Quartz or automatic? The pros and cons at a glance

Before the sixties, all watches had a mechanical movement. With the introduction of electronic quartz movements, a difficult time began for the traditional Swiss watch industry. Because, at that time, Japanese quartz watches were cheaper, more accurate and faster to produce than mechanical movements. Nevertheless, there are still many lovers of mechanical watches who consciously choose this beautiful piece of watch technology. But what are the advantages and disadvantages of an automatic movement compared to quartz?

Automatic and quartz: what’s the difference?

How does an automatic watch work?

There are two different types of mechanical movements: hand-wound and automatic. With hand-wound watches, a spring is tensioned by turning the crown, which when it unwinds sets the watch mechanism in motion. When the spring is completely ‘unwinded’, the watch will stop running and you will have to wind it again. Most mechanical watches produced today therefore have an automatic movement, so you don’t have to think about that.

In automatic watches, the movement contains a counterweight – the rotor – which rotates through the movements of the wearer and thus automatically winds the spring. Hence the name of this type of movement. When the spring is fully wound, the watch will run for about 24 – 72 hours (depending on the movement) without having to be wound again. As long as the watch is worn regularly, the watch will continue to work.

Many automatic watches have a power reserve indicator on the dial. Often a hand that indicates the number of hours the watch will continue to operate.

If you do not wear the watch for a long time, it is advisable to purchase a watch winder. This device moves the watch continuously so that the movement always runs smoothly and requires less maintenance.

How does a quartz watch work?

The movement of a quartz watch is powered by a battery, which sends an electrical signal through a small quartz crystal embedded in the circuitry. When electricity flows through a quartz crystal, it oscillates (vibrates) at an almost perfectly constant frequency of 32,768 times per second. The constancy of these vibrations is the basis for the clock mechanism, which therefore runs very accurately.

Because a quartz movement contains fewer mechanical parts, the watch also requires little maintenance. Once every 2-3 years (depending on use), the battery must be replaced and the watch must be checked for water resistance.

Quartz watches, reliable, low-maintenance and versatile

When Seiko introduced the first mass-produced electronic quartz watch – the Astron – in 1969, it was a true revolution. From that moment on, watches became more reliable, more accurate, and more versatile. Because a quartz movement contains fewer mechanical parts, it is a lot thinner and therefore lighter in weight.

The watch was no longer just an instrument to tell the time, it became a fashion item.

When chip technology was added to watches, the possibilities became limitless. Both analog and digital quartz watches can contain a multitude of functions that are not possible with a traditional mechanical movement. And that for a usually very affordable price.

Nevertheless, there are also very luxurious (solar) quartz watches on the market today that are distinguished by the quality of materials, superior workmanship and advanced technology.

Automatic watches: traditional craftsmanship and durability

With all the advantages of quartz, why would you still choose an automatic watch? That is partly a matter of taste, because automatic watches also have their own unique properties.

Automatic watches were made as early as the 18th century, but the modern automatic movement really took off with the introduction of the Rolex Oyster perpetual in 1930. Since then, automatic watches have been improved and refined and are available in all price ranges. From the excellent and affordable Seiko 5 watches to the complicated handmade Masterpiece watches by Maurice Lacroix.
What all these watches have in common is that seeing the movement in action is a feast for the eyes. It is not without reason that many automatic watches have a transparent back through which you can admire the movement.

The designs of automatic watches are generally more traditional than quartz watches. This makes these watches timeless and fashion-proof. They are sometimes a little less accurate than quartz watches, but then you are talking about a deviation of at most a few minutes per month. Something that is easy to correct manually. Especially with the more expensive (Swiss) movements, the deviation will be minimal and comparable to quartz.

Automatic watches also need maintenance from time to time (about once every five years) by the watchmaker. But if you make sure that the movement gets the love it deserves, an automatic watch can last your entire life. Because of this, and because no polluting disposable batteries are used, an automatic watch is also a sustainable choice. It is more than worth the investment!

In the meantime, there are also automatic watches that contain a rechargeable battery. These watches combine the properties of both quartz and automatic watches; Autoquartz and kinetic watches. But more about that later in another article.

Quartz or automatic? The pros and cons in a row

The choice between a quartz or automatic watch is very personal. Whether you prefer the convenience of a quartz or fall head over heels for the aesthetics of the ‘floating’ second hand of an automatic. Both types of watches have their own qualities.

At Techzle you will find a large selection of both quartz watches and automatic watches. Use our handy search filters to find your favorite watch. Can’t figure it out? Our customer service employees and those in the store are ready to help you make your choice.