Did You Know That: The Difference Between A Modular And Integrated Movement
In this edition of ‘Did You Know That,’ we look at the difference between a modular and integrated movement, each representing one of two different approaches to including a complication in a watch.
With a modular movement, an additional complication is built on top of an otherwise stand-alone timekeeping mechanism. By itself, the module cannot function, and instead needs to be attached to a base movement to power it. Here, we immediately have the advantage of a modular movement. A brand can make or buy automatic or manual wind movements that only tell time, and make or buy different modules to put on them. This is a relatively cost-effective way to offer a collection with different complications.
Omega’s legendary caliber 321 is a good example of an integrated movement
The purists among us are often in favor of the integrated movement. Here, there is no module, but the caliber was designed to have this complication from the beginning. This means that the entire movement only has a single mainplate, and that the complication is an intricate part of the movement as a whole.
While more complex to make, integrated movements come with a few advantages. As the complication is integrated inside the caliber, and not stacked on top of it like a module, they are often slimmer. Developing them is a costly business also because it results in only a single movement featuring one or more complications, yet one that cannot be utilized otherwise. This is also...
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