Frequency refers to the rate at which a mechanical watch’s balance wheel oscillates, measured in vibrations per hour (vph) or Hertz (Hz). This vital metric directly impacts the watch’s accuracy, as a higher frequency means more oscillations per second, leading to finer timekeeping.
How Frequency Affects Timekeeping Performance
The frequency of a watch’s movement is critical to its stability and accuracy. Watches with higher frequencies, such as 36,000 vph (5Hz), are considered more precise due to the faster oscillations of the balance wheel. A higher frequency reduces the influence of external factors, such as temperature fluctuations, magnetic fields, and shock, all of which can affect the timekeeping accuracy of a watch.
Higher frequencies also benefit chronograph movements, where more precise measurements of short intervals are required.
The Evolution of Frequency in Horology
The concept of high-frequency timekeeping can be traced back to the 19th century, when legendary watchmaker Louis Moinet designed the first chronograph with a 30Hz frequency. Over time, movements with higher frequencies became more common, with watches offering 21,600 vph or 28,800 vph becoming the industry standard. However, the introduction of Zenith’s El Primero in 1969, which ran at 36,000 vph, marked a pivotal moment in the history of high-frequency movements.
Today, watchmakers are pushing the boundaries of frequency, with some timepieces reaching frequencies as high as 72,000 vph (10Hz).
At Just In Time, we offer timepieces powered by high-frequency movements, where faster oscillations translate to superior accuracy, giving you unparalleled precision and stability in every second.
