Does an automatic watch need a battery?

An automatic mechanical watch runs on energy stored in a mainspring rather than a battery. Wrist movement supplies its winding energy. Do not confuse an analog display with an automatic movement: the reviewed MDV106 Series and Men's Expedition Scout 40mm Watch are both battery-powered quartz watches.

What happens if you stop wearing an automatic watch?

Once its stored energy runs out, an automatic watch stops. You will need to restart and reset it according to its manual before wearing it again. The available running time and recommended restart procedure depend on the model, so avoid assuming a universal duration or winding count.

Can you wind an automatic watch by hand?

Check your watch's manual before trying to hand-wind it; winding capability and crown operation vary by movement and case design. Follow the specified procedure rather than a generic number of crown turns, and never force the crown. An optional winder is not a substitute for understanding those instructions.

Is an automatic watch better than quartz?

It depends on whether you want mechanical ownership or lower movement upkeep. Automatic watches bring recurring mechanical service considerations. The reviewed quartz alternatives avoid those mechanical servicing costs but require battery replacements. For everyday buying, also prioritize sapphire crystal and check lug width if you plan to change straps.

What is an automatic watch?

An automatic watch is a self-winding mechanical watch, and its movement service needs matter more to long-term ownership than optional accessories.

Research-based article drawn from our 21 watches & watch accessories reviews. Updated September 2026.

Short answer

An automatic watch is a mechanical watch that uses motion from your wrist to wind its mainspring, which stores the energy that runs the movement. It is also called a self-winding watch. Automatic does not mean maintenance-free: movement servicing is a long-term ownership cost, and winding or setting procedures should follow the watch’s manual.

Our picks for “what is an automatic watch”

What does “automatic” mean on a watch?

Automatic describes how a mechanical watch winds itself, not how it sets the time. Wrist movement powers the winding mechanism, while the mainspring stores the energy needed to run the watch. That distinction matters when shopping: an analog dial alone does not identify an automatic movement.

The reviewed MDV106 Series, for example, has an analog display but uses a battery-powered Japanese quartz movement. The Men's Expedition Scout 40mm Watch is also quartz, not automatic. Neither should be mistaken for a self-winding mechanical watch because of its traditional appearance.

Check the movement description before buying, then read the manual for operating instructions. Our supplied review list contains automatic-watch winders and accessories, but no reviewed automatic wristwatch. Those accessories can support ownership; they are not evidence that a particular automatic watch is worth buying.

Read the reviews: MDV106 Series, Men's Expedition Scout 40mm Watch

The ownership cost to check before buying

Movement service intervals are the central long-term buying consideration for an automatic watch. Before purchasing, look up the manufacturer's recommended service schedule and ask what movement servicing involves. Check the manual rather than assuming every mechanical watch follows the same interval or winding procedure. We do not have service prices or intervals for an automatic wristwatch in this review list.

For daily wear, our buying preference is sapphire crystal. The reviewed quartz alternatives illustrate the compromise: both the MDV106 Series and Men's Expedition Scout 40mm Watch have mineral crystals, which offer less scratch resistance than sapphire. Their quartz movements avoid recurring mechanical movement servicing, although battery replacement remains relevant.

Choose an automatic because you want mechanical ownership, not because “self-winding” sounds maintenance-free. If avoiding mechanical upkeep is the priority, these quartz alternatives are more directly aligned with that goal.

Read the reviews: MDV106 Series, Men's Expedition Scout 40mm Watch

Do you need a watch winder?

Treat a winder as an optional convenience, not a required first purchase. Its useful role is keeping an automatic watch ready to wear, especially when resetting calendar complications is laborious. Before using one, check the watch manual for suitability and any model-specific winding requirements. Do not assume one setting fits every movement.

The Automatic Single Watch Winder Box, Quiet Motor, LED Light, Lock is our relevant single-watch option, with a score of 7.2/10. Its small footprint and lockable lid are useful, but our review flags ongoing movement wear and uncertain long-term motor reliability.

For two watches, the Watch Winder for Automatic Watches, Double Automatic Watch Winder Box with Quiet Japan-made Motor also scores 7.2/10. It accommodates two watches, but budget motor durability and noise over time remain concerns. Neither removes the need to plan for movement service.

Read the reviews: Automatic Single Watch Winder Box, Watch Winder for Automatic Watches

Straps are useful upgrades, but fit comes first

A replacement strap is often a more practical accessory than a winder. Start with the watch's lug width, measured in millimeters, rather than the brand name. Width is the first compatibility check, but attachment geometry also matters. Check the manual or manufacturer guidance when the watch uses anything other than standard straight lugs and spring bars.

The Soft Silicone Quick Release Watch Bands score 8.3/10 and suit everyday water-resistant wear on standard lugs. Their silicone resists water and perspiration, and quick-release pins allow tool-free installation. The trade-offs are lint attraction and a premium over basic multipacks. Our review warns that curved or recessed lugs will not seat properly with this option.

A water-resistant strap does not establish the watch's water resistance. Follow the watch manual for water exposure, and verify that both spring bars are securely seated after any strap change.

Read the reviews: Soft Silicone Quick Release Watch Bands

Frequently asked

Does an automatic watch need a battery?: An automatic mechanical watch runs on energy stored in a mainspring rather than a battery. Wrist movement supplies its winding energy. Do not confuse an analog display with an automatic movement: the reviewed MDV106 Series and Men's Expedition Scout 40mm Watch are both battery-powered quartz watches.
What happens if you stop wearing an automatic watch?: Once its stored energy runs out, an automatic watch stops. You will need to restart and reset it according to its manual before wearing it again. The available running time and recommended restart procedure depend on the model, so avoid assuming a universal duration or winding count.
Can you wind an automatic watch by hand?: Check your watch's manual before trying to hand-wind it; winding capability and crown operation vary by movement and case design. Follow the specified procedure rather than a generic number of crown turns, and never force the crown. An optional winder is not a substitute for understanding those instructions.
Is an automatic watch better than quartz?: It depends on whether you want mechanical ownership or lower movement upkeep. Automatic watches bring recurring mechanical service considerations. The reviewed quartz alternatives avoid those mechanical servicing costs but require battery replacements. For everyday buying, also prioritize sapphire crystal and check lug width if you plan to change straps.