Frequency
The rate at which a watch’s regulating oscillator vibrates, commonly stated in hertz or vibrations per hour.
Also known as: oscillation frequency, Hz, hertz, movement frequency
Definition
Frequency is the number of complete oscillations a watch's regulating system makes per second, expressed in hertz (Hz). In a mechanical watch, the balance wheel and spring form the oscillator; a 4 Hz movement completes four full oscillations each second, equivalent to eight vibrations per second or 28,800 vibrations per hour. Quartz movements use a vastly higher-frequency crystal oscillator. Frequency influences how finely time can be subdivided, but accuracy also depends on stability, regulation and environmental effects.
Why it matters
Frequency is a fundamental movement specification and helps compare oscillator designs and chronograph resolution. A higher frequency does not automatically make one watch more accurate than another.