Understanding beat-rates in watches

The heartbeat of the watch

The beat rate is essentially the heartbeat of a watch, indicating how many times the balance wheel swings back and forth in an hour. This motion is akin to a pendulum's swing, setting the rhythm for the entire mechanism.

- High beat-rate: Clocking in at 28,800 beats per hour (bph), a high beat-rate ensures your watch keeps impeccable time. Here at Henry Archer, most of our watches boast high beat-rates, thanks to the reliable Miyota 9000 series.

- Standard beat-rate: Traditional mechanical watches usually tick away at rates ranging from 18,000 to 21,600 bph, offering reliable accuracy without breaking the bank.

- Low beat-rate: Some watches prefer to take it slow, with a pace of around 14,400 bph. It's like savoring a vintage wine – slow and steady, but oh so charming. Despite their slower pace, low beat-rate movements can often boast an impressive power reserve, lasting days, if not weeks, on a single winding.

QUICK FACTS

The jewels inside a watch movement are not there for decoration; they serve a critical function. Made from synthetic ruby or sapphire, these jewels act as bearings, reducing friction at points of high wear. This not only enhances the movement's accuracy but also significantly extends its lifespan, ensuring your timepiece ticks smoothly for years to come.

A high beat-rate of 28,800 bph means your watch ticks eight times per second.

Miyota movements, celebrated for their reliability and precision in most of our models, are produced by the Citizen Group, a global leader in watchmaking known for its innovative technology and craftsmanship.

The jewels inside a watch movement are not there for decoration; they serve a critical function. Made from synthetic ruby or sapphire, these jewels act as bearings, reducing friction at points of high wear. This not only enhances the movement's accuracy but also significantly extends its lifespan, ensuring your timepiece ticks smoothly for years to come.

Why beat-rates matter

- Precision: A higher beat-rate allows for finer adjustments to the escapement mechanism, resulting in more accurate timekeeping down to the millisecond.

- Durability: Watches with high beat-rates are often tougher and more resilient, able to withstand the hustle and bustle of everyday life without skipping a beat.

- Smooth sweep: One of the most cherished aspects of high beat-rate movements is the smooth sweep of the second hand. It glides effortlessly across the dial, reminiscent of the graceful movement of a pendulum.

A Look Back at the Beat-rate Revolution

During the 1970s, watchmakers experimented with beat rates, culminating in movements reaching 36,000 beats per hour (bph). However, this quest for increased accuracy introduced challenges, notably increased wear on the movement components, necessitating more frequent maintenance.

Conversely, lower beat rates were also present in several models, with beat rates as low as 18,000 bph, which exemplify a different philosophy, emphasizing energy efficiency. Low-beat movements consume less power, which translates into longer power reserves.

This approach draws parallels to the endurance of a marathon runner, prioritizing sustained performance over short-term speed.

Additionally, watches operating at lower beat rates often feature a more pronounced second hand movement, whereas high-beat movements feature a smooth sweep of the second hand.