The evolution of the automatic watch movement is a fascinating chapter in watch history that often goes unnoticed. It's a story of innovation, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. In 1926, John Harwood and Fortis revolutionized mechanical watchmaking with the invention of the automatic wristwatch. This breakthrough solved a fundamental problem: the daily manual winding required by most watches at the time, which made them unreliable and prone to damage. Harwood's genius lay in his ability to think outside the box and question the conventional wisdom of the time. He asked, 'What if the watch didn't need a crown for winding?' This simple yet profound question led to the creation of a self-winding system that harnessed the natural movement of the wearer's wrist to power the watch. The partnership between Harwood and Fortis was pivotal in turning this innovative concept into a practical, reliable product. Fortis' manufacturing expertise and commitment to quality ensured that the automatic wristwatch could withstand the rigors of everyday use. The result was a watch that required no daily attention, a true breakthrough in watchmaking. The impact of this invention cannot be overstated. It transformed the way we experience mechanical watches, making them more accessible and practical for the masses. Every automatic movement in every watch you own today traces its lineage back to that Grenchen manufacture in July 1926. The story of the automatic watch is also a tale of near-forgotten origins. As Rolex's Perpetual rotor system rose to dominance in the post-war decades, the origins of the automatic wristwatch became blurred in the popular imagination. Rolex's marketing, understandably focused on the brand's achievements, created an impression in some quarters that the automatic wristwatch had begun in Geneva. However, a correction published in the London Sunday Express in June 1956 set the record straight, publicly acknowledging John Harwood's invention. This act of industry acknowledgment is remarkable and rare. Today, Fortis continues to build its watches in the same building in Grenchen where this chapter of watchmaking history began. The company's commitment to robust mechanical watches made for real-world performance remains unchanged. The centenary of the automatic wristwatch is a moment worth pausing over, not just as a brand anniversary but as a genuine historical moment. It marks the day the automatic wristwatch entered serial production and began its journey toward becoming the defining mechanical movement type of the modern era. Every rotor that spins inside every automatic watch today carries that date in its DNA. For those who love mechanical watches, the automatic movement has transformed the relationship between the wearer and the watch. It has made the daily ritual of winding a choice rather than a necessity. The automatic movement has brought a new level of practicality and convenience to mechanical watches, making them more accessible and appealing to a wider audience. In conclusion, the evolution of the automatic watch movement is a testament to human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of perfection. It is a story that deserves to be told and celebrated, and I am proud to have shared it with you today.
