How it Works: The so called perpetual watch or self winding watch is also to the automatic watch as it works in that way. If you want to understand its function, you have to look at how it works with relates to the human body. The movement of the wrist and body causes the rotor, a metal weight attached to a winding mechanism, to pivot freely on its staff in the center of the movement. The rotor rotates back and forth in a circular motion at the slightest action of the wrist. The rotor's movement winds the mainspring, a flat coiled spring that powers mechanical watches.

A Short History: One of Switzerland's greatest watchmakers, Abraham-Louis Perrelet invented the self winding watch in 1770. He also considered as the father of the automatic watch. In fact the modern rotor system was developed and patented by Rolex and introduced into the Oyster line as the Oyster Perpetual in 1931. Emile Borer, Rolex's technical chief at the time, is credited with inventing the modern rotor system.

Due to involvement of craft in the self winding watches to make a unique movement, it became very popular. Now this technology is also hundreds of years old, and this puts in to its demand.

On some automatic watches the rotor is visible through a transparent case back, called a display back or exhibition back. In these cases the rotors are often engraved or decorated in some way. Because of the movement is assembled by hand, and because they run on clean, natural energy of wrist power, so many people like this automatic watches. In fact there is no chance of battery pollution. The world will be your oyster if you are interested in buying an automatic Swiss watch. However these watches will suit with your budget, and there is a style for any taste.

Maintenance: Sure. The self winding of the watch won't hurt it at all. If you haven't worn an automatic in a while, it is best to wind the stopped watch before putting it on. Ok! If you have selected to buy an automatic Swiss watch, make sure that you should get it serviced every three to five years, but if it is a water-resistant watch, you should go for annual service. Most companies recommend the watch be checked and re-lubricated every three to five years. If the wearer regularly subjects a water-resistant automatic to water, the seals should be checked annually.