Which feature characterizes traditional watches with a mechanical movement?

Traditional watches with a mechanical movement are characterized by their requirement for manual winding. Unlike battery-powered watches, mechanical watches operate through a complex system of gears and springs that convert energy into timekeeping. In a manual mechanical watch, the user must wind the crown periodically to tighten the mainspring, which stores energy and drives the watch's movement. This manual process is integral to their operation and distinguishes them from quartz and digital watches, which rely on batteries or electronic movements.

The other options refer to features commonly associated with other types of watches. For instance, battery-powered watches are typical of quartz movements, which do not require winding. Digital time display is characteristic of digital watches, while quartz movements specifically refer to a type of timekeeping that utilizes electronic oscillation, rather than the traditional mechanical system. Thus, the correct answer underscores the unique nature of mechanical watches and their operation.