This means the movement beats at a very high 15Hz (or 108,000 vibrations per hour, or vph). It replaced it with a new single-piece oscillator made of monocrystalline silicon. The most innovative aspect of this movement is that it did away with 30-odd components that comprise the balance spring. It released its Defy Lab model in September 2017, boldly proclaiming it to be the most accurate mechanical watch in the world. Zenith, now owned by luxury conglomerate LVMH, has been a watchmaker based in Le Locle, in the heart of Switzerland’s watchmaking industry, since 1865. Let us turn to five of the most accurate movements ever. This important mechanism within the movement is also made to different grades with an emphasis on precision, which in turn determine the accuracy of a movement. The balance spring: the balance spring as we know it today dates back to 1795, and regulates the oscillations of the balance due to its elasticity. Those factors will greatly influence accuracy, according to Kotospoulos. This is the opinion of expert watchmaker, Alkis Kotsopoulos, of New York’s Swiss Watch Repair Co., who states he will ask a client about how they intend to wear the watch, how often, what level of physical activity they will engage in while wearing the watch, how the client will store the watch when not work, and so forth. User habits:the way a mechanical watch is worn will also determine its accuracy. Chronometer (which must of course meet the ‘+6/-4 seconds per day’ COSC certification standard).These two-biggest Swiss movement makers both have ‘grades’ for their movements which are entirely based on accuracy. Manufacturer grades:The specs published by movement makers such as Sellita and ETA can offer guidance as to a movement’s accuracy. Whilst accuracy in mechanical movements is not always an exact science, there are some determining factors, which can include:
Factors That Determine Mechanical Movement Accuracy
The COSC also bases its certification on precision, which is derived from the average daily rate on the first 10 days of testing. In order to achieve a chronometer certification from the COSC, a mechanical watch must be in the ‘+6/-4’ range, meaning it should not gain more than six seconds or lose more than 4 seconds per day. After all, the word ‘chronometer’ refers to accuracy in timekeeping. However, a good rule of thumb regarding accuracy is that provided by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute, or Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC). The very word ‘accuracy’ will have different meanings for different people.ĭetermining watch accuracy is tricky. What makes a mechanical movement accurate is not a linear equation or straightforward assumption. This article will concentrate on accuracy of mechanical movements, although the presumption will be that precision is also an embedded feature.