The differences may seem rather small at first, but after we break down the main components of each, you’ll be surprised to find out just how different they really are.
For one, mechanical watches also have a subcategory, called automatic mechanical watches. Yeah, the whole thing gets pretty confusing at times, but bear with me. Mechanical watches need to be wound in order to keep operating, while automatic watches do not.
These all have a ratchet sitting somewhere on the inside that locks into place and holds the kinetic energy of the wound movement, mostly. Whether you go automatic, mechanical, or automatic mechanical, they all have the same level of accuracy, so if having a consistent watch is your concern, you have nothing to worry about there.
Automatic mechanical watches come with power reserves, which allow you to keep your watch on for extended periods of time. Some models even allow for up to 72 hours or more, which is plenty of time to switch it out for another watch in your winder and keep a rotating schedule of watches on your wrists.