In the late 50’s, the french company Lip and the US Elgin worked together to develope a new kind of watch movements. The concept was “simply” to replace the traditional mainspring by a new source of energy, a battery powered electromagnet which would make a magnetic balance oscillate. The mechanical part of the watch remained almost untouched, there still was a balance, an anchor and a wheel train, hence the name of “electromechanical”.
This technology was very popular in the 60’s and the 70’s, just before the quartz revolution. Lip developed its “Electric” range, the swiss ESA had their own calibre too that Tissot used quite a lot.
And of course, Citizen and Seiko developed their own projects, with the Cosmotron and Elnix ranges.
At a lower lovel, Timex used this technology too (Timex Electric).
If I wrote this introduction about electromechanical movements, it’s of course because there are at the moment models using this technology for sale on the shop.
Seiko Elnix 0703-6020 1973
Beautiful and unusual electromechanical Seiko Elnix from 1973, full original condition. Days in english and kanji.
3 months guaranteed.
Tissot T12 Electronic, 1974
Vintage electromechanical Tissot T12 Electronic from 1974. Gorgeous and big steel case, inner rotating bezel, original bracelet..
3 months guaranteed.