Do Automatic Mechanical Watches Need Batteries?

No, an automatic mechanical watch does not need a battery: its movement stores energy in a mainspring, which is wound by a rotor that moves as you wear the watch. That stored energy drives the hands and, on a watch with a date display, the date mechanism until the mainspring runs down.

Regular wear usually keeps an automatic watch wound, but movement alone will not keep it running indefinitely if you leave it off your wrist. If it stops, follow the watch’s instructions for winding and setting it rather than shaking it vigorously, and take care when adjusting the date because some mechanical movements should not have their date changed during certain hours.

Check the product’s listed specifications when evaluating how do you keep an automatic watch running.

A quartz watch typically uses a battery to power its movement, while an automatic mechanical watch relies on a wound spring and a system of gears. That means you avoid routine battery changes with an automatic, but you may need to reset its time and date after it has been unworn long enough to stop.

If you like the idea of a watch powered by your own movement, our Automatic Mechanical Watch for Men with Date Display and 100M Water Resistance is an example of the style; its automatic movement does not require a battery. Our team recommends making sure any watch fits securely but comfortably, and keeping its crown properly closed before water exposure while following its care instructions for water resistance.