Time is one of the most valuable resources in our lives. Using each day, our hours and minutes correctly is an important step on the road to success. For this reason, the importance of using a watch cannot be ignored. Keeping track and measuring time is one of the most basic needs in human history. Nowadays, with the development of technology, we can easily access a variety of watches with many different features. One of these clock types is kinetic clocks.
A kinetic clock is an elegant and functional type of clock that works using energy and displays the time accurately. Clocks usually require batteries or electrical sources to operate. The mechanism of kinetic watches is both battery-powered and automatic. However, this battery is different from the batteries used in quartz watches, which have a single charge and a life of several years. The battery in the kinetic watch is called a capacitor. The battery of the kinetic watch is like a rechargeable battery, as it is constantly charged by the movement of its automatic rotor. That's why the kinetic clock measures time using motion energy. Kinetic watches offer a sustainable solution as they eliminate the need for frequent battery replacement. When using a kinetic watch, you can measure time accurately without having to deal with problems such as changing batteries or stopping the watch, as in standard watch types. Combining tradition with modern technology, these watches attract attention with being both functional and environmentally friendly.
How Does Kinetic Watch Work?
A kinetic watch is a special type of watch that obtains the energy required for its operation from movement. Since it can measure time using mechanical energy, it does not require batteries or other external sources. Therefore, for kinetic watches to work, it is sufficient for the wearer to wear the watch regularly and move their wrist during their daily activities. For example; Movement of the wrist while walking or doing daily tasks allows the kinetic watch to store energy. This energy is used to wind the clock mechanism and keep the clock running.
Kinetic watches have a bracelet called a rotor. This bracelet rotates as long as the watch moves. The rotation of the rotor produces the energy required to wind the clock mechanism. A spring is used to store kinetic energy as the rotor rotates. This spring slows down the rotational movement of the rotor and stores the energy as potential energy in the spring. The spring retains the energy required to wind the clock mechanism. This energy in the spring is then transmitted to the clock mechanism through gears. Thus the clock starts ticking.
Kinetic Watch History
The origins of kinetic watches date back to the late 18th century. The watches commonly used at that time were mechanical watches. Mechanical watches needed to be wound regularly to work. Since this required people to constantly wind their watches, it caused the watches to stop when they forgot to wind them. The first kinetic watch prototypes appeared in the early 20th century. However, these early models had some problems with their reliability and accuracy. With the development of technology, the performance and precision of kinetic watches have been significantly improved. Thus, Japanese watch manufacturer Seiko pioneered the popularity of kinetic watches by launching the kinetic watch in 1986.
Today, the popularity of kinetic watches is quite high. Many people prefer these watches, produced by many different brands, due to their stylish designs and practical use. Thanks to the automatic mechanism in kinetic watches, the watches show the correct time for longer.
Kinetic Watch Models
Watches that keep track of time are among the most used accessories by men and women. Because today, watches have become expressions of fashion and style as well as measuring time. Kinetic watches are among the watches that have become popular and attracted great attention with this development. Kinetic watches, which have become popular recently, have three different models: automatic, mechanical and quartz. By getting to know these three models closely, you can choose the one that best suits your style.
Automatic Kinetic Watches
Automatic kinetic watches are watches that can wind themselves automatically and obtain energy from the movement of the user. Wrist or body movements turn the rotor inside the watch and operate the watch mechanism. The rotor stores energy by tensioning the spring in the clock mechanism. With this energy, the clock mechanism works properly. Automatic kinetic watches are a more practical option than mechanical watches, which require the user to constantly wind the watch. In addition, the elegant and sophisticated designs of automatic kinetic watches are very successful in attracting attention.
Mechanical Kinetic Watches
Mechanical kinetic watches are watches that have a completely mechanical structure and obtain energy only through movement. These clocks use energy storage mechanisms such as springs or weights. The wearer's wrist movements or the act of winding the watch mechanism activate the watch mechanism by tensioning the energy storage mechanism. Mechanical kinetic clocks are marvels of engineering that require precision and mastery in timekeeping. The internal mechanisms of these watches consist of a complex mechanism that attracts great attention from watch lovers. For mechanical kinetic watches; It can be said that it is one of the best examples of traditional watchmaking art.
Quartz Kinetic Watches
Quartz kinetic watches are watches that measure time using the vibrations of quartz crystals. Thanks to an electronic circuit in these watches, the quartz crystal vibrates. These vibrations help operate the clock mechanism. Quartz kinetic watches are types of watches known for their high accuracy and durability. Since they run on long-lasting battery power, they do not need to be set up regularly. Quartz kinetic watch is a popular model that brings the advantages of modern technology to watch lovers.
Kinetic Watch Advantages
Combining the features of traditional mechanical watches with modern technology, kinetic watches attract everyone's attention with their unique designs and functionality. The advantages of kinetic watches, which are a perfect option for collectors and watch enthusiasts, are:
- Kinetic watches use an automatic movement mechanism. Therefore, for the watch to work correctly, you only need to wave your hand in daily use.
- Kinetic watches usually have a large energy reserve. In this way, a kinetic watch can store energy for weeks or months. Due to this feature, the watch continues to show the time accurately even if it is idle for a long time.
- Kinetic watches have many different models in both modern and classic styles. Watch dials, cases and Bands have unique details that attract attention. Thus, you can easily find the model that suits your style.
- Some kinetic watches have transparent back covers. In this way, you can observe the elegant operation of the mechanism inside the watch.
- Kinetic watches, unlike standard battery-powered watches, do not consume energy. This makes them an environmentally friendly option. Since battery waste and the need for frequent battery replacement are eliminated, it causes less harm to nature and the environment. Thus, you can also enjoy the advantage of fulfilling your environmental responsibilities while using your watch.
- Kinetic watches have a solid structure because they consist largely of mechanical parts. Produced using quality materials, these watches are designed for long-lasting use.
Kinetic Watch Disadvantages
Kinetic watches, which are a combination of beauty and functionality, have advantages but also some disadvantages. The disadvantages of kinetic watches are:
- Kinetic watches must be used regularly to work properly. In cases where the watch is not moving, the watch may stop as its energy storage capacity may decrease. For this reason, people with kinetic watches need to wear their watches constantly or shake them regularly.
- Since kinetic watches work with mechanical components, they have more precise structures than other types of watches. Impact or dropping the watch may adversely affect its correct operation. It may even cause some damage.
- Service and maintenance requirements may be more frequent than other hours.
- Kinetic watches are generally more expensive than mechanical watches.
Use of Kinetic Watches
Kinetic Watch models are among the cleverly designed technology products. These watches need to be charged before use. However, the charging process is quite simple. Just gently shaking it from side to side for two or three minutes before setting the time is enough to charge the watch. With this movement, the weight is released from the clock mechanism. Then the second hand starts to move slowly. You can also notice this oscillation with a slight sound. With this movement, the kinetic Watch stores enough energy for several hours. The clock is then ready to be set.
How to Maintain a Kinetic Watch?
Regular maintenance, correct adjustment and cleaning of kinetic watches is important to increase performance and durability. You can take a look at the details below to maintain an ideal kinetic watch.
- To ensure that your kinetic watches operate at maximum performance, you should have regular authorized service maintenance. In general, kinetic watch manufacturers recommend that watches be serviced every 3 to 5 years. It is important that operations such as checking the parts inside, lubricating and cleaning when necessary, are carried out professionally.
- Since kinetic watches have an automatic mechanism that works with motion energy, the watch must be used regularly for this mechanism to work correctly. You can stretch the spring inside your watch by wearing it for at least 8-10 hours a day.
- If you will not use your kinetic watch for a long time or if you will consider it as a collection, you can keep it safe and protect its movement mechanism by using a special watch box.
- Some kinetic watches are waterproof. If you know that your watch is waterproof, you should check from time to time whether this feature is still valid. For this, you can contact your watch repairman or do a simple test yourself. Instead of putting the watch in water for testing, you can check its waterproof feature by dropping a few drops of water or wiping the surface of the watch with a damp cloth.
- The outer surface of kinetic watches can become dirty and dull over time. To remove this dullness, you can gently wipe your watch with a clean microfiber cloth. It would be beneficial to avoid using abrasive cleaning agents and hard brushes during cleaning to avoid damaging the surface of the watch.
- To ensure the longevity of your kinetic watches, it is important to use them carefully. Avoiding wearing the watch while doing sports or doing heavy work will prevent it from being exposed to impacts and sudden movements. Impact to the watch may damage its internal mechanism.
Kinetic Watch Brands
The watches we use to keep track of time have now gone beyond being just functional devices and have gained an important place in terms of fashion and style. At this point, kinetic watches are gaining more and more popularity as they combine both technological innovations and aesthetic appeal. Some of the kinetic watch brands that attract the attention of watch enthusiasts with their superior quality and unique designs are:
- Seiko : Seiko, one of the first brands that come to mind when it comes to kinetic watches, continues to maintain its leading position in the watch industry for years. Produced with Japanese precision and perfectionism, Seiko kinetic watches win the appreciation of their users with their stylish and durable designs.
- Citizen : Citizen is another notable kinetic watch brand known for creativity and innovation. The company's Eco-Drive technology eliminates the need to replace batteries by generating energy from sunlight. Offering an environmentally friendly option with this feature, Citizen also attracts attention with its stylish and elegant designs.
- Tissot : Tissot, one of Switzerland's well-established watch brands, is also very successful in kinetic watches. Tissot, known for its excellent workmanship and innovative technology, is appreciated by time enthusiasts. Produced with their unique designs and quality materials, Tissot kinetic watches stand out with their modern styles that follow today's trends.
- Hamilton : Although Hamilton is a watch brand of American origin, it has gained fame as part of the Swiss watch industry. Offering high quality and precision in kinetic watches, Hamilton also attracts attention with its elegant designs. The brand's kinetic watch collection appeals to stylish users by offering both classic and modern styles.
