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Replica Watch Knowledge: How to Read the Frequency of a Mechanical Watch

Replica Watch EncyclopaediaPublished 2016-10-13

Many friends who have some understanding of mechanical watches will notice the movement frequency officially provided for the watch, but few understand what a high or low frequency actually means. In fact, the oscillation frequency of a replica watch refers to the frequency of the mechanical oscillation system composed of the balance wheel and hairspring; its oscillation frequency and stability are key to the watch's timekeeping accuracy.

　　Many people withMechanical watchsome understanding will notice the movement frequency officially provided for the watch, but few understand what a high or low frequency actually means. So, let us guide you through what this frequency actually signifies.

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　　In fact,Replica watchesoscillation frequency refers to the frequency of the mechanical oscillation system composed of the balance wheel and hairspring; its oscillation frequency and stability are key to the watch's timekeeping accuracy. Generally, when talking about the oscillation frequency of a watch, it usually refers to the number of vibrations, and the unit of time is not seconds, but hours. We know that frequency is the number of full oscillations completed by an object in a unit of time. The balance wheel in a replica watch completes one full oscillation only after swinging once to the left and once to the right. Generally speaking, the higher the frequency, the more accurate the watch is.

　　5 oscillations per second, i.e. 2.5Hz, is commonly known as a slow-beat oscillation rate. A large escapement mechanism and escape wheel can control operation effectively, providing excellent stability. Because it does not exert heavy loads on the movement, it offers outstanding wear resistance and ease of servicing.

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　　6 oscillations per second, i.e. 3Hz, is commonly known as a fast-beat oscillation rate. Increasing the beat rate by 20% from 5 oscillations yields higher timekeeping precision. It offers enhanced wear resistance, durability, and rate stability.

　　8 oscillations per second, i.e. 4Hz, is commonly known as a high-frequency oscillation rate. Increasing the beat rate by 60% from a lower 5 oscillations results in a high-frequency rate, which is currently the most common frequency for both manual-wind and automatic mechanical watches.

　　This is currently the highest oscillation rate found in common movements—10 times per second, which is 5Hz. As a mechanical watch, its accuracy is extremely high, theoretically precise to one-tenth of a second; however, it is prone to wear and tear, and has a shorter service interval.