What is the rotor in a watch?

Vaer Watches Updated by Vaer Watches

The rotor is a part of an automatic watch movement that is responsible for winding the mainspring, which powers the watch.

The rotor is a semi-circular weight that is mounted on a pivot and rotates freely inside the watch case. As the wearer moves their wrist, the rotor swings back and forth, causing the pivot to rotate and wind the mainspring.

The rotor is typically made of a dense metal like gold or tungsten, which gives it enough weight to generate sufficient kinetic energy to wind the mainspring. The rotor is also mounted on a ball bearing or jeweled pivot, which reduces friction and allows it to rotate freely and smoothly.

The use of a rotor in an automatic watch movement is what distinguishes it from a manual wind movement. In a manual wind movement, the mainspring must be wound by turning the crown, while in an automatic movement, the rotor winds the mainspring automatically as the wearer moves their wrist.

The use of a rotor in an automatic movement is not only convenient for the wearer, but it also helps to ensure that the watch stays wound and keeps accurate time. However, it's important to note that automatic movements still require periodic servicing to ensure that the movement remains in good working condition and continues to operate accurately over time.

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