In contrast to electric watches, the automatic watch is powered by kinetic energy, i.e. movement energy. The system behind these watches is different from other wristwatches. Here, the oscillating mass is transferred to a tension spring by a ball-bearing rotor, so that the spring is tensioned. The driving force of the watch is created by the tensioned spring wanting to spring back into its untensioned form. To prevent the spring from being overwound, automatic watches have a slip clutch built in to prevent this. The resulting energy is then transmitted to the gear train. This consists of the minute, intermediate and second wheels. The minute wheel absorbs the driving force of the spring. In order to make a complete rotation, this wheel needs exactly 60 seconds. The wheels all run smoothly, so that they do not jump from one field to the next, but run uninterruptedly across the dial. The escapement is then supposed to concentrate the driving force so that the energy is not released too quickly. This function consists of the pallet, the escape wheel and the balance wheel. If you do not move an automatic watch, it will continue to be supplied with energy for approximately 24 to 60 hours, depending on the model and manufacturer.
