An automatic watch is a mechanical watch. The only real difference lies in the winding. A "classic" mechanical watch is wound by hand by turning the crown. An automatic watch winds itself thanks to the movements of your wrist.
Therefore, one should not contrast "mechanical" and "automatic". They are two ways of winding the same family of movements. Here is what that really changes on a daily basis.
What is a mechanical watch?
A mechanical watch works without a battery or electronics. Its energy is stored in a spring, the mainspring. As it unwinds slowly, it drives the gears and hands.
We use the term mechanical movement for any watch that works this way. This spring can be wound in two ways:
- by hand, with the crown: this is the hand-wound mechanical watch;
- automatically, through the gestures of the wrist: this is the self-winding mechanical watch, simply called an automatic watch.
In common parlance, "mechanical watch" often refers to the hand-wound version. That is where the confusion comes from.
What is an automatic watch?
An automatic watch is a mechanical watch equipped with a system that winds the spring while you are wearing it. Your gestures do the work, without a battery.
The detailed principle (rotor, energy transmission) is explained in our guide how an automatic watch works. Here, we focus on what distinguishes it from a hand-wound mechanical watch.
What is the difference between a mechanical and an automatic watch?
The difference boils down to one question: who winds the watch?
- Hand-wound mechanical: you, by turning the crown, usually every day or every other day.
- Automatic: your wrist, as long as you are wearing the watch.
The heart of the movement is the same: a spring, gears, a balance wheel, and no battery. The automatic watch simply adds a self-winding system.
Is an automatic watch a mechanical watch?
Yes, without ambiguity. Every automatic watch is mechanical, but not every mechanical watch is automatic.
A simple analogy: "mechanical" is the family, "automatic" is a member of that family. It’s like a car and an automatic car. The latter is still a car; it just saves you from shifting gears.
The true opposite of a mechanical watch is the quartz watch, which works with a battery. If this is the choice making you hesitate, read our comparison automatic vs. quartz watch.
Hand-wound mechanical watch vs. automatic watch
Winding. The manual watch requires a little ritual: a few turns of the crown, often in the morning. The automatic winds when you wear it. Many automatic watches also accept manual winding to restart them.
Operation. The principle is identical: the spring unwinds and drives the hands. The automatic just adds a part that winds this spring.
Daily use. If you wear your watch every day, the automatic requires almost nothing. The manual watch requires you to remember to wind it, and some people specifically enjoy this gesture.
Power reserve. This is the time during which the watch functions once removed. On the OCHSTIN automatic watches that indicate it, it is 36 to 42 hours. Beyond that, the watch stops. This is not a malfunction: you just need to restart it with the crown and set the time (see how to set and wind an automatic watch).
Experience. The manual watch creates a more "tactile" bond with the mechanics. The automatic offers mechanical charm, with fewer constraints.
Maintenance. In both cases, it is a mechanical device that benefits from being worn regularly and handled gently. Our tips: how to maintain an automatic watch.
Comparison table: mechanical vs. automatic watch
| Criterion | Hand-wound mechanical | Automatic mechanical |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | No | No |
| Energy source | Hand-wound spring | Spring wound by the wrist |
| Winding | Crown, regularly | Automatic when worn, manual possible depending on the model |
| If not worn | Stops when the spring is unwound | Stops at the end of the power reserve |
| Daily life | Small ritual not to be forgotten | Almost no constraints |
| For whom | Purists, lovers of the watchmaking gesture | First mechanical purchase, daily wear |
What are the advantages of a mechanical watch?
- No battery: no replacement needed.
- A ritual: winding your watch creates a real bond with the object.
- Pure mechanics: it is watchmaking in its most traditional form.
- An object that lasts: well-maintained, a mechanical watch can accompany its owner for years.
What are the advantages of an automatic watch?
- All the assets of mechanical, without a battery.
- Practical: it winds itself when you wear it.
- Versatile: ideal for a watch worn every day.
- Often a visible mechanism: a transparent case back allows you to see the movement in action.
- Manual winding possible on many models, to restart it after a few days at rest.
Which watch should you choose according to your use?
First mechanical watch: choose an automatic. You discover mechanics without having to think about it every morning. A transparent case back, like on the Automatic Date, lets you see what drives it.
Daily watch: a robust, readable, and comfortable automatic. The Pilot Automatic (Hardlex crystal, manual winding possible) or the Apex (luminous hands, nylon strap) are made for this.
Elegant watch: a sober case and a leather strap, like the Day-Date 40mm or the Élysée.
Watch enthusiast: a mechanical piece that is as much to look at as it is to wear. The Heritage Skeleton reveals its mechanism on both sides. Purists will also appreciate the experience of manual winding.
Gift: the automatic is the safest choice. The recipient will not have to learn anything to wear it. For a memorable gift, a visible mechanism always makes an impact.
OCHSTIN automatic watches
All OCHSTIN mechanical watches are self-winding watches, without a battery. Here are those that best illustrate what you have just read:
- Heritage – skeleton (€109.90): openwork dial, transparent double face, manual winding possible, 3 ATM. Mechanics laid bare.
- Pilot Automatic – leather (€89.90): aviation dial with Arabic numerals, manual winding possible.
- Pilot Automatic GA62028A (€89.90): pilot style, colorful nylon straps, manual winding possible, thickness of approximately 12 mm.
- Day-Date Automatic – transparent back (€89.90): day and date, movement visible on the back, 3 ATM, 36 to 42 h reserve.
- Master Automatic – steel (€89.90): stainless steel, double calendar, 36 to 42 h reserve.
- Élysée (€89.90): dress watch, transparent back, leather strap.
👉 Discover all our men's automatic watches
FAQ
Is an automatic watch a mechanical watch?
Yes. It is a mechanical watch that winds thanks to the movements of the wrist rather than by hand.
What is the difference between mechanical and automatic?
The winding. The hand-wound mechanical watch is wound with the crown. The automatic winds itself when it is worn.
Does a mechanical watch need to be wound?
Yes. A hand-wound watch must be wound regularly with the crown, otherwise it stops when its spring is unwound.
Does an automatic watch need to be wound?
Not if you wear it regularly. After a few days without being worn, it stops. You just need to restart it by turning the crown, then set the time.
Is an automatic watch better than a mechanical watch?
Neither is "better". The automatic is more practical for everyday use. The manual one appeals to those who enjoy the ritual of winding. The choice depends on your usage.
How long does an automatic watch work without being worn?
It depends on its power reserve. On OCHSTIN watches that indicate it, count on about 36 to 42 hours.
Can you wind an automatic watch by hand?
On many models, yes. This is the case for several OCHSTIN watches, such as the Pilot Automatic, the Heritage, or the Apex.