leaving more budget for the mechanical collector’s item.

Will it experience adventures rather than elegant moments? Then this tip is valuable: COSC certification certifies excellent rate deviation under normal conditions. Extreme weather, movements, shocks or magnetic fields: Experienced manufacturers take into account in their own tests that expedition watches or sports chronographs, for example, are exposed to greater stress.

In this way, they ensure that, despite special influences, the accuracy is convincing and the functionality is preserved. That’s why it’s worth focusing on collections that have been designed for the intended use and meet all personal quality requirements.

Der Beitrag What rate deviation is normal for automatic watches? erschien zuerst auf Uhrinstinkt Magazine.