MoT's WDF

Some of my mechanical watches tick with a slight metallic clang, others do not. Some tick loudly, some softly. What do differences in the ticking sounds of mechanical watches tell about what is going on inside? Some can identify issues with a car engine just by listening. Is the same true for watches? Can listening for particular characteristics of a watch’s ticking sounds identify issues or a need for servicing?

Based on the experiences with Timex watch movements, you can tell something about the materials used based on the loudness of the ticking. Brass, plastic, stainless and aluminum will sound differently in loudness. This is inferred and extrapolated from what I have read and is not representative of independent research on my part.

I will be interested to see were this conversation goes. My Timex Deep Space Snoopy ticks so loud that I can hear it across the room at night. The Timex Q is not nearly as loud. As for automatics, I have noticed that my new Glycine Airman No 1 is particularly loud and higher pitched (unscientifically) than any of my other autos (that I have noticed).

Majority is based on 2 things: case cavity and material.
If your automatic isn't particularly audible when it's left on a surface on a quiet night, more likely to have a plastic movement holder since it doesn't transduce the vibrations as easily... Or so I would think.

Interesting topic. I would love to be able to diagnose problems with this method, and I am sure it's possible to the trained ear.

As far as my experience goes, all I know is if you can really hear a rotor free spinning, its probably a miyota. And if you can hear a mechanical ticking from across the room, its probably a Raketa.

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