Why the calibre used in your watch matters
If you've ever wondered what the word "calibre" means with regards to a wristwatch, then you're not alone. All watches feature different calibres which help to identify them. For example, Omega Speedmaster models are identified by many different calibres but if we were to look specifically at an Omega Speedmaster Professional Moon Phase watch, we should know that the calibre used is 1866 only. No other movement would be suitable. To technical folks, calibres are like wine: they either like them, or hate them and can always tell the difference between them. However if you were to ask your friends what kind of calibre they have in their mechanical watches, they'd probably give you a puzzled look.Originally, the term was used to describe the size of a watch movement but it now refers to the type of movement, whether it's for men, women, automatic, etc. This may seem confusing particularly for older watches that have been serviced or modified over the years. It's quite possible for the original calibre to have been replaced by another one, either maliciously or not. Sometimes, there are simply no more original calibres left and a replacement has to be found. Therefore, if you're looking for a truly vintage watch, it's always important to make sure that the calibre is the original one. Check with the manufacturer to find out what it's supposed to be.
Today it's a bit easier. The calibre number (which varies widely depending on the maker) comes with the manufacturer's mark which helps to identify it. This can be useful information when buying a used watch because you it allows you to do some research to ensure that the correct calibre is being used in the corresponding watch.
What's critical to remember is that when it comes to a watches' authenticity, the calibre is the most important piece of the puzzle.
