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Mechanical alarm watches stand as a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of traditional horology. Envisioned as time-telling tools and personal reminders, they feature intricate mechanisms that allow wearers to set audible alarms.
Recently, there’s been a resurgence of interest in them. Horologists and enthusiasts appreciate the complexity and mechanical beauty they hold. Manufacturers are innovating within this niche, ensuring that while the nostalgia remains, the functionality meets the needs of modern life.
Keep reading this mechanical alarm watch blog to learn about these horological gems- their features, history, some of the best options for 2024, and so much more.
What is a Mechanical Wrist Watch?
A mechanical wristwatch is a timepiece powered by a complex mechanism that measures the passage of time without the use of batteries. Unlike quartz watches, which use a battery and electronic oscillator regulated by a piece of quartz, mechanical watches operate through a series of gears set in motion by a wound spring.
Key Elements of a Mechanical Wrist Watch:
- Energy source: You manually wind the spring, called the mainspring, which stores energy.
- Gear train: Transfers energy from the mainspring to the balance wheel.
- Escapement: This device drives the gear train and releases the watch’s gears to move forward at a regulated pace.
- Balance wheel: Oscillates back and forth at a constant rate, regulating the gear train.
- Display: Hands on the watch face indicate hours, minutes, and sometimes seconds.
Additional features may include:
- Chronograph (stopwatch function)
- Moon phase indicator
- Calendar display
What to Look for in a Modern Mechanical Alarm Watch
Here are some of the main factors to consider when choosing a modern mechanical alarm watch:
- Sound quality: Go for a watch that produces a clear, audible signal to serve its primary function effectively. Look for descriptions or reviews of the alarm tone to ensure it meets your expectations.
- Reliability: The watch should maintain accurate time and alarm settings under typical wear conditions. Opt for watches with a solid track record or from reputable brands known for their durable timepieces.
- Craftsmanship: A well-constructed mechanical alarm watch not only keeps time accurately but also stands out as a piece of fine craftsmanship. Inspect the finish, the fit of the parts, and the materials used. High-quality metals, scratch-resistant glass, and precision in assembly indicate superior craftsmanship.
- Additional features: A date display, water resistance, and a power reserve indicator are useful features. Some modern versions also combine other complications, like a minute repeater, for a more sophisticated experience.
The Top 9 Mechanical Alarm Watches
1. ORIS Big Crown Propilot Alarm Limited Edition – Stainless Steel, Black Dial ref. 01 910 7745 4084-Set LS
About
The Big Crown Propilot Alarm is a limited-edition men’s luxury watch. It’s a testament to the brand’s commitment to superior Swiss watchmaking. It combines traditional pilot watch aesthetics with modern functionalities, making it a highly sought-after model among enthusiasts and collectors.
Features
They include a bezel with a coin edge pattern, Arabic numeral and index hour markers, a rotating date display at the center of the dial, a mechanical 12-hour alarm function indicated by the yellow-tipped central hand, and a domed sapphire crystal on both sides with anti-reflective coating inside.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2018
- Case Size: 44mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Black, with luminous hands and Arabic numeral/index hour markers
- Bracelet – Dark brown alligator leather strap with a push button deployant buckle
- Bezel – Fixed, smooth, stainless steel, with a coin edge pattern
- Function: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Alarm, Date
- Mechanism: Self-winding Oris Caliber 910 movement with 31 jewels, a 45-hour power reserve, and a 28,800vph frequency
Why You Should Invest?
It’s limited to 250 pieces, increasing its appeal among most watch collectors. Additionally, WatchBase indicates its price increased from S$6,714 on May 17, 2018, to S$7,151 on June 4, 2022.
2. Breguet Marine Alarm Musicale – Titanium, Blue Dial ref. 5547TI/Y1/9ZU
About
The Marine Alarme Musicale is an exquisite luxury men’s timepiece that exudes sophistication. It’s part of Breguet’s Marine collection, which draws inspiration from the traditional marine chronometers historically used in naval navigation.
Features
The main ones are a fluted caseband, applied solid Roman numeral hour markers, an on/off alarm button at 8 o’clock, an on/off alarm indicator below 12 o’clock, an alarm time subdial at 3 o’clock, an alarm power reserve indicator between 10 and 12 o’clock, and a dual time subdial at 9 o’clock.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2021
- Case Size: 40mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Blue, with a sunburst finish and luminous hands and applied solid Roman numeral hour markers
- Bracelet – Blue alligator leather strap with a deployant buckle clasp
- Bezel – Fixed, smooth, titanium
- Function: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Alarm, GMT
- Mechanism: Self-winding Breguet Caliber 519F/1 movement with 38 jewels, a 45-hour power reserve, and a 28,800vph frequency
Why You Should Invest?
According to WatchBase, its price increased from S$41,005 on June 19, 2021, to S$47,138 on July 18, 2023.
3. Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Diving Alarm – Titanium, Black Dial ref. Q183T770
About
The Master Compressor Diving Alarm is a limited-edition luxury automatic alarm watch designed to serve as a reliable tool for divers. Its alarm function serves as a reminder for divers underwater, an essential safety feature during dives.
Features
The watch features Arabic numeral hour markers at 12,6, and 9 o’clock, a unidirectional rotatable bezel with a black ceramic insert, a double sealed date window at 3 o’clock, an alarm function at the center of the dial with a red-tipped marker indicating the current alarm time setting, and a black articulated rubber strap.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2019
- Case Size: 44mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Black, with luminescent hands and Arabic/index hour markers
- Bracelet – Black articulated rubber strap with a deployant clasp
- Bezel – Unidirectional rotating, titanium, with a black ceramic insert with 60-minute graduations
- Function: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Alarm, Date
- Mechanism: Automatic JLC Caliber 956 movement with 23 jewels, a 45-hour power reserve, and a 28,800vph frequency
Why You Should Invest?
It’s a limited edition watch (to 1,500 pieces), increasing its demand among most collectors. Moreover, its price increased by at least 10 percent between 2019 and January 2024.
4. Tudor Heritage Advisor – Stainless Steel and Titanium, Black Dial ref. 79620TN-0001
About
The Advisor is a luxury men’s watch that’s part of Tudor’s Heritage Advisor (the only alarm watch in the brand’s catalog) collection that was introduced in 2011. It borrows heavily from its ancestor the ref. 7926, but incorporates some fresh design and functional updates such as a bigger case and a more capable movement.
Features
It showcases a range of features such as an alarm on/off aperture at 9 o’clock, a large raised radial pointer date subdial at 6 o’clock, an alarm power reserve indicator at 3 o’clock, a red alarm hand, and an oversized pusher at 8 o’clock to activate/deactivate the pusher.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2011
- Case Size: 42mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Black, with luminous silver dauphine hands and pointed baton/ Arabic/pyramid hour markers
- Bracelet – Stainless steel, with a deployant clasp
- Bezel – Fixed, smooth, stainless steel
- Function: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Alarm, Date
- Mechanism: Automatic Tudor Caliber T401-901 movement with a 42-hour power reserve and 28,800vph frequency
Why You Should Invest?
It retains its value with time. According to WatchBase, it had a constant S$8,110 price from April 3, 2019, to March 20, 2020. However, it’s likely to rake in some profit if sold in mint condition.
5. Patek Philippe Grand Complications Alarm Travel Time – Platinum, Ebony Black Dial ref. 5520P-001
About
The Grand Complications Alarm Travel is an exceptional piece in the Patek Philippe line-up, combining the practicality of a travel watch with the sophistication of a grand complication. Its overall design, exceptional alarm feature with a unique chime, and brand history afford it the highest price on our list.
Features
They include an alarm function that chimes with a classic gong, a digital alarm display below 12 o’clock with a bell-shaped cut-out above it, a date subdial at 6 o’clock, local and home time-zones with day/night indicators, a skeletonized home hand, and large applied Arabic numeral hour markers.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2019
- Case Size: 42.2mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Ebony black with a sunburst finish, white gold hands and large applied Arabic numeral hour markers with SuperLumiNova coating
- Bracelet – High-quality black calfskin strap with a Clevis prong buckle
- Bezel – Fixed, smooth, platinum
- Function: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Alarm, Date, GMT
- Mechanism: Self-winding mechanical Caliber AL 30-660 S C FUS movement with 52 jewels, a 42-hour power reserve, and a 28,800vph frequency
Why You Should Invest?
Its price increased by 25% between 2021 and February 2024.
6. Panerai Radiomir GMT/Alarm – White Gold, Black Dial ref. PAM00046
About
The Radiomir GMT/Alarm is a limited-edition everyday luxury men’s watch that embodies fine craftsmanship and an innovative design. It’s the ideal accessory for the modern traveler and adventurer seeking a timepiece that’s elegant and functional.
Features
The main ones are a GMT aperture at 6 o’clock, a crown at 4 o’clock that sets and winds the alarm, a tonneau-shaped case, a date window at 3 o’clock, and Arabic numeral hour markers at 12 and 9 o’clock.
Specifications
- Production Year: 1999
- Case Size: 40mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Black, with luminous hands and Arabic numeral/index hour markers
- Bracelet – Rich brown leather strap
- Bezel – Fixed, smoothly polished, white gold
- Function: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Alarm, Date, GMT
- Mechanism: Automatic mechanical Girard-Perregaux Caliber GP59 movement with 31 jewels, a 47-hour power reserve, and a 28,800vph frequency
Why You Should Invest?
It’s limited to 60 pieces, plus its price has increased consistently over the years by approximately 30 percent.
7. Blancpain Leman Reveil Alarm GMT – Rose Gold, White Dial ref. 2841-3642-53B
About
Want a more dressy piece with an unapologetically bold dial design? The Leman Reveil GMT takes the cake with its intricate design and advanced functionality in horology. Its Rose Gold body and elegant strap choice effortlessly give off a formal vibe against a rather busy dial with golden details.
Features
The main ones are a small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock, Arabic numeral hour markers at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, a subdial at 3 o’clock that indicates alarm time, a red-tipped hand that indicates a 2nd time zone, and a date window between 4 and 5 o’clock.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2017
- Case Size: 40mm
- Materials:
- Dial – White, with luminous gold-tone hands and index and Arabic numeral hour markers
- Bracelet – Luxe leather strap
- Bezel – Fixed, smooth, 18k rose gold
- Function: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Small Seconds, GMT, Alarm, Date
- Mechanism: Automatic Blancpain Caliber 1241H movement with 38 jewels and a 40-hour power reserve
Why You Should Invest?
Its price increased by 25% between 2021 and March 10, 2024.
8. Ulysse Nardin Sonata Cathedral Dual Time – White Gold, Blue Dial ref. 670-88/213
About
The Sonata Cathedral is a mechanical luxury men’s watch with a mechanical alarm function with a beautiful chime. It’s one of those mechanical watches that require a double take so wearers can fully appreciate its design and functionality. Although it’s mainly a dress timepiece, its dial’s design makes it ideal for less serious environments too.
Features
They include an alarm time indicator at 2 o’clock, a GMT subdial at 6 o’clock, a double window date display at 4 o’clock, a subdial at 10 o’clock that counts down when the alarm will chime next, and oversized skeletonized watch hands.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2018
- Case Size: 42mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Blue, with a partial silvered linear “Cotes de Geneve” design, oversized skeletonized hands, and pyramid hour markers with small dots above them
- Bracelet – Blue crocodile leather strap with a deployant buckle clasp
- Bezel – Fixed, smooth, white gold
- Function: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date, Alarm, GMT
- Mechanism: Automatic Caliber UN-67 movement with 109 jewels, a 42-hour power reserve, and a 28,800vph frequency
Why You Should Invest?
Its value increased by at least 15 percent between August 2020 and February 2023.
9. Glashutte Original Senator Diary – White Gold, Dark Gray Ruthenium Dial ref. 100-13-04-04-04
About
The Original Senator Diary is a testament to German watchmaking. It’s a luxury men’s dress watch and features a unique alarm complication that allows wearers to set an alarm up to 30 days in advance. It blends traditional aesthetics with modern functionality, allowing it to resonate with nostalgic and more modern watch enthusiasts.
Features
The main ones are a large 2-disc date display window at 3 o’clock, a subdial at 9 o’clock that displays the date indicator for the alarm, an elongated window at 6 o’clock that displays the time indicator for the alarm, a transparent sapphire caseback, and double index hour markers at 12 o’clock.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2015
- Case Size: 42mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Dark gray ruthenium, with luminous silver-tone hands and index hour markers
- Bracelet – Gray alligator leather strap with a deployant buckle
- Bezel – Fixed, smooth, white gold
- Function: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date, Alarm
- Mechanism: Automatic Caliber 100-13 movement with 86 jewels, a 55-hour power reserve, and a 28,800vph frequency
Why You Should Invest?
Investing in it means owning a piece of horological innovation, highlighted by its unique alarm function and timeless design. Additionally, its price has increased by 30% between 2022 and March 10, 2024.
Summary
The following table highlights the mechanical alarm watches above, plus their key features, retail, private market, and pre-owned prices:
| Model | Key Features | Retail Price | Private Market Price | Pre-Owned Price |
| ORIS Big Crown Propilot Alarm Limited Edition ref. 01 910 7745 4084-Set LS | • Bezel with a coin edge pattern • Rotating date display at the center of the dial • Mechanical 12-hour alarm function indicated by the yellow-tipped central hand | S$7,391 | S$5,112 | S$4,664 |
| Breguet Marine Alarm Musicale ref. 5547TI/Y1/9ZU | • On/off alarm indicator below 12 o’clock • Alarm time subdial at 3 o’clock • Alarm power reserve indicator between 10 and 12 o’clock | S$38,439 | S$25,826 | S$29,429 |
| Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Diving Alarm ref. Q183T770 | • Unidirectional rotatable bezel with a black ceramic insert • Double sealed date window at 3 o’clock • Alarm function at the center of the dial | S$20,291 | S$14,090 | S$17,100 |
| Tudor Heritage Advisor ref. 79620TN-0001 | • Alarm on/off aperture at 9 o’clock • Large raised radial pointer date subdial at 6 o’clock • Alarm power reserve indicator at 3 o’clock | S$8,163 | S$7,447 | S$7,960 |
| Patek Philippe Grand Complications Alarm Travel Time ref. 5520P-001 | • Alarm function that chimes with a classic gong • Digital alarm display below 12 o’clock with a bell-shaped cut-out above it • Local and home time-zones with day/night indicators | S$379,970 | S$206,004 | S$220,371 |
| Panerai Radiomir GMT/Alarm ref. PAM00046 | • GMT aperture at 6 o’clock • Crown at 4 o’clock that sets and winds the alarm • Tonneau-shaped case | S$37,749 | S$32,160 | S$35,414 |
| Blancpain Leman Reveil Alarm GMT ref. 2841-3642-53B | • Small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock • Red-tipped hand that indicates a 2nd time zone • Date window between 4 and 5 o’clock | S$50,658 | S$48,123 | S$49,667 |
| Ulysse Nardin Sonata Cathedral Dual Time ref. 670-88/213 | • Double window date display at 4 o’clock • Subdial at 10 o’clock that counts down when the alarm will chime next • Oversized skeletonized watch hands | S$87,972 | S$85,603 | S$86,900 |
| Glashutte Original Senator Diary ref. 100-13-04-04-04 | • Large 2-disc date display window at 3 o’clock • Subdial at 9 o’clock that displays the date indicator for the alarm • Elongated window at 6 o’clock that displays the time indicator for the alarm | S$55,609 | S$50,004 | S$53,111 |
Considering the potential for value appreciation and market demand, the Patek Philippe Grand Complications Alarm Travel Time ref. 5520P-001 appears to be the best investment based on the provided prices, thanks to its significant brand prestige, innovative features, and appreciation in the pre-owned market.
What is the Difference Between Mechanical and Automatic Watches?
The key difference between mechanical and automatic watches lies in how they are wound: Mechanical watches require manual winding by the wearer, while automatic watches wind themselves automatically due to the wearer’s wrist movements, thanks to an added rotor mechanism.
| Feature | Mechanical Watches | Automatic Watches |
| Winding | Require manual winding by the wearer. | Wind themselves automatically as the wearer moves their wrist. |
| Power Source | Powered by a coiled spring. | Also powered by a coiled spring. |
| Operation | Operate through a series of gears. | Operate through a series of gears, similar to mechanical watches. |
| Additional Mechanism | No additional mechanism for winding. | Include a rotor that moves with the wrist’s motion, winding the spring automatically. |
| Convenience | Less convenient as they need regular winding to keep running. | More convenient due to the automatic winding feature. |
Care and Maintenance Tips for Mechanical Alarm Watches
Maintaining your mechanical alarm watch is critical to ensure its longevity and precision. Here are some essential care tips:
- Regular servicing: Aim to have your watch serviced every 4-5 years by a professional. Servicing involves cleaning, lubricating, and checking the movement.
- Winding: Wind your watch daily or as recommended by the manufacturer to keep the movement calibrated. Ensure you do not overwind.
- Avoid extremes: Keep your watch away from extreme temperatures and magnetic fields which can affect the accuracy.
- Water resistance: If your watch isn’t water-resistant, keep it dry and away from moisture.
- Storage: Store in a dry, temperature-controlled environment to prevent damage.
- Cleaning: Use a soft cloth to gently wipe away any dust or moisture from the watch
- Handling the alarm: Set and unset the alarm gently to avoid stressing the alarm mechanism.
- Physical protection: Be mindful of bumps or shocks, as they can damage the internal mechanics. Consider a watch box for added safety when not in use.
Final Word
Mechanical alarm watches carry a legacy of craftsmanship and functionality. Embraced by notable individuals throughout history, they serve not just as fashion statements but as practical tools for reminding you of important moments in your daily life.
Key Takeaways
- Unlike quartz watches, mechanical watches require no batteries, running purely on intricate mechanical processes.
- Mechanical alarm watches require regular service to ensure longevity and accurate timekeeping. It is a precision instrument that demands attention to perform its functions flawlessly.
- There’s a mechanical alarm piece for every budget, from the pocket-friendly ORIS Big Crown Propilot Alarm Limited Edition ref. 01 910 7745 4084-Set LS to the more expensive Patek Philippe Grand Complications Alarm Travel Time ref. 5520P-001.
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