How Does a Mechanical Movement Work?

How Does a Mechanical Movement Work?

A mechanical watch is more than a way to tell time — it's a miniature work of art. Discover the inner workings of Bruvik’s Swiss-made movements and why we choose precision over electronics.

Bruvik Fine Timepieces – My Story and Design Philosophy Reading How Does a Mechanical Movement Work? 3 minutes

Time as Craftsmanship

A mechanical movement is more than a way to measure time – it is living craftsmanship. Where a quartz watch is powered by battery and electronics, a mechanical watch relies on gears, springs, and precision. No battery, only pure engineering.

A chronograph adds functionality and technical depth. Through the sapphire caseback, the rotor and movement come alive.
Through the sapphire caseback, the rotor and movement come alive.

How Does a Mechanical Movement Work?

At the center lies the mainspring, storing energy when wound. Either manually by hand, or automatically by a rotor moving with your wrist. This energy is transferred through an intricate gear system, eventually driving the hands.

To control the pace, a balance spring and escapement are used – the beating heart of the watch. This “tick-tock” is what you hear when placing your ear close to a mechanical timepiece.

The rotor is the source of power in an automatic watch.
The rotor is the source of power in an automatic watch.

Different Types of Mechanical Movements

There are several types of movements, and within BRUVIK you will find variations:

  • Three-hand: Hours, minutes, seconds – the most classic form.
  • Chronograph: An advanced movement with stopwatch functionality.
  • GMT: Displays two time zones at once – perfect for travelers.

The classic three-hand – simple, precise, timeless.
A modern three-hand with Norwegian inspiration.

Mechanical Art – Inside the Movement

A mechanical movement often consists of more than 100 parts. Every spring, wheel, and screw plays a role in keeping time accurately.

Movement in exploded view – every gear has its purpose.

Movement in exploded view – every gear has its purpose.
The details of a Swiss movement – a piece of engineering art.

The details of a Swiss movement – a piece of engineering art.Quartz vs. Mechanical

Quartz watches revolutionized the industry in the 1970s – affordable, precise, and battery-driven. Quartz is accurate and reliable, but it lacks the same emotional connection and value for those passionate about horology. A mechanical watch, on the other hand, can last for generations if serviced regularly (approximately every 5 years).

Why BRUVIK Chooses Swiss Movements

All BRUVIK watches are powered by Swiss movements. There are three reasons for this:

  1. Quality – Switzerland has set the standard for watchmaking for centuries.
  2. Tradition – mechanical movements are living cultural heritage.
  3. History – my own journey began in Switzerland, where my passion was born.

Conclusion

A mechanical movement is a small miracle of engineering – a symphony of precision and tradition. For us at BRUVIK, it is more than technology – it is a legacy carried forward, merging Norwegian nature with Swiss craftsmanship.