Enter an observed amplitude reading and get practical guidance on whether your mechanical watch looks generally healthy or may need service.
| Reading zone | General interpretation |
|---|---|
| Higher healthy band | Often seen on healthy movements when adequately wound |
| Acceptable band | Can be normal depending on design, position and state of wind |
| Low band | Worth investigating, especially if rate is also unstable |
| Very low band | Service likely needed |
Amplitude is the swing of the balance wheel, measured in degrees. Healthy amplitude generally indicates the movement is delivering enough energy through the escapement with acceptable friction levels.
• Aged or contaminated oils
• Low state of wind
• Wear or dirt in the train
• Magnetism issues in some cases
• Shock damage / compromised pivots
• Service overdue
What is a good amplitude for an automatic watch? Many healthy movements show stronger amplitude when fully wound and lower values as reserve drops. Exact targets vary by calibre and position.
Is 220 degrees amplitude bad? It can be acceptable in some contexts (especially lower power state), but is worth monitoring if the watch is fully wound and still stays that low.
When does amplitude mean service is needed? When readings are persistently low for the state of wind, especially with unstable rate, weak running, or long service intervals.
Can amplitude be too high? Unusually high amplitude can also indicate issues in some cases. Extreme values deserve professional interpretation.
Does position affect amplitude? Yes. Vertical positions often show lower amplitude than horizontal positions on the same watch.