The power reserve of a watch is a basic concept in mechanical watches. The power reserve allows a watch to continue running without the need to perceive any movement, marks its autonomy and is based on a very complex and precise mechanism.

On this occasion we analyze how the power reserve of a watch works and how it affects the mechanism.

How does the power reserve mechanism of a watch work?

For a wind-up watch to work without movement, a mechanism is necessary that seems simple, but is actually very complex.

When we wind a watch, what we do is compress a spiral-shaped spring, this piece becomes tense, achieving what we know as energy capital, that is, a remnant of energy that is dosed little by little. This stored energy is gradually released as the spring unwinds.

Many watches have a brand indicator, in these cases, the dial has an indicator that shows the charge available to the mechanism. Depending on the model, the power reserve may be higher or lower.

The power reserve is one of the features most appreciated by lovers of haute horlogerie. Obviously, manufacturing a piece with a power reserve is something complex in itself, however, being able to have several days of running time is a characteristic that shows that the mechanism that incorporates the piece is extremely precise.

What happens if the clock runs out of wind

Sometimes wind-up watches stop because the power reserve runs out. Watchmaking is based on the most absolute precision, that is why we must take care of all the details that surround the piece, if a watch is left without winding for a few minutes or a few hours, the mechanism will not suffer any damage, however, if a mechanism sits idle for months, the movement is likely to lose some accuracy.

It is true that with the movement the parts wear out and the lubricant also has a long-term influence, but for a watchmaking movement, inactivity is much more harmful than the movement.

The movement boxes help keep the mechanism running even if we don't have it on our wrist. In this link you can learn more tricks to keep your automatic watches in perfect condition.

The commercial watches with the most power reserve

As we said, the power reserve is a very reliable indicator of the quality of a mechanism, these are some of the commercial watches with the highest power reserves.

IWC Large Pilot's Watch

This watch is based on the premises followed by most aviation-oriented designs, this IWC has a 46mm steel case. and a power reserve of up to 7 days, another milestone born in the Schaffhausen manufacture.

Details such as the increased size of the crown or the leather strap give this watch a bold look, following the basic models of aviators' watches.

Jaeger Le Coultre Master Eight Days

This Jaeger Le Coultre model bears its main advance in its name, and that is that it is capable of achieving up to 8 days of walking without needing to wind its mechanism.

The mechanisms of Jaeger Le Coultre are practically perfect, in this case, an exceptional reserve is joined by a perpetual calendar with a four-digit year indicator.

Panerai Luminor

The very dial of some of the Luminor indicates that these models are capable of storing up to 10 days of energy without running out of steam.

Panerai achieved a unique piece with this model, but in addition to its luminescent properties, it incorporated a power reserve of no less than 10 days, in a three-barrel movement.

The Panerai Luminor case is 44 mm ceramic.

Hublot La Ferrari

If we talk about power reserve in watches, we cannot forget the legendary Hublot La Ferrari.

In this post you will be able to get to know this piece in depth, regarding its power reserve, Hublot and Ferrari collaborated to create the largest power reserve in history in a commercial watch, achieving it, with a record power reserve of 50 days.

A piece capable of accumulating energy for more than 3-4 days is already considered a small work of watchmaking art, in this case we are talking about almost two months of reserve without the need for any movement.

Hublot in fact achieved a world record that has not yet been broken, and everything indicates that it will take a long time to be broken.

What power reserve does my watch need?

The answer to this question is very variable, it depends on the use you are going to make of the piece. You may wear a mechanical watch every day and once in a while, one or two days a week, you wear another model. In these cases, a power reserve of about 48 hours will suffice, which is common in most mechanical watches that we usually find on the market.

If you want to opt for a really special piece, with a more sophisticated movement, the pieces of Luxury Watches Manufacturers offer reserves of between 4 and 8 days.

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They also accept OEM ODM service. They check all the parts that arrive at your door, to make sure that your mechanism works like the first day.

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