självladande

Självladande is a Swedish term that translates to "self-charging" or "self-winding" in English. It is most commonly used in the context of watches and other mechanical devices that generate their own power through movement.

In horology, a självladande watch is a type of automatic wristwatch. Instead of requiring manual winding by the wearer, it utilizes a rotor that spins with the natural motion of the wrist. This rotation powers a mechanism that winds the watch's mainspring, thus keeping it wound and operational. The wearer's daily activities provide sufficient movement to maintain the watch's power reserve. This contrasts with manual-wind watches, which need to be wound regularly by turning the crown, and quartz watches, which are powered by a battery.

The concept of self-winding mechanisms has been around for centuries, with early patents appearing in the 18th century. However, practical and widely adopted designs for wristwatches emerged in the early 20th century. Today, självladande watches are a popular choice for watch enthusiasts and everyday wearers alike, offering convenience and a connection to traditional watchmaking craftsmanship without the need for constant manual intervention. The term can occasionally be applied to other mechanical devices that incorporate a self-powering feature, though its primary association remains with automatic watches.