Watch movement
Also called movement
The movement is the engine of a watch: the mechanism inside the case that keeps time and drives the hands and any additional functions.
Movements are broadly mechanical, powered by a wound spring, or quartz, powered by a battery and regulated by a quartz crystal. The type and quality of the movement are major drivers of a watch's value, service cost, and appeal to collectors.
When inspecting a pre-owned watch, the movement should match what the reference is supposed to contain. A wrong or modified movement is one of the clearest signs of a frankenwatch or a fake.
Related terms
Where this comes up
Pages on this site that use the term.
- What's specific to AtlantaCompliance guide
- Importing watches: duty, the marking rule, and what CBP seizesCompliance guide
- Cartier Santos de Cartier Skeleton, large model, steelWatch reference
- Watch dealing in New Jersey: licensing, records, and taxCompliance guide
- Grand Seiko Spring Drive 5 Days, stainless steel, blue Lake Suwa dialWatch reference
- Watch dealing in Georgia: what's confirmed, and what isn'tCompliance guide
Learn the trade, not just the word
Plain-English guides to buying, pricing and selling watches as a business. Free, and written to be used at the counter.